 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rockymountainbo
Date: 2005-07-11 19:37
I have no teacher. I can play in the lower register and not squeak. I had been struggling to make a proper sound in the upper register for a long time. Last week I had a small breakthrough. I figured it out. Well, at least I think I did. I can make it squeak only sometimes. Tell me if I am wrong. To make a decent sound in the upper register, you actually lighten the pressure of your lips on the reed. To make a deeper sound, you must push harder. That's what works for me. With no teacher, I have had no guidance. So, now I can play When the Saints in both the upper and lower register. Figuring out how to swap back in forth is another ballgame altogether.
Here's my approach to teaching myself. Rather than reading a book right now and learning from sheet music...I am getting used to making sounds with my instrument...making it sound right...proper...so people won't wince when I blow. Once I get a good feel for both registers and switching back and forth (and playing things by ear....i have a good ear) then I will move to sheet music.
Y'all probably think I'm nuts.
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Author: archer1960
Date: 2005-07-11 19:40
rockymountainbo wrote:
> Y'all probably think I'm nuts.
Yes, but that's ok. As long as you're improving and enjoying it, not much else matters <Grin>.
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2005-07-11 21:20
I expect that, once it becomes second nature (i.e., you don't have to think about it) as to how to play in both registers, being able to switch between the two will become much easier.
And yes, I too think you're nuts. But I think everyone here is nuts.
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Author: Tony Pay ★2017
Date: 2005-07-11 21:31
Keep listening to the players you want to play *like*, though.
And listen to your first impersonations of the simplest bits of them seriously. That way, they --and you -- will get better, and you'll enjoy yourself even more.
Tony
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-07-11 21:48
So? who's sane???
Looks to me like you're doing okay so far, Rockymo. Is there any way you can get together with some other players? I think it would go a long way in helping you "get it together". Just hang out and play music. I believe the primary motivators to making music are: Enjoy yourself(ves) and Have Fun.
Keep on tootin' 
- ron b -
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Author: rockymountainbo
Date: 2005-07-12 18:43
Thanks all.
I keep my horn next to my desk and pick it up when I can while I work. Since I am in a remote office I have that luxury.
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Author: D
Date: 2005-07-12 19:19
Oh I wish I could come and work for you! I don't think I could ever get away with that at either of the places I work, even if I was promoted to Director!
I get together with a few guys I met at a community orchestra every few months to play as a quartet. We learn a lot that way, its worth doing if you possibly can just to learn about holding your own line on your own in a duet or a group. Stick a notice in a local shop asking for adult beginners of any instrument just to get together and jam occasionally - even if all you do is all try and play 'oh when the saints' by ear at the same pitch. You might get lucky and make some great friends too.
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Author: Alexis
Date: 2005-07-13 00:50
I have an idea.
When you practice get a friend to come with you. They don't need to know anything about clarinet. Tell that friend to open the register key of your clarinet while you play a low note, perhaps a G or F. Maybe close your eyes so you don't know they are doing it.
Providing you are producing a note in the low register it should create a similar quality of note in the upper register. I don't think I change my embouchure much when I go from register to register. If you can experience this it may be easier to replicate the change consistently, without squeaks.
Just an idea.
Alex
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Author: davedmg
Date: 2005-07-13 02:19
I have also had a small breakthrough on the clarinet: I bought Tom Ridenour's ATG Reed Finishing System. This system worked like magic to allow me to play in the upper register with no extra embouchure or air pressure.
I have honked and squeeked on the clarinet since Middle School. I took a few lessons from a Detroit Symphony clarinetist when I was in my forties, but gave up the instrument when I discovered that that I could not maintain enough air pressure. My uvula had been nearly completely removed my a bungling surgeon who took my tonsils out when I was a child. This made air leak out of my nose, and made even clarion register playing difficult.
Ridenour's ATG system produces reeds which blow easily in all registers with no embouchure changes. I am now practicing the clarinet again and I am amazed at how easy it is to blow.
As a matter of fact, I was so delighted with the system that I bought one of Ridenour's Arioso clarinets to replace my ancient Evette. That was also a good move!
I'm 68 years old now; an old dog who has been able to learn some new tricks.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2005-07-14 12:35
Keep in mind that it is a WIND instrument - controlling the flow of your breath through the instrument is the key to an overall solid presentation of sound.
I find that my clarinet has some notes that "speak" more readily and loudly than their nearest neighbors. These require restraint while I play.
There are others that are "shy" and need more forceful coaxing to play well with others. (Particularly from B-flat down to E in the lowest register.)
If you can't get a regular teacher, try any of the CDs that are designed for play along studies. I like "Jazz conceptions", a series from Jim Snidero.
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