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Re: Tonguing advice and clarinet setup

Author: Ron
Date: 2010-08-19 20:45

I agree with all of the above. I suggest that you get a copy of the "Clarinetist's Compendium" by Daniel Bonade. You can download and copy it for free at this website:

http://education.conn-selmer.com/pdf/AVP74_Leblanc_Clarinetists_Compendium.pdf

I also suggest that you get a teacher who can work with you on the fundamentals which includes starting and stopping the tone as described above. Although you have a fast tongue, this is not enough. You must understand and be able to start and stop a tone correctly for a note of any length. The correct technique for starting and stopping a half note or a staccato note is the same. As described above, the air column is already there before the note starts and then you take your tongue off the reed for the sound to begin. It is the release of the tongue from the reed that give you the "attack" of the note. Then you put your tongue back on the reed to stop the sound but continue with the air column. Slow practice is essential to learn this tonguing technique which is one of the most fundamental concepts that you must learn. Eventually, the correct way to start and stop the tone will become second nature. But you must learn to crawl and walk before you run with this. This is the key to having good articulation at any speed.

I also suggest getting Book I of the James Collis' Modern Method for the Clarinet. James Collis was my first teacher and a student of Daniel Bonade. In this book which may seem elementary to you, Mr. Collis explains very clearly how to start and stop the tone correctly. Many teachers today still use the James Collis Modern Method for the Clarinet for their students.

Once you get this fundamental technique down, you will be amazed at how your articulation will improve.

Good luck.

Ron

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