 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: shgh26
Date: 2026-08-10 06:31
Good evening to my fellow Americans, good morning to those abroad. My first post here after many years of perusing.
I was recently asked by a high school I was working with if I wanted to take some of their students for private lessons. With the nature of their particular reputation and history in my area, this is a huge opportunity for me. Being so, I want to do myself well here and really get these kids killing on the horn.
I am in college for music education (USA) and have not yet taken many woodwind pedagogy courses. I am quite attained with my instrument and feel great about the musical interpretation; where I struggle typically is verbalizing the small physical things I naturally do as a developed player.
The middle school education is quite excellent, these players have very solid instruction on embochure before they've arrived where they are now. However, I still want a solid understanding in a way where I can identify problems and articulate fixes, especially for the more minute issues.
Books and articles would be great. Or just general advice on teaching private lessons if you want to donate your two cents!
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Author: shgh26
Date: 2026-08-10 06:50
I will add, I would appreciate any reccomendations for beginner etudes. By the time I started taking private lessons my first book was rose (I started later than most as a 9th grader)
Post Edited (2026-08-10 06:50)
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-08-10 09:51
The Educator's Guide to the Clarinet by Thomas Ridenour
https://www.rclarinetproducts.com/ed-guide-to-the-clarinet
You may find Tom's video on "A tale of two bands" interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcbjqfQNQ9s
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Artist MT36 mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #3.5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
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Author: ruben
Date: 2026-08-10 12:18
I wrote a book with exercises and short notes on technique. It is for VERY advanced players, but some of the notes on technique could be useful for players of any level. I would be glad to email it to you. Otherwise, it can be bought, but I would be glad to save you the cost. good luck for your new job and bravo for getting it! Melodic Finger Twisters for Clarinet by Ruben Greenberg Clifton Editions, England
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
Post Edited (2026-08-10 12:20)
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2026-08-10 18:58
Just some short basics about teaching, that you may already be aware of:
- Even without woodwind pedagogy courses you probably can go a long way by simply imitating how you yourself were taught. At the same time, avoid possible teaching techniques/approaches you yourself as a student didn't found effective.
- Always pay careful attention to the "output" of your pupils, and suggestions for improvements will probably come naturally.
- Remember to point out everything that is well done by your pupils.
- About how to formulate corrections, try to place yourself on your pupils seat and think about how you would receive them yourself. Does it sound positive, respectful and encouraging?
As said, just some basics - or my two cents, if you like. 
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2026-08-10 20:48
One more thing: Someone has said that successful teachers have two things in common, 1) love for their subject and 2) love for their students. If you have this, you too will go far - regardless of the lack of pedagogical courses.
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Author: David Eichler
Date: 2026-08-10 21:18
Having gone through the process of learning clarinet as an adult, I am pretty aware of the whole process of learning the basics of the clarinet, and I think I can say with confidence that the only proper way to learn clarinet is from teachers who themselves have had expert training. Much of what I got from my teachers I could not have gotten from books or videos. Plus, every student is different and will encounter different problems.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2026-08-11 00:40
Micke Isotalo wrote:
> - Even without woodwind pedagogy courses you probably can go a
> long way by simply imitating how you yourself were taught. At
> the same time, avoid possible teaching techniques/approaches
> you yourself as a student didn't found effective.
>
This is important. Pick up on things your teachers did that were really helpful and in particular avoid anything your teachers did that was destructive.
> - Always pay careful attention to the "output" of your pupils,
> and suggestions for improvements will probably come naturally.
>
IMO, this is the crux of good teaching. Don't waste time applying a strict curriculum that tries to correct everything a student could possibly do wrong. Often, you're solving problems that, for that student, don't exist. Teach clinically - listen, diagnose any problems you hear, and prescribe solutions to those problems.
> - Remember to point out everything that is well done by
> your pupils.
>
> - About how to formulate corrections, try to place yourself on
> your pupils seat and think about how you would receive them
> yourself. Does it sound positive, respectful and encouraging?
>
Yes! These last two are part of retaining your humanity as you teach.
Karl
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