 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Halo1115
Date: 2014-09-26 08:30
So, after having a long talk with my director, he told me I should listen to some professional clarinetists and hear their tone..
The three questions I had he couldn't answer were: 1. Who are some good clarinetists,
2. How do I change my tone to theirs.
And 3. SHOULD I change my tone to theirs.
Quite honestly, I'm not too sure how my tone stacks up to others and if it needs to be changed at all.
The second question I had is how do I increase my tongue speed, but keep the harshness low and not feel like I'm about to squeak on some of the higher notes?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-09-26 15:08
Listening is great advice. You DO need to hear them live as well because recordings will NOT give you the true idea of depth and resonance of a really good sound. Go hear your nearest and best orchestra. Try to sit as close as possible to them and really listen to the clarinetists. The best scenario to get a real good idea though is to either take lessons from a fine player and have her/him play a little next to you. It is an hear opener to have that sound right there and hear what that's like. Or sit in on a master class at a nearby university and listen not only to the students but the examples as played by the instructor.
NOW........
Listening only gets you to - wow that sounds great, now how do I do that? This is where the lessons with the fine player come in. Of course my thought on the matter is that AIR is the single most important factor in producing a good sound. To my mind you must achieve a minimum threshold of air pressure in the oral cavity to achieve good resonance (even at the lowest pianissimo). It's kinda like a bicycle inner tube. Releasing the tongue off the reed is much like pressing the valve on the inner tube. The air is already there, and ready to go.
You produce this air by pushing from your core (engaging the abdominal muscles), it flows freely passed the voice box (no stopping of air here please - only from core for the long notes), ideally leave the tongue relaxed or in the shape as if you are saying the sound "EEEE," and finally you tongue (speaking of tonguing) with the tip of your tongue to the tip of the reed (which focuses the air right to the very tip of the reed/mouthpiece).
As for tonguing it is helpful to remember (and practice) the basics. You are ONLY damping the sound with your tongue. An attack is actually the RELEASE of the tongue from the reed. The 'hammer' (if you will) of the 'attack' is done with the AIR.
..............Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2014-09-27 04:31)
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2014-09-26 17:12
I think that taking private lessons would be a great way to get into figuring out how to change your sound and tonguing. A teacher with a strong background in fundamentals would be best, as tonguing and sound are more based on the fundamentals of forming a correct embouchure. I know a few good people in the RTP area that could help you. email me if you would like their information.
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-09-26 18:48
Get lessons either locally, or by someone really good on skype. Don't just go to a music store and hope for the best.
Take Ron's advice for RTP area players. Another very good RTP area Clarinet teacher I know is Elizabeth Flemming.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-09-26 19:02
You can't sound like someone else. You need to sound like you. The way to help do that is of course to listen to several other players, records are fine because when you find some tones you really like you can get the sound in your ear by repeated listenings. Once you get the sound you like in your "inner" ear, you start working toward finding your tone using the sounds you heard as goals but always keeping in mind you won't ever sound excactly like what you like on a recording or live performance. It's the map not the destination.
Yes of course, take lessons to make sure you get guidance. Although different teachers have as many different concepts and methods you have to start someplace. You need a decent embouchure, breathing technique, good tongue position, etc. seeing if you're doing something wrong.
Check my website for some good hints but take lessons in person if possible. There's nothing like being in the same room as your teacher, especially if you're not an advanced player. That's the best way to learn how to play better.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: maxopf
Date: 2014-09-27 03:40
Definitely get a private teacher if you can. I've been studying with a member of the local symphony for a little over a year, and the level of my playing has risen dramatically. Like others have said, listening to a professional in the same room as you and learning from them is probably the best thing you can do for your playing.
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Author: nbclarinet
Date: 2014-09-27 23:09
I tend to agree with Mr. Palanker. Chasing after someone else's sound is something thats nearly impossible to achieve. You will inherently sound a certain way based on the geometry of your face, overbite, underbite, etc. With that said, I think you can work on finding the best version of your sound and there are multiple ways to do this. Listening to recordings are one way, but studying with a good teacher can be even more beneficial.
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