adminAssembly
Clarinet assembly should be done with care to prevent damage to keywork and cork. Assembly order is bell, lower joint, upper joint, barrel, mouthpiece, ligature, and reed. Cork grease should be applied lightly when needed. Students should align bridge keys properly and avoid squeezing the instrument during assembly. The reed should be placed flat against the mouthpiece table and secured evenly with the ligature.
Maintenance and Care
Students should swab the clarinet after each playing session to remove moisture and reduce pad damage. The mouthpiece should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water, and reeds should be stored in a reed case to prevent warping. Wooden clarinets require careful protection from sudden temperature changes. Routine inspection and annual servicing are recommended for long-term reliability.
Reed Considerations
Clarinet reeds greatly affect tone and response. Beginners typically succeed with softer reeds (strength 2–2.5) while developing embouchure and air support. Students should rotate reeds regularly and discard reeds that are chipped, warped, or unresponsive. Reeds should be moistened briefly before playing to allow proper vibration.
Fingering Chart
Clarinet fingering requires careful instruction due to the instrument’s complex key system and alternate fingerings. Instruction should begin in the chalumeau register and expand to the throat tones and clarion register. Students should learn the register key early and practice smooth transitions. Alternate fingerings should be introduced for intonation and tone control, especially in the throat tone range.
Relevant Transpositions
The Bb clarinet is a transposing instrument. It sounds a major second lower than written. Students should understand written pitch versus concert pitch, particularly in ensemble settings.
Auxiliary Instruments
Auxiliary clarinets include bass clarinet, Eb clarinet, and contrabass clarinet. Bass clarinet requires increased air support and slightly adjusted embouchure due to its larger mouthpiece and reed. Eb clarinet requires tighter control and careful intonation awareness.
Instrument Recommendations
Student clarinets are commonly made of ABS resin for durability and stability. Reputable brands such as Jupiter, Yamaha, and Pearl are recommended, as poorly manufactured instruments often have pad leaks and inconsistent tuning. Mouthpiece upgrades are one of the most effective ways to improve tone quality and response for developing players.
Embouchure and Tone Production
Clarinet embouchure is formed with the top teeth resting on the mouthpiece and the bottom lip cushioning the reed. Corners should be firm inward, and the chin should remain flat. Students should avoid biting, as it causes sharp pitch and restricted tone. Consistent airflow is essential for tone development, and long tones are an effective daily practice tool.
The Break and Upper Octaves
The clarinet break occurs between Bb and B. Students often struggle with this transition due to coordination of the register key and finger changes. Break-crossing exercises should be practiced slowly with steady air support. Upper register playing requires increased air speed and proper voicing, typically achieved by raising the tongue position.
Intonation Adjustment
Clarinet intonation is influenced by embouchure pressure, air support, and instrument temperature. Throat tones often tend sharp, while lower notes may sag flat without sufficient support. Students should learn to adjust pitch through subtle embouchure flexibility and alternate fingerings. Barrel position adjustments can also help overall tuning.
Vibrato
In classical clarinet performance, vibrato is generally subtle or limited. In jazz and commercial styles, vibrato is used more freely. Vibrato is typically produced through controlled jaw motion and should not cause excessive pitch instability.
Recruitment
Recruit students who enjoy flexible musical roles and warm tone quality. Clarinet’s use in concert band, jazz, and marching band can appeal to many students.
Student Instrument Selection
Students should have good hand position flexibility and the ability to form a firm but relaxed embouchure. Evenly aligned teeth can help with mouthpiece placement.
Retention
Students stay motivated when they can quickly produce a characteristic tone and progress through the break successfully. Consistent reed quality is also important.
Systemic Biases to Consider
Teachers may unintentionally place students into clarinet because it is seen as a “default” instrument. Selection should still match student interest and physical compatibility.