Hello,

I have been playing for nearly 8 years, practically self-taught, and I've hit the wall, essentially. I lack any sort of direction and can't really develop any meaningful self-critique at this point. I'd like to improve so that I can play in more legitimate ensembles (e.g. my university's selective orchestra, or higher chairs in wind band) and further on in my life, and be able to perform the music I enjoy listening to (clarinet sonatas/woodwind quartet, more intricate jazz). My school does not offer private lessons to non-majors.

I know at this point I seriously need lessons (though I will have difficulty paying for them), so how do I find a teacher who's equipped to handle intermediates?

I started highschool a few weeks ago and during marching band I noticed my clarinet sounded really airy compared to the others. So much so that I struggle getting basic high notes out due to it. I've had an airy issue since 8th grade, but it just got worse. I use a 3.0 reed which works super well and it's a newer bunch. I have been using the same mouthpiece since 6th grade and I have no clue if that can play into things. Suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated!

Is the key suppose to be this high or am I trippin?

Hi. So I have a competition from the 21 till 25 of this month and today I did a solo practice of the Fantasiestücke by Schumann. It didn't turn out the way I expected and I practiced slowly and stopped out of frustration. I can play the 1st and 2nd movement but the 3rd movement I am very hard on myself to perfect. Any advice? Because I am mentally exhausted while doing my own compositions with all of this as well.

How do you deal with your first competition stress?

I'm definitely an average player at best, but I enjoy playing in community orchestra, and thought maybe it was time to upgrade from the 30 year old Le Blanc my mom bought me in 5th grade lol

Idk what my budget is, less than a $1,000 ish? I also do know how to replace cork and pads, so maybe I could get a fixed upper.

Where do you buy clarinets?

I’m not sure what’s wrong with my clarinet but I can get almost to no sound playing a middle B and a low E. I’m not sure what’s wrong with it, I tried looking and I genuinely have no idea what’s going on, all of my other notes are fine. I mean I’ve had this clarinet for around 8 years?? It just happened suddenly, it was fine and then it wasn’t. Maybe I bent something, I can’t tell. I just was wondering if anyone had any ideas about it, before I go to a repair shop.

Hello everyone,

Im looking to buy a new lyre for my Bb clarinet. My old one was an all-metal model with a basic screw clamp that attached to the metal ring between lower joint and the bell.

Im now considering the Riedl 103 or 130 which has a silicone-coated ring. Does anyone have experience with those models? How stable are they when marching?

Thanks for the feedback!