Resonance fingerings are alternate note fingerings and venting combinations used to adjust the clarinet's acoustic resonance, improving tone, intonation and ease in the altissimo register by changing impedance and standing wave behavior inside the bore. Players use small changes in key combinations to fine tune how each note responds. ...  read more

Clarinet microtonal techniques are methods for producing intervals smaller than semitones on the clarinet – commonly achieved with partial hole coverage, alternative fingerings, key sliding, embouchure and breath control, and multiphonics. Start by practicing quarter-tone steps with partial-hole exercises, then combine embouchure adjustments and alternate fingerings to refine pitch and timbre. ...  read more

The clarinet ligature, often overlooked but utterly indispensable, is a small piece of the musical puzzle that holds the reed in place on the mouthpiece. As simple as this may sound, the impact of a ligature on your sound can't be underestimated! Let's explore some lesser-known trivia about clarinet ligatures, uncovering their peculiarities and surprising tales. ...  read more

A clarinet quarter-tone is a pitch 50 cents between semitones; on clarinet it can be produced using alternate fingerings, small embouchure/air adjustments, or special keywork. Quick practice: 1) train your ear with 50-cent drones, 2) learn 2-3 reliable fingerings per pitch, 3) stabilize with focused air and embouchure micro-adjustments. ...  read more

Clarinet subtone is a very soft, breath-dominated tone produced by controlled, reduced air speed, a relaxed but supported embouchure, and a slightly open oral cavity. To create it, reduce air pressure and slow the airstream, relax and slightly lower the jaw and embouchure while keeping reed contact steady, and practice long, pianissimo tones and reed-only buzzing to build control. ...  read more

Unusual clarinet trivia are little-known, surprising facts about the instrument: its unusual history (often traced to Johann Christoph Denner in the early 18th century), surprising playing techniques like slap-tonguing, key clicks, and circular breathing, uncommon materials such as grenadilla (African blackwood), and quirky roles in film, jazz, and orchestral lore that most players never hear about in lessons. ...  read more

Clarinet tongue arch is raising or lowering the tongue to change the oral cavity shape and focus airflow. Raise the tongue (think “ee”) for brighter, focused high-register sound; lower the tongue (think “oo”) for darker, full low-register tone. Practice “EEE to AHH” and long tones every day to build reliable tongue arch control. ...  read more

Boehm vs Oehler clarinet systems: The Boehm system, adapted by Hyacinthe Klosé in the mid-19th century from Theobald Boehm's flute design, uses fewer keys in a simpler layout and offers a bright, flexible tone. The Oehler (German) system adds more keys and rods for alternate fingerings, creating a darker, more focused sound. A useful practice tip is to play a C major scale on both systems, slowly alternating, to feel how key action and resistance differ under your fingers. ...  read more

How do you build clarinet finger strength? Build clarinet finger strength with a daily 10-25 minute routine: finger lifts (hold each finger 5-10 seconds, 10 reps), finger taps (speed drills), scales and arpeggios (10-15 minutes), long tones for control, rubber-band resistance (3 sets of 10-15 opens), and stretching (hold each finger 15-20 seconds). ...  read more

How to improve clarinet finger speed in 6 steps: 1) Establish relaxed hand position, 2) warm up with scales, 3) practice basic finger lifts without blowing, 4) use a metronome and increase tempo gradually, 5) add finger-independence drills and alternate fingerings, 6) apply anchor fingering and troubleshoot tension. ...  read more