When it comes time to purchase a clarinet, everyone wants to find the best instrument within their budget. So it’s important to look at how much the different clarinet models cost. The biggest consideration in the cost of a clarinet is the instrument grade – student, intermediate, or professional. The grade is related to important … Read more
Saxophone generally produce a loud sound compared to other instruments in a band or orchestra. But can a saxophone play quietly as well? Saxophone can be played quietly by using the right embouchure and breadth support. The ability to play notes at different levels of quietness such as pianissimo, piano, and mezzo piano can be … Read more
Clarinetists want to produce a clear tone that has a bell-like quality to the sound. While clarinet players may aim for slightly different sounds from one another, most want to avoid sounding fuzzy or airy. That extra sound of air moving disrupts the beautiful tone quality of the clarinet. There are many reasons for having … Read more
If you play the saxophone or the clarinet, you know oftentime players double on the other. With the cost of good reeds and how frequently they need replaced, you may wonder if reeds are interchangeable between the two instruments. Reeds are specifically designed for the instrument they are intended for, and using them on alternate … Read more
Clarinets are used in a wide variety of settings, from solo music to orchestra ensembles, from chamber groups to Dixieland bands, to marching band. When it comes to playing clarinet in high school or college marching band, the instrument you choose is vital. A marching clarinet needs to go from band room to bus to football … Read more
The clarinet and the saxophone are both part of the woodwind family of instruments, and they have many things in common. A commonly asked question is, which one is easier to play? The clarinet is generally considered harder to learn than the saxophone due to trickier fingerings, more sensitive embouchure, and the need to cover … Read more
Skilled amateurs and advanced learners of woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments who are considering careers as professional musicians often wonder which of band or orchestra is more challenging. Playing in an orchestra is typically harder than a band. Orchestral music is more complex and the fewer wind and percussion players are more exposed than in … Read more
Learning to play a woodwind instrument is exciting, but it can be hard to decide which one to choose. Many students question whether they should learn the oboe or the clarinet While the oboe and the clarinet both sound beautiful, the oboe has a steeper initial learning curve due to a tricky embouchure and using … Read more
Invented around 1700, the clarinet has been a popular instrument from the very start. From beginners to advanced musicians, you can find people playing clarinet as a solo instrument, in small chamber groups and large ensembles. Why is it so popular? The clarinet has a beautiful sound, is relatively easy to learn and is affordable. … Read more
Most of the woodwind instruments are played vertically. The player blows a stream of air down toward the floor. But the modern flute is played horizontally. Why is it played sideways? Playing the transverse flute (sideways) allows the player to blow air across a hole in the lip plate, rather than into a mouthpiece or … Read more