TheĀ Clarinet Ninja Blog
Education, Inspiration, Results
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Larry Guy, a clarinetist whose career spans Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the Joffrey Ballet. But what makes Larry ...
The Neuroscience of Smarter Clarinet Practice: My Conversation with Dr. Molly Gebrian
I've read a lot of books about music and practice over the years. Maybe three have genuinely blown me away. Dr. M...
Brad Behn vs Vandoren BD4: The Overtone Difference That Changed My Sound
After years of playing the Vandoren BD4, I made the switch to a Brad Behn handmade mouthpiece over a year ago. The difference?...
Smart Clarinet Shopping: Expert Gear Advice at Every Budget (feat. Josh Goo & Lynne Snyder)
What should you actually buy to improve your clarinet playing? Two professional clarinetists reveal their s...
The Ultimate Clarinet Upgrade Guide: What's Actually Worth Your Money?
Transform your playing without breaking the bankā€”proven accessories from pro clarinetists
The $500 Question Every Clarinetist A...
How to Build a Clarinet Practice Routine That Actually Works: Why Purposeless Repetition Sabotages Your Progress
Every clarinetist has experienced this: hours in the practice room, yet come performan...
Julian Bliss on Big-Orchestra Bravery, Aho & Lindberg, and Why Slow Practice Wins
What happens when a world-class clarinetist leans into the roar of a huge orchestra and a score that asks for tremolo...
James Danderferā€™s If Not Now: The Jazz Clarinet Album You Didnā€™t Know You Needed
What happens when one of todayā€™s leading clarinetists records at the most legendary studio in jazz history? You get Ja...
Todd Marcus: Bass Clarinet, Baltimore, and the Power of Being More Than One Thing
Jazz gives us permission to be many things at once. Todd Marcus lives that truth. He is a world-class bass clarinetis...
Mastering Clarinet Auditions with The Audition Method by Benjamin Baron
Preparing for a clarinet audition can be one of the most stressful parts of being a clarinetist. You may spend hours practicing...
A month ago, I broke my foot.
What followed was an exhausting mix of pain, limited mobility, endless logistics, insurance uncertainty, and the mental weight of wondering how long it would take to fee...
Trusting the Process and Checking the Results: A Balanced Approach to Clarinet Practice
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I wish you joy, success, and fulfillment in all areas of your life. One a...
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