read.

Workbench with a bottle of oil, a swab, a small brush, a tiny screwdriver set, a polishing cloth, all arranged neatly

Breaking in your new (Bass/Bb/A/Eb/C/Basset) clarinet

So you have a new clarinet. Congratulations! It's a big investment, and something that most of us get to do only a few times in our lives. Let's make the most of it! (4-minute read)

Breaking in your new (Bass/Bb/A/Eb/C/Basset) clarinet

So you have a new clarinet. Congratulations! It's a big investment, and something that most of us get to do only a few times in our lives. Let's make the most of it! (4-minute read)

When is it time to throw in the towel?

When is it time to throw in the towel?

Yep, sometimes it’s hard to get past a playing issue on your own. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get help! (3 minute read)

When is it time to throw in the towel?

Yep, sometimes it’s hard to get past a playing issue on your own. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get help! (3 minute read)

Can you leave your instrument assembled for extended periods of time?

Can you leave your instrument assembled for extended periods of time?

Lauren asks whether it’s okay to leave an instrument assembled, in order to save time during a practice session. (1 minute read)

Can you leave your instrument assembled for extended periods of time?

Lauren asks whether it’s okay to leave an instrument assembled, in order to save time during a practice session. (1 minute read)

A letter from a composer; feedback from a performer

A letter from a composer; feedback from a performer

Composers and performers are two sides of the same coin. So it’s important that we (performers) provide input to them. No one can work in a vacuum, so read on as I respond to a composer’s request for feedback on their piece (4 minute read)

A letter from a composer; feedback from a performer

Composers and performers are two sides of the same coin. So it’s important that we (performers) provide input to them. No one can work in a vacuum, so read on as I respond to a composer’s request for feedback on their piece (4 minute read)

What is "resistance" in a mouthpiece? Or is it the reed?

What is "resistance" in a mouthpiece? Or is it the reed?

When you want a mouthpiece that’s more “free-blowing” or “pingy” or “dark,” what do you need to look for in the mouthpiece? Here’s a quick boot camp to get you started on your path to mouthpiece nirvana—or whatever the opposite of nirvana is (5 minute read)

What is "resistance" in a mouthpiece? Or is it the reed?

When you want a mouthpiece that’s more “free-blowing” or “pingy” or “dark,” what do you need to look for in the mouthpiece? Here’s a quick boot camp to get you started on your path to mouthpiece nirvana—or whatever the opposite of nirvana is (5 minute read)

Student bass clarinet mouthpieces: an update.

Student bass clarinet mouthpieces: an update.

A quick update to the “Student Mouthpieces” YouTube video with a little more detail/nuance. This one’s for you, band directors and music educators! (2-minute read)

Student bass clarinet mouthpieces: an update.

A quick update to the “Student Mouthpieces” YouTube video with a little more detail/nuance. This one’s for you, band directors and music educators! (2-minute read)

Non-traditional concert spaces

Non-traditional concert spaces

When your normal performance space is unavailable, or there simply isn’t anything like that available where you are, thinking outside the box—literally—can create a memorable space for you and your audience (3 minute read)

Non-traditional concert spaces

When your normal performance space is unavailable, or there simply isn’t anything like that available where you are, thinking outside the box—literally—can create a memorable space for you and your audience (3 minute read)

Where to go to school (in the US) for Bass Clarinet

Where to go to school (in the US) for Bass Clarinet

When choosing a college, if you want to play bass clarinet A LOT it’s getting easier to do so. But, the answer here isn’t as straightforward as you may think! (3 minute read)

Where to go to school (in the US) for Bass Clarinet

When choosing a college, if you want to play bass clarinet A LOT it’s getting easier to do so. But, the answer here isn’t as straightforward as you may think! (3 minute read)

Is there "space" for you in the world of music?

Is there "space" for you in the world of music?

Sometimes it might seem that no one is listening—not many video views, no streams, 8 people at a recital—and you may think that’s because there’s no “space” for you. You may think that people aren’t interested. Here’s my TL;DR: Sometimes there isn’t “space” until “space” is made. (2 minute read)

Is there "space" for you in the world of music?

Sometimes it might seem that no one is listening—not many video views, no streams, 8 people at a recital—and you may think that’s because there’s no “space” for you. You may think that people aren’t interested. Here’s my TL;DR: Sometimes there isn’t “space” until “space” is made. (2 minute read)

Selmer's secret bass clarinet neck experiment in the early-2000s, revealed.

Selmer's secret bass clarinet neck experiment in the early-2000s, revealed.

Selmer has SECRETS they’re not telling anyone. (Well, that’s click-bait if there ever was…) But there are interesting things about your instrument you may not know about. Norbert, who wrote me, has discovered one by accident… (4 minute read)

Selmer's secret bass clarinet neck experiment in the early-2000s, revealed.

Selmer has SECRETS they’re not telling anyone. (Well, that’s click-bait if there ever was…) But there are interesting things about your instrument you may not know about. Norbert, who wrote me, has discovered one by accident… (4 minute read)

How much mouthpiece is enough mouthpiece?

How much mouthpiece is enough mouthpiece?

Good question from a reader today regarding mouthpieces, but with a slight twist…

How much mouthpiece is enough mouthpiece?

Good question from a reader today regarding mouthpieces, but with a slight twist…

Books Everyone Should Have?

Books Everyone Should Have?

For those looking for some of my favorite clarinet etudes, warm-ups, and technical studies, here’s my Top-Ten list (well, top 15) you should check out. (15 minute read)

Books Everyone Should Have?

For those looking for some of my favorite clarinet etudes, warm-ups, and technical studies, here’s my Top-Ten list (well, top 15) you should check out. (15 minute read)