read.

Why does a note only squeak with some reeds?

Why does a note only squeak with some reeds?

It’s a mystery, but it may actually have less to do with your reed, and more to do with something else…(3 minute read)

Why does a note only squeak with some reeds?

It’s a mystery, but it may actually have less to do with your reed, and more to do with something else…(3 minute read)

Why I can't I play loud?

Why I can't I play loud?

Can your mouthpiece be holding you back? If so, how do you choose one that won’t? (4 min read)

Why I can't I play loud?

Can your mouthpiece be holding you back? If so, how do you choose one that won’t? (4 min read)

The hidden costs of used/vintage "estate sale" bass clarinets

The hidden costs of used/vintage "estate sale" bass clarinets

I get emails from folks all the time sharing they’ve found a hidden needle/gem in the haystack of bass clarinets on eBay (or in an attic, or in a rummage sale) and asking for my opinion on it. But they have hidden costs… (3 min read)

The hidden costs of used/vintage "estate sale" bass clarinets

I get emails from folks all the time sharing they’ve found a hidden needle/gem in the haystack of bass clarinets on eBay (or in an attic, or in a rummage sale) and asking for my opinion on it. But they have hidden costs… (3 min read)

Are Blashaus bass clarinet necks for everyone?

Are Blashaus bass clarinet necks for everyone?

Blashaus makes the best bass clarinet necks in the world. But are they right for every bass clarinet?

Are Blashaus bass clarinet necks for everyone?

Blashaus makes the best bass clarinet necks in the world. But are they right for every bass clarinet?

What to do when you don't have a private teacher

What to do when you don't have a private teacher

Many, if not most, students of clarinet do not have a private clarinet teacher. The internet is great, but some content isn’t all that helpful. How do you know if the advice you’re getting is right for you?

What to do when you don't have a private teacher

Many, if not most, students of clarinet do not have a private clarinet teacher. The internet is great, but some content isn’t all that helpful. How do you know if the advice you’re getting is right for you?

Open Mouthpieces vs. Closed Mouthpieces?

Open Mouthpieces vs. Closed Mouthpieces?

What’s better? (Spoiler alert: there is no “better” — just “different”)

Open Mouthpieces vs. Closed Mouthpieces?

What’s better? (Spoiler alert: there is no “better” — just “different”)

The 5 "don'ts" of clarinet/sax shipping.

The 5 "don'ts" of clarinet/sax shipping.

Shipping an instrument? Make sure it arrives the same way it left.

The 5 "don'ts" of clarinet/sax shipping.

Shipping an instrument? Make sure it arrives the same way it left.

How to strengthen a "weak" embouchure

How to strengthen a "weak" embouchure

Face feel tired after just a short while playing? You gotta work those facial muscles, and here’s the way to do it.

How to strengthen a "weak" embouchure

Face feel tired after just a short while playing? You gotta work those facial muscles, and here’s the way to do it.

How to pay for a bass clarinet

How to pay for a bass clarinet

Ways to finance a new bass clarinet purchase. There are options!

How to pay for a bass clarinet

Ways to finance a new bass clarinet purchase. There are options!

How to deal with not doing music full time?

How to deal with not doing music full time?

Music and money: one supports the other, but they don’t need to come from the same source. Many of us "Double-Major in Life" as musicians and corporate/business people. How do you find fulfillment and split your time?

How to deal with not doing music full time?

Music and money: one supports the other, but they don’t need to come from the same source. Many of us "Double-Major in Life" as musicians and corporate/business people. How do you find fulfillment and split your time?

When you feel a bit isolated as a bass clarinet player...

When you feel a bit isolated as a bass clarinet player...

Sometimes it feels like you’re the only one who plays an instrument—this is especially true for so-called “harmony instruments” like english horn, contra bassoon … or bass clarinet. Today I take a letter from someone who’s feeling, perhaps, a bit isolated in their pursuit.

When you feel a bit isolated as a bass clarinet player...

Sometimes it feels like you’re the only one who plays an instrument—this is especially true for so-called “harmony instruments” like english horn, contra bassoon … or bass clarinet. Today I take a letter from someone who’s feeling, perhaps, a bit isolated in their pursuit.

Why is Band (or Orchestra) so important for students?

Why is Band (or Orchestra) so important for students?

Here’s an interesting question, which on first blush seemed to be along the lines of a “what inspired you” type of email I sometimes get. But when I answered the email, I realized there was more I wanted to say. First off, the email: Subject: How has playing the bass clarinet benefitted your lifeMessage: I am currently writing a paper on passions, and how I think they may benefit me and others throughout our lives,. And though I am a bass clarinetist...

Why is Band (or Orchestra) so important for students?

Here’s an interesting question, which on first blush seemed to be along the lines of a “what inspired you” type of email I sometimes get. But when I answered the email, I realized there was more I wanted to say. First off, the email: Subject: How has playing the bass clarinet benefitted your lifeMessage: I am currently writing a paper on passions, and how I think they may benefit me and others throughout our lives,. And though I am a bass clarinetist...