[Noj the Terrible]

I am starting to learn to play clarinet and was wondering if there is a method book or certain exercises that have given the best results. I just bought a Selmer Special 100 Signet clarinet with a Selmer HS* mouthpiece.

 

[daigle65]

"The Art of Clarinet Playing" by Keith Stein (Summy-Birchard Inc.) is very good in explaning embouchure.

One word of advice, DO NOT try to play the clarinet like a sax.

 

[Subbie]

If you're coming from tenor or alto, you should possibly think about starting off with a more open mouthpiece. the HS* is very small. I also learned clarinet on it, and I think it helped with me separating my saxophone playing from my clarinet playing, but it certainly isn't the easiest and most rewarding mouthpiece to learn on.
I just took some old method books from my schools music department and shed through them, with a few private lessons, just to get me on the right track. Learning only from a book without supervision can lead to big problems later on concerning technique.
Having said that, I wish you the best of luck. And most importantly: have fun. If it's frustrating, just let it rest for a few days.
-Sub

 

[Noj the Terrible]

Thanks for the reply. Would you recommend a few lessons to get started? I don't want to have to relearn things to get rid of potential bad habbits.

 

[Noj the Terrible]

What mouth piece would you recommend?

 

[daigle65]

What mouth piece would you recommend?

A Vandoren B45 is about the most standard mpc there is.

 

[stevesklar]

it's like your VII tenor except completely different.

I agree with the above, the embouchure is the most important first step. I recommend getting a teacher to help you with that - and read. A teacher will get you there faster.

assuming your clarinet is setup and functioning well then you will be off and running.

a mpc is a personal thing. Personally, I love my Selmer HS* mpc dependent upon what type of genre i'm playing.

 

[Noj the Terrible]

Thanks everyone. I will let you know how it goes. I will start looking for a teacher today.

 

[BobbyC]

I started in February (2007) and the few lesson I took were invaluable.
Some things just don't translate from sax to clarinet (as far as technique is concerned).

I also play clarinet in a community band next to an excellent player who gives me great pointers almost every week.

I've been using the "Rubank Intermediate Method" book for Clarinet to practice as this is what the local clarinet teacher recommends to his students.

It's published by Hal Leonard.

I'm liking the clarinet so much I actually find myself spending more time with it than sax.
I love it's deep resonant sound on those low notes.

Good Luck and enjoy.

 

[tictactux]

I love it's deep resonant sound on those low notes.

Then get yourself an Alto, they're cheap today. And they look a bit like a slim black sax.

(I can recommend the Rubank books, and if you don't care about absolute pitch you can use your old sax books as well. And yes, do see a teacher)

 

[stevesklar]

but who uses an alto clarinet

if anything, get a bass clarinet (those seem to be in high demand )

 

[daigle65]

but who uses an alto clarinet

I do I do !!!

 

[tictactux]

but who uses an alto clarinet

Hey! With a good mouthpiece an Alto is a fine honker. But you're right, it ain't for everyone. But who wants something everyone's playin'?

if anything, get a bass clarinet (those seem to be in high demand )

That's the problem with basses. Much money involved.

 

[RootyTootoot]

Thanks for the reply. Would you recommend a few lessons to get started? I don't want to have to relearn things to get rid of potential bad hobbits.

DEFINITELY!! Bad hobbits are nasty. Think Bilbo when he got a taste for the great ring of power. Seriously: yes to lessons and (if you like reading and thinking) a very strong yes to the Stein book which was recommended earlier.

 

[tictactux]

I do I do !!!

Okay, so we're already two. Clarinerds, unite!

 

[tictactux]

Think Bilbo

 

[littlemanbighorn]

I would strongly recommend the Galper Clarinet method. I would also suggest that if you're going to go with Rubank, then start with the Elementary Book.
If you're patient and go slowly you'll likely progress faster than trying to blast through a more advanced book. There's plenty to be learned from beginner method books.
I would also highly recommend a good teacher.

 

[Carl H.]

Okay, so we're already two. Clarinerds, unite!

Yup, definition of a nerd - anyone who owns and plays an alto clarinet.

 

[daigle65]

Yup, definition of a nerd - anyone who owns and plays an alto clarinet.

We're in the same club with Joe Lovano

 

[Noj the Terrible]

Thank you to everyone for your help and advice. I called my local music store and they gave me the name of a clarient teacher that they recommend. I will take my clarinet in for a check up with the repair tech before starting. I will let you know how things go.