The Classy Clarinet!
Imagine the clear, crisp, calm, cool, classic sounds of the clarinet! Such a beautiful instrument to hear, and fun woodwind to play! Visit here to find a constantly growing collection of clarinet resources for researching, learning, listening, playing, performing, and purchasing. Scroll down to find videos, online lessons, sheet music, playing tips, history and family research, reeds, and websites about everything clarinet. Happy clarineting!
Contents at a Glance
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced Players
Please let me know your level so I may choose information to fit the majority of visitors in the future. :) Just out of curiosity, also!
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Interesting Clarinet Websites
- The Clarinet Institute
- Almost everything for clarinet can probably be found somewhere within this comprehensive site!
It contains also has an enormous collection of archived sheet music for several instruments.
Free Clarinet Sheet Music
Midi Files to use for Accompaniment
MP3 Recordings of Clarinet Music
Clarinet Videos
Other Topics - Clarinet Acoustics
- I've researched information from this site several times. It fascinates me to find out how sound is produced, and how the shape, size, and other features change the sound! In this very detailed site, you will find answers to all those questions and much more.
Data for each note: Acoustic response, Spectra, Sound files and Fingering
Multiphonics
Explanatory notes:
What is acoustic impedance and why is it important?
How Do Woodwind Instruments Work? An introduction to sound and wind instruments
Pipes and Harmonics Why do closed conical bores have the same set of resonances as open cylindrical bores?
Flutes vs Clarinets Why do these cylindrical instruments sound so different?
What is a decibel? and what are dBA and dBC?
What is a sound spectrum?
Loudness and spectra What makes a note sound loud is not a trivial problem.
Clarinet Fingering Legend
Note names MIDI numbers and frequencies
How harmonic are harmonics?
Introduction to Clarinet Acoustics
Learn about the physics behind your instrument ~ Overview ~ The reed controls the air flow ~ Playing softly and loudly ~ The clarinet as a 'closed' pipe ~ Harmonics of a closed pipe ~ How the reed and pipe work together ~ Spectrum and registers of the clarinet ~ Tone holes ~ Register holes ~ Cross fingering ~ Other effects of the reed ~ Cut-off frequencies ~ Frequency response and acoustic impedance ~ The effect of reed hardness ~ More about register holes ~ More detailed information
- International Clarinet Association
- Membership Based Organization to promote all aspects of the clarinet and clarinetist
- Clarinet Fest Archives
- 75+ lecture notes about various clarinet topics
- World Clarinet Alliance
- Fantastic collection of everything for clarinet!!
Clarinet Resources, Music Festivals, Clarinet Choir News,
Clarinet Premieres including World Premieres Archive
Headline Galleries - Includes Yearly Past Pages
Music & Performing Organization Listings
Clarinet Books and Methods
Music Recording, Archives, & Competitions
Music Industry Links, News, & Listings
Arts & Technology Links
Music Publishers, Music Recording Firms, & Music Sales Firms
Newsletter Archives ~ Historical Overview
Alliance, Academic, Performing Organization & Music Industry Partners
Artist Recognitions ~ Student Affairs ~ Membership Terms - Jazz Clarinet
- "All things jazz and clarinet!"
- The Clarinet from A - Z
- Information about the clarinet, clarinet history, types of clarinets, muic for classical and jazz musicians, clarinet scores and midi files to download, famous clarinetists, pictures and more from Jean - Christian Michel.
- Albert System Clarinet Pages
- Information about the instrument and many of the New Orleans jazz players.
- Weird Woodwinds & Jazz by Dr. Allreeds!
- This page has some of the most unique and interesting woodwind pictures I've ever seen! Scroll down through the clarinet's cousins - saxophone, oboe, bassoon, flute, recorder, and others to find cool clarinet pics and information. What a fun page to explore! Enjoy this one!
Fun stuff from Cafe Press ~ Most of these products come in various colors, and on several items. If you see a design you like, click on it to see it on other things.
Play Clarinet ~ It's the reed thing!
Reed my lips ~ clarinets rock!
Top 10 Reasons to Play the Clarinet
Have You Hugged a Clarinet Player Today?
Member of the Band: Clarinet
Play Clarinet ~ It's the reed thing!
Reed my lips ~ clarinets rock!
Top 10 Reasons to Play the Clarinet
Have You Hugged a Clarinet Player Today?
Member of the Band: Clarinet
Jr. Raglan
Tote Bag
Small Poster
Yellow T-Shirt
Cap
Clarinet History
I love to find out about any instrument's history! Interesting details about an instrument's beginnings, construction, names, heritage, uses, and types of music it played are fascinating to learn about! Seeing ancient clarinets also helps me to appreciate our modern technologies in making these wonderful instruments. Pitch, tone, and key structure are just some of the improvements made during the centuries that make it easier to play and create a more beautiful sound! Enjoy the pictures and information!
- Historical Musical Instruments
- From the Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments
Introduction ~ Structure, Mouthpiece, Barrel, Bell
Clarinets in Our Collection ~ Early 5-key clarinets, First 6-key clarinets, More keys
Technical Development in Detail ~ 5- 6 and More Keys, 8-9 Key Clarinets, 12 Key Clarinets, Muller System, Simple System, Boehm System, Design of Keys
Progress in Key Mounting ~ Instrument Making in Britain & on the Continent, Müller System
The Heritage of English Clarinet Virtuosi
Albert and Buffet Capture Britain
Sources in our Collection
High Clarinets and other Members of the Family - Profile of the Clarinet
- A brief summary of clarinet facts. Several other clarinet articles are listed at the bottom left of the page.
- Early Clarinet
- This is a yahoo group which contains very interesting pictures and information about historic clarinets. You have to join the group, but it is free.
- Clarinet Family History
- Historical Views ~ Key System ~ Romantic Era
- Clarinet History
- Brief and to the point history of the instrument.
- About the Clarinet
- Find out about the clarinet, it's history in the past, and current use in music.
- Antique Clarinets
- This blog is in French, but even if you don't speak the language you may be interested in the wonderful pictures of old models of wood and metal clarinets that are displayed here. Really fascinating history!
The Clarinet Family
Many times when people think of clarinet, they think of just the most common one, the soprano clarinet. There is actually an entire family of related instruments that vary by size and pitch, but otherwise have many similar characteristics.
- Clarinet @ The Free Dictionary
- Learn about the following:
Characteristics of the Instrument ~ Tone & Range
Construction & Acoustics ~ Materials, Reed, Acoustics, Components / Pieces
Usage & Repertoire of the Clarinet ~ Classical Music, Concert Bands, Jazz, Rock, Pop Other Genres, Clarinet Groups
History of the Chalumeau
Websites with Related Clarinet Topics
Extended Family of Clarinets ~
Piccolo clarinet in Ab.
Soprano clarinets in Eb, D, C, Bb, A and G.
Basset clarinet in A.
Basset horn in F.
Alto clarinet in Eb.
Bass clarinet in Bb.
Contra-alto clarinet in EEb.
Contrabass clarinet in BBb.
- The Clarinet Family
- Check out the sub-families of the clarinet family! This listing contains the pitches and keys of the main types. Links to read more details of many are in the article.
- Types of Clarinets
- Small descriptions of the many members of the clarinet family.
- The Contrabass Compendium
- Such a fun page of information and pictures about the lowest range of woodwinds: clarinets, flutes, saxophones, and more!
- Clarinet Makers
- Find out about modern makers of clarinets, mouthpieces, reeds, and ligatures with this huge list of makers and the types of clarinets they create. Links to each of the respective clarinet companies found here may be used for research for your equipment search. Most of the most popular brands appear to be found here.
Online Clarinet Lessons & Tips
- The Clarinet Trainer
- This is really fun, and would be fabulous for beginner players! Click on the correct clarinet keys necessary to play the notes given on a staff. Bonus questions are also given. Score is kept automatically. Enjoy!
- The Clarinet Pages
- For clarinet students of all ages:
4 Levels of Scale Exercises
Daily Skills Practice
Practicing a Technical Passage
Advice on: Repertoire, Reeds, and more.
Links - The Clarinet Pages
- "A Source of Information for the Clarinet Amateur, Professional, and Anyone Who "Just Wants to Know" "
- Introduction to the Art of Clarinet Playing
- A small article discussing clarinet tone, scales, exercises, articulation, and method books.
- Embouchure Formation
- Learn more about:
Basic Embouchure Formation
Common Faults In Embouchure Formation
Double Embouchure
Using a Checklist for Embouchure - Embouchure Techniques
- Article entitled "To achieve a beautiful sound, master these embouchure techniques" by Julie DeRoche; DePaul University, Chicago.
- Role of the Embouchure
- Article entitled "The Role of the Embouchure in Characteristic Clarinet Tone Production" by Tom Ridenour.
- Master Articulation
- Article entitled "With surprising ease, and some practice, any player can master articulation" by Julie DeRoche;DePaul University, Chicago.
- A Clarinetist's Study Guide
- An article which contains "an outline of seven performance levels with goals and repertoire for each level" by David Hite.
- Clarinet Anthology
- Informational Articles to Help Improve Performance from the International Clarinet Association ~ Includes:
Vibrato in Wind Playing
The Art of Slurring
Playing in Tune
Handel and the Clarinet
The Earliest Collections of Clarinet Music
Some Light on the Chalumeau
Handel's Clarinet
A Fateful or Faithful Attack?
Brahms' Prima Donna
The Embouchure and Tone Color
Weber's Clarinet Compositions
Early Virtuosi of the Clarinet and their Contributions - Playing in Tune
- An article with suggestions on how to play in tune.
- Clarinet Lesson Links
- Many lesson topics for clarinet collected by Michael Moor.
- JazClass
- Cool resources for learning how to play jazz.
- Tips for Clarinet
- Articles from Dr. Ayer from the Texas School Music Project:
Elements of the Clarinet Embouchure
Guidelines for Good Practicing
Mouthpiece, Ligature, and Reed
Flexibility Exercise
Left Hand Drill
Instructional Clarinet Videos
- How to Play the Clarinet by Mitch Kaplan
- A whole series of short instructional videos by Mitch Kaplan for beginner and intermediate players.
The Different Parts of the Clarinet
How to Assemble the Clarinet Mouthpiece
The Proper Clarinet Tuning Procedure
How to Hold the Clarinet
Clarinet Sounds & Playing Styles
Warm Up & Daily Practice of the Clarinet
Free Chromatic Scales for Clarinet
Free Minor Scales for Clarinet
Guide to Clarinet Care & Maintenance
Clarinet Maintenance Kit & Accessories
Wooden Clarinets & Boar's Oil
Using Clarinet Metronomes
What Clarinet Accessories Are Necessary
Different Types of Clarinets
History of the Clarinet Family
Proper Playing Posture for Clarinet Beginners - How to Play the Clarinet by Leslie Burnick
- A whole series of short instructional videos by Leslie Burnick for beginner and intermediate players.
Tips & Advice Before You Buy a Clarinet
How to Assemble a Clarinet Step By Step
How to Buy & Attach a Clarinet Reed
Elements of Embouchure for Clarinet
Breathing Techniques for Beginning Clarinet Players
Clarinet Articulation With Tonguing & Slurring
How to the Best Way to Hold a Clarinet to Play
Clarinet Care & Maintenance
Transposing Tips for Beginning Clarinet Players
Using the Clarinet Register Key for Beginners
About Clarinet Range for Beginners
Clarinet Fingering Charts & Alternate Fingerings for Playing the Clarinet
How to Play the Clarinet with Trills
Tips & Tricks for Taking Apart a Clarinet
Techniques & Procedure for Tuning a Clarinet - How Do I Choose a Clarinet Reed
- "When choosing a clarinet reed, it's important to examine one's skill level to decide how thick the reed should be. Find out why clarinet beginners should use a thinner reed with help from a professional saxophonist in this free video on music and instruments." ~ 1 video
- Clarinet Maintenance Video Series by Amanda Cribb
- Some interesting tips for players and band directors in this series
Students, if you are not sure about something, it is better to talk with your band director, private teacher, or repair person first before doing it.
Clarinet Maintenance Tools
Clarinet Parts
Determining Wood vs. Plastic Clarinets
Cleaning & Oiling a Clarinet Bore
Fixing Clarinet Key Corks
Fixing Clarinet Springs
Replacing a Clarinet Tenon Cork
Fixing Clarinet Pads
Fixing Bent Clarinet Keys
Oiling Clarinet Keys
Cleaning a Clarinet without Disassembling
Cleaning a Clarinet Mouthpiece
Reasons a Clarinet Will Not Play
Assembling a Clarinet
Daily Clarinet Maintenance - How to Play Bass Clarinet Video Series by Jim Sivard
- A video series for Bass Clarinet Players
History of the Clarinet
The Role of the Bass Clarinet
Tips on Buying A Bass Clarinet
How to Hold A Bass Clarinet
Playing A Bass Clarinet
Breath Control When Playing A Bass Clarinet
The Tone of A Bass Clarinet
G-Major Scale on a Bass Clarinet
Improvising on the Bass Clarinet - Clarinet Tips
- Basic tips about the instrument and its cleaning
Gifts for Your Favorite Clarinet Player
(or yourself!)
Clarinet Models Poll
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Technical Aspects of the Clarinet
- Clarinet Fingering Charts
- Basic and alternate fingerings for several varieties of clarinets.
- Clarinet Fingering Guide by Key
- Instead of a typical chromatic order fingering chart, these charts are organized by key signature. In other words, if you were playing in the key of D you could use the D Major chart for just the fingerings of D E F# G A B C# D in all octaves.
- Bb Clarinet Fingering Chart
- This chart is more simple than the others; It's probably a little easier to use although it does not contain very many alternate fingerings.
- Clarinet Chart
- Label the parts of a clarinet. Answers are included.
- Clarinet Warm-Up
- Suggestions on warming up on the clarinet.
Clarinet Sheet Music
- The Clarinet Institute
- Free Clarinet Sheet Music - Very nicely done PDF's!
There are over 400 files of public domain music in the categories of:
Solo Clarinet
Clarinet & Piano
Duets
Clarinet Quartets
Clarinet Quintets
Clarinet Chamber Music
Woodwind Quintet - Clarinet Music
- Free midi files and PDF compositions may be found here.
- Mostly Clarinet Music Page
- Appears to have some wonderful free scores of clarinet and ensemble music. I was having trouble downloading some of them on my version of Print Music. Perhaps a different version than the one I have?
- Clarinet Sheet Music
- Free classical downloads of a variety of excellent sheet music for clarinet and ensembles involving clarinet. They are listed under midi file using Finale, and PDF's for easier access.
- Clarinet, Oboe, and Saxophone
- More free downloads of sheet music for these instruments - mostly classical based.
- Clarinet Composition Database
- Search clarinet compositions by composer, title, instrumentation, or number of performers.
- Repertoire List
- Several links to research:
Standard Clarinet Pieces
Resources for Building Your Repertoire
Clarinet Pedagogy and Textbooks - Clarinet Repertoire List
- List of suggested concertos, sonatas, chamber music, and more from the University of New Mexico
Free Music Theory & Sheet Music Websites
Clarinet Reeds Preference
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Anonomous
Although I've tried many types of clarinet reeds, Vandoren's are usually my favorite. When you are ordering, keep the strength number in mind. The higher the number, the harder or thicker the reed. Higher numbers will give a better sound quality if the player is ready to advance to that strength. The numbering system is not the same for all brands though, so students should check with their teacher for the best placement for their level. I start beginners out with Rico 2 1/2 and build from there. When clarinetists are ready to play in the upper register notes, they should probably be at a 3 or 3 1/2 depending on how long they have played and their embouchure strength. Intermediate and advanced players will prefer the sound of 4's and 5's on Vandoren and Mitchell Laurie.
Music Theory
- Music Theory Resources
- I wrote a huge lens for my students which contains numerous links to music theory websites, games, lessons, worksheets, flashcards, and more. Therefore I will not list many here. The lens has materials for very young beginning musicians all the way to graduate program theory students. Fantastic sites for students and teachers to use. I hope it will be helpful to you! :)
- My Music Theory
- "Free Lessons in Music Theory for Everyone" - Online and print theory lessons labeled for levels 1, 2, and 5.
Listening Exerpts
Listening to quality music influences the way a musician plays.
When picking out new music to practice and play, it is beneficial to hear a recording of a piece. Picking out sheet music from a catalog or even from glancing at the music itself can be a challenge, also.
When helping my students choose new music, I look for pieces that are a challenge to stretch their abilities, expand their repertoire styles, and give them enjoyment. After all, a musician may spend tons of hours practicing a piece to perfection, especially if it is for a recital or audition. (It would be nice to actually like the piece with which they are getting personnally aquainted!)
Students will give me a shrug saying "okay" but don't seem thrilled at a piece from an "old dead composer" that they have never heard of before. After hearing the piece though, they get really excited about it and are motivated to work harder.
Therefore, I am searching and will continue to search the net for places to download and listen to a variety of clarinet pieces. Listening to the pieces also help to hear all the special qualities of the piece, the way the player is interpreting the piece, the expression, the dynamics, the tone, and so on. I suggest that students purchase CD's or download clarinet solos onto their ipods.
Please add links below which contain good recordings.
When picking out new music to practice and play, it is beneficial to hear a recording of a piece. Picking out sheet music from a catalog or even from glancing at the music itself can be a challenge, also.
When helping my students choose new music, I look for pieces that are a challenge to stretch their abilities, expand their repertoire styles, and give them enjoyment. After all, a musician may spend tons of hours practicing a piece to perfection, especially if it is for a recital or audition. (It would be nice to actually like the piece with which they are getting personnally aquainted!)
Students will give me a shrug saying "okay" but don't seem thrilled at a piece from an "old dead composer" that they have never heard of before. After hearing the piece though, they get really excited about it and are motivated to work harder.
Therefore, I am searching and will continue to search the net for places to download and listen to a variety of clarinet pieces. Listening to the pieces also help to hear all the special qualities of the piece, the way the player is interpreting the piece, the expression, the dynamics, the tone, and so on. I suggest that students purchase CD's or download clarinet solos onto their ipods.
Please add links below which contain good recordings.
- Clarinet Soundclips
- Over a dozen recordings of a variety of styles of clarinet music may be downloaded for free using Real Player.
- Clarinet Midi Collection
- Accompaniment recordings for clarinet pieces.
Clarinet Recordings
Please list your favorite places on the web to find great quality recordings of clarinet music. Please also list if it is free or for purchase, and label it a download, CD, video, or other. Thanks! Let's find a large selection together and enjoy listening! :)
eMusic: 25 Free MP3 Downloads!
Clarinet Clip Art, Pictures, & Graphics
It's fun to use clipart in many things! I like to use them on my websites and blogs, worksheets, practice logs, parent / student newsletters, notebooks, and recital programs. A little picture can add so much to a simple document.
Below are some websites I have used for clipart. Some of them are copyright & royalty free; some are available with paid membership; and others may be used in some things (like educational usage), but not publications. Please read each one carefully to make sure it may be used where you would like it.
Below are some websites I have used for clipart. Some of them are copyright & royalty free; some are available with paid membership; and others may be used in some things (like educational usage), but not publications. Please read each one carefully to make sure it may be used where you would like it.
- Music Graphic Mania
- Huge list of links to music clipart websites
- Clarinet Pictures & Graphics
- Interesting diagrams and pictures
- Bb Musician
- 6 clarinet images, and 1 alto clarinet image
- Clip Art Gallery
- 3 clarinet graphics and many other music ones
- Visual Dictionary
- Clipart and photo images
- WMF Clipart
- Very nice drawn pictures of instruments!
- Clipart ETC
- 5 clarinet graphics plus many other woodwinds
- Woodwind Graphics
- Piccolo, flute, recorder, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, ocarina, bagpipe
- Music Graphics Galore
- Woodwind graphics ~ about 30 clarinet ones; some are real pictures and others are more "cartoony".
Related Music Lenses
Practice Suggestions
- Motivation, Attitude and Enthusiasm
- Article entitled "Motivation, attitude and enthusiasm should be the musician's best friends" by Robert Rawlins, Ph.D.
- Practice Suggestions
- Article on "Helping students strike the perfect balance in each practice session" by Robert Rawlins, Ph.D.
- Knowing What and How
- Article entitled "Knowing what and how to practice will produce the incentive of progress" by Julie DeRoche; Director of Performance Education; G. Leblanc Corporation
Clarinet Stuff from Cafe Press
Bass Clarinet ~ Universally Awesome!
Reeding is Fundamental!
The Circle of 5ths - Life
This Field Belongs to the Band!
Reeding is Fundamental!
The Circle of 5ths - Life
This Field Belongs to the Band!
White T-Shirt
Mousepad
Men's Sleeveless Tee
Large Mug
Purchasing Information
Finding the instrument that is right for you or your child can be overwhelming. Here are some articles which give suggestions for your search.
- Before You Buy a Clarinet
- Information to think about before purchasing.
- Purchasing a Musical Instrument
- Wonderful article from The School of Instrumental Music in Australia:
Where to Start
Purchasing a New Instrument
Purchasing a Second Hand Instrument
Purchase Plans or Rental Programs
When You Have Your Instrument ...
What to Look For in a Student Clarinet - The Clarinet Spot
- Large variety of sheet music and clarinet accessories.
Instrument Care
- Clarinet Care Publications
- In-depth articles about the care and maintenence of clarinets.
"Grenadilla Wood, Environmental Effects, and Organic Bore Oil"
"Clarinets and Concepts"
"Life Everlasting for a good Clarinet"
"Problems with Compensation and Accommodation"
"Developing Light Finger Habits for Woodwind Players"
"Damaged Hands, Missing Fingers, and Custom Keys" - Care & Maintenance
- Professional articles about the following topics:
Cleaning
Bore Oil
Pad Replacement
Replacing Tenon Corks - Joints wobbling?
Regulation
Breaking-in a Wooden Clarinet - Reed Adjustment
- Finding and making the best reeds - what to look for...
Clarinetists
- Orchestral Clarinetists
- "A place where clarinetists can chat about orchestral literature, orchestra auditions, orchestral excerpts, clarinet equipment, solo clarinetists, orchestras, anything really to do with clarinet."
- Michael Moor
- Links from a clarinet teacher to many beneficial sites for clarinetists.
- Benny Goodman
- His official website
- Jazz Clarinetists
- An alphabetical list of names and biographies of jazz clarinetists
Clarinet Helps
Clarinet iphone Case
Find some really cool iPhone covers at Clarinet iPhone Cases!
Thank you for the "Squidoo Angel Blessing"!
Hello fellow clarinet players!
Please leave me a "note" ... =D
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Petar
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:06 am | delete
- I recently purchased a used clarinet (impulse buy) in the hopes that I will be able to re-learn to play it! I used to play a little in grade school (long long time ago). You have some great links here on your lens, keep it up!
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Anonomous
Apr 17, 2012 @ 6:08 pm | delete
- I have been playing the bass clarinet for a couple years now and it still makes my head vibrate. It is a beautiful instrument but i have to confess, i like the regular clarinet better.
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joycetmann
Jan 24, 2012 @ 12:14 pm | delete
- My late son played the clarinet. A beautiful instrument.
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jimmyworldstar
Jan 20, 2012 @ 2:37 pm | delete
- Excellent lens on the clarinet, I would've loved it if you provided a history of the instrument though. It uses a reed to produce sound correct?
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MUSCIA
Nov 21, 2011 @ 7:11 pm | delete
- I love the clarinet. My friend and I just discovered a contrabass (BBb) clarinet in our band room at school, and are dying to play it. We just need some reeds...
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