Clarinet Now Blog
The Clarinet Now Blog keeps you up-to-date with Clarinet-Now.com postings and news. Practicing, clarinet fundamentals, famous clarinet players and other odds and ends fuel Clarinet-Now's energy...
CYBER MONDAY 2025 CLARINET DEALS
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Nov 26, 2025
Stranger Things Season 5 Coming TONIGHT NOV 26TH
Full opening title with clarinet! See more videos below to learn your D Major 7 chord to play with this.
Nov 05, 2025
Stranger Things Lick Spelled Out
The Major 7 broken chord at the beginning of Stranger Things is actually a great exercise. This video spells it out for you. Go for it!
Nov 04, 2025
Stranger Things Lick
Okay folks, here is the broken chord on the title music for Stranger Things. What is weird about these two clarinet embouchure profiles? Let me know on the contact page CONTACT
Oct 03, 2025
KraftGeek Music Capsule Stand Review
KraftGeek Music Capsule Stand Review describing the features of the Music Stand, Lumi Light, Flexy Mount and Case.
May 16, 2025
Increase Your Speeds on Clarinet - from CAMco
Increase your speeds on the clarinet with Bumblebee Loops. Yes, you've seen this here on Clarinet-Now, but the book is now available on CAMco, the new preeminent place to buy Clarinet Sheet Music. Cameron Hewes has an impressive website of all of the latest works and a cool search system. Check it out following this link.
Continue reading "Increase Your Speeds on Clarinet - from CAMco"
Feb 24, 2025
Ab Major Clarinet Scale - 3.9K views
So, I have posted all 12-major scales on Youtube Reels, all the same format with the same intro and ender. Somehow, the Ab Major scale gained 3.9K views in a short time while some of the other scales only received 500 or so. Unique, these social media avenues. Anyway, can you tell me why this one is better than the others? Best! Chris J.
Feb 14, 2025
Db Major Clarinet Scale from the Woodshed
The Db Major Clarinet Scale is another tough one, but we are heading around the Circle of Fifths and going through the flat scales. What are the flats in this scale? Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb
Jan 23, 2025
Gb Major Clarinet Scale is a HANDFUL!
Alright folks, the Gb Major Clarinet Scale (AKA F# Major Clarinet Scale) is a handful of notes with side-keys and all sorts of stuff.
Jan 20, 2025
B Major Clarinet Scale - 5 sharps
Look at this B Major Clarinet Scale and then "Stop Scrolling, Go Practice, Bumblebee Loops!" Enjoy!
Jan 08, 2025
Almost 2000 views on the E Major Short
So, tell me this, what is the trick to starting the E Major clarinet scale on the lowest note? I'll tell you right here. Start on the right, pinky key E (that way to do not have to slide to F# or G#). Enjoy the short and give us a LIKE and a SHARE. Best! CJ
Jan 03, 2025
A Major Scale Video
Next in the series of 12-Major Clarinet Scales is the A Major Scale. Enjoy!
Jan 02, 2025
D Major Scale Video - Is it fast enough for you?
Happy D Major Clarinet Scale and Arpeggio! From the #woodshed is another major clarinet scale. As always, like and share when you have the chance. Best! Chris J.
Continue reading "D Major Scale Video - Is it fast enough for you?"
Dec 30, 2024
Auld Lang Syne - Happy New Year!
I wish you all a Happy New Year and that it is full of music! Welcome to 2025. Enjoy this little video about Auld Lang Syne.
Dec 24, 2024
Merry Christmas!
Hoping you have a very, Merry Christmas and a New Year full of practicing!
I just put together the Major Scale Demonstrations, here is G Major and the other scales are linked from here.
Oct 30, 2024
Happy Halloween!!!
Hear a smokin' hot Raymond Scott Clarinet lick and see even the hands are smoked out. Ha Ha Ha! Read the real story in the description of the video. Enjoy!!!
Sep 05, 2024
Clarinet-Now.com one of the 9 Best Online Clarinet Lessons and Courses Clarinet Websites
Rated by Jane Collins of 'Hello Music Theory', Clarinet-Now.com was rated No. 5 in The 9 Best Online Clarinet Lessons and Courses In 2024 (Free And Paid). Clarinet-Now is a free resource to clarinet players of all levels, so browse the site and go practice.
Sep 04, 2024
Clarinet Section Leader
This Clarinet Section Leader pages gives you ideas on how to run your clarinet section.
Aug 21, 2024
Poor Clarinet Embouchure
Descriptions of the poor clarinet embouchure and a troubleshooting guide to fixing them.
Jul 12, 2024
Clarinet Leadership
See the Clarinet Leadership Scale to figure out where you are in the world of clarinet, where you are going and how to get there.
May 29, 2024
clarinet gifts
Best clarinet gifts for your clarinetist. Mouthpieces, ligatures, reeds, thumb cushions, mouthpiece caps, best scale books, cool t-shirts, etc...
May 21, 2024
Improve your clarinet air support
Details about proper clarinet air support. Breathing exercises...
Apr 26, 2024
Exciting News!!!
Bumblebee Loops, my book on improving your technique and musicality hit No. 1 in Woodwind Instrument Music, No. 1 in Brass Instrument Music, and No. 4 in Strings Instrument Music on Amazon Kindle. So, this rating varies 'by-the-hour', but I was able to get a screenshot of it which you will see sitewide, here, on Clarinet-Now.com.
The book is about Focus and is not for only virtuosic musicians, but anyone who wishs to improve their technique and musicality. Enjoy!
Mar 04, 2024
Flight of the Bumblebee Performance
Below is the Flight of the Bumblebee performance with the UNA Band under the direction of my clarinet teacher at UNA, Dr. Jimmy Simpson. It was an honor to return to my Alma Mater for this guest performance.
A few years later I wrote the book, Bumblebee Loops: A Practice Guide to Performing a Lightning Fast 'Flight of the Bumblebee'. On the following link find out how you as a Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Returning Adult clarinet player can use the book.
Jan 20, 2024
Weber Second Concerto - Polacca
A blast from the past - Recently, went up a memory from 2006 of my performance of the Weber Second Concerto - Polacca with the University of North Alabama Wind Ensemble under the direction of my UNA clarinet professor Dr. Jimmy Simpson. It was a great honor to return in 2006 and an honor for it to be posted. This was too much fun! Enjoy!
Jan 16, 2024
Clarinet Notes Newsletter
Come read the latest, Clarinet Notes newsletter from Clarinet Now. Topic this week:
Sign-up for Clarinet Notes: This is a double-opt-in mailing list. If you sign up now, you’ll get a confirmation email. You will then have to confirm that you signed up. This keeps people from signing you up without your permission.
So, sign-up for the Newsletter now and then go practice your clarinet.
Dec 30, 2023
#100DaysOfPractice - Challenge
Last year just before the New Year, I saw that Hilary Hahn was starting her sixth season of #100DaysOfPractice. I decided to try this for at least 15-minutes per day and have currently played every day of the year.
See if you can challenge yourself to do this. The consistency of practice really pays off.
You can learn more about how I approached this just below...
Dec 28, 2023
I had to play it - Eleanor Rigby (aka Clarinet Rigby)
Every time I hear music, I think, how would that work on clarinet? In this particular case, Cody Fry's version of Eleanor Rigby hit me like a ton of bricks. I listened to it over and over. Then, I bought the score on his website and wrote out the clarinet parts and other interesting parts to play.
Forgive the video, I was hoping to get a video of the video, but the TV screen is over-exposed. If nothing else, give this a listen and then go visit Mr. Fry's works.
Continue reading "I had to play it - Eleanor Rigby (aka Clarinet Rigby)"
Dec 21, 2023
A Christmas Card for you
I fell in love with this version of "What Child is This?" a few years ago even though I had heard it all my life. While the tech end of recording this is super frustrating, playing the tune was really fun. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This video was recorded on Day 351 of #100DaysOfPractice.
Nov 09, 2023
Day 312 of #100 Days of Practice
Yesterday was day 312 of my #100DaysOfPractice commitment. I guess you could say it is a habit by now. While being busy doing almost everything imaginable (to include designing and building a chicken coop), I am getting my practice in everyday. Last night at 11PM, I had to warm up the van while it was sleeting so I wouldn't wake up the family practicing my scales and articulation. Got to do what it takes!
Oct 18, 2023
How Left Hand Position effects the Left Pinky
Here is a short video tutorial about correct Left Hand Position and use of the lowest chromatic notes E, F, F#, G, G# and returning down. This video is meant to be played with so you can match the sound and check your hand position. Send any feedback via this website or Facebook @clarinetnow or Twitter @clarinetnow.
Jul 28, 2023
Clarinet Scales
Free Printable Clarinet Scales PDF. Getting FREE POINTS on your All-State Audition with scales. Scale links and the Major Scale Plan.
Jul 13, 2023
Day 194 of #100DaysOfPractice
One of the general rules of blogs is to publish your progress. As you can tell here, my last bloglet was Day #114. So, I have added 80 days to my collection. Being regular on the clarinet has been a joy and the results are true in the strength of my embouchure and the dexterity of the fingers. Regular practice, regular practice, regular practice is the key to improvement!
Jul 13, 2023
Bumblebee Loops
Bumblebee Loops A Practice Guide to Performing a Lightning Fast "Flight of the Bumblebee" on Clarinet, Flute, and Violin.
Apr 24, 2023
Day 114 of #100DaysOfPractice
If you were wondering if I made it, Yes, I made it to 100 and beyond for consecutive days of practice (as of this note it is day 114). It is great to feel in better shape. Follow more on @twitter under @ClarinetNow and see to the right of this webpage.
Jan 24, 2023
#100DaysOfPractice
Just before the New Year I saw a tweet by Hilary Hahn, world-renowned violinist, announcing season 6 of #100DaysOfPractice. I thought, I must try this. I am a retired military clarinetist and while now clarinet is not my full-time job, it is still my passion. The challenge of getting that clarinet together is a big considering my family, dogs, chickens, a full-time job, and all sorts of other things to do.
So, this is what I’m doing. 15-minutes minimum of practice per day for 100 days.
What am I practicing? Four articulations on sixteenths from #BumblebeeLoops (see book on this website) from Quarter note equals 76 up to 144. The articulations are: 1). Slur two, tongue two. 2). Tongue one, slur two, tongue one. 3). Articulate all. 4). Slur all. I’m already 23-days into this challenge, so this is not a New Year’s Eve wish, and the results are already proving success. My sound is more focused. My endurance is better. My tongue is lighter and cleaner and moving with my fingers. And, my fingers are cleaning up again.
Even 15-minutes of practice is not easy. On a long travel day to and from work training, I took my mouthpiece, barrel, reed and ligature and a metronome and did 40-minutes of articulation exercises (needless to say I was traveling alone). At 11:45pm another night I drove down the road and practiced in my car because I couldn’t get it done during the day (and didn’t want to disturb my family). If you are interested, follow my #100DaysOfPractice on @ClarinetNow on Twitter. See link below or the sidebar to the right here on Clarinet-Now.com. I also retweet the magnificent Hilary Hahn offering her tidbits of practice. Now, go home and practice!
Feb 09, 2022
Clarinet Reed Adjustment
Clarinet reed adjustment can happen without a reed knife. Learn how to maximize the placement of the reed on your clarinet mouthpiece.
Nov 24, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving! What does a Master Clarinet Teacher Cook?
I had the luxury of studying with Mr. Kalmen Opperman for 10-years. Much of Clarinet-Now.com is the teaching of Mr. Opperman and how I’ve practiced using his methods. I’m not even close to his expectations on clarinet. Not even scratched the surface.
However, I’d like to share one funny story of how much of a Clarinet Guru he was and how much he was dedicated to the clarinet. Probably Thanksgiving of 1995, I was single and had no family visiting me in New York and I scheduled a clarinet lesson with Mr. Opperman on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving Day.
That afternoon, I’m sure my lesson was at 3 p.m. as I usually had with him. I rang the bell, Louis, his wife, buzzed me in, and they let me in the door of his apartment/clarinet studio/clarinet workshop. I went straight to the lesson room to get my clarinet together.
Oddly enough, Kal was not in there. He and Louis were back in the kitchen and I could smell the aroma of something cooking. Now, being a true Southern boy, the Thanksgiving heritage of my Mom is to start cooking the night before Thanksgiving. I figured this is what is going on back there.
I put my clarinet together and blew a few notes and sat there. Kal never even really liked anyone blowing a few notes, much less warming up or trying reeds. So, I waited.
Eventually, Kal and Louis called for me. “Hey Chris, can you come in here?” So, I did. I walked into the kitchen to find a big pot of something boiling. Kal and Louis had a ladle and were pouring the “soup” into something very small and intricate.
Matter of fact, they were little plastic boxes. I went, “What are you making?” “Cork grease,” said Kal. “What, you are making cork grease on the eve of Thanksgiving?” I looked at the kitchen table to find a bucket of all sorts of jars of creams and oils, Oil of Olay, Vasoline Petroleum Jelly, etc…
I had to ask, “What are you making it with? Typical Kalmen Opperman answer, “It’s a secret formula, can’t tell you. It’ll help preserve your corks.” Once the little cork grease plastic boxes cooled off, he and Louis put the little plastic lids on top, scratched in a K.O. on the box, and gave one to me.
I believe I still have my little box of Kal’s cork grease somewhere. I’d have to do some digging to find it though.
I know the lesson that followed was probably very monumental as all of Kal’s lessons were. But, this Southern boy will never forget visiting a clarinet guru on the eve of Thanksgiving cooking Cork Grease.
Jun 02, 2021
beginner clarinet
10 Beginner Clarinet (Through High School) Goals for Young Students – Also High School Band.
Jul 21, 2020
Baermann clarinet scales
Baermann clarinet scales - Langenus, Snavely and Dowani versions
Jul 17, 2020
Albert clarinet scales
Learn how to best use the J.B. Albert clarinet scales method book.
Jul 17, 2020
Back to School Custom 3-Ring Clarinet Binder
15% off now with code FIFTEENYEARS Add your custom initial monogram to the front and back of this 3-ring binder and additionally add your name to the spine.
Jun 20, 2020
Customizable Monogram Clarinet Products
Customize any of the following products to your Monogram initial. Find Music bags, iphone cases, water bottles, pillows, backpacks for your music and clarinet case, laptop case, wristlet, clock, or 3-ring binder. Email me via the contact page on Clarinet-Now if you want something customized for you.
If you like the video, get the book here and work on page 4, measures 5-8 lower octave.
Greatest Left Hand tip everGet BBLoops for as little as $3.99
Fly Fast with the Greatest Left Hand tip everOne of the best left hand exercises for clarinet on BBLoops page 10 measures 1-8 on the above video.
