Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I'm looking for some advice.

I want to restart Clarinet after about 10 years. Used to be Grade 5 and was starting on Grade 6, but lost interest. A few years ago I started to learn piano and I'm now up to about Grade 4 on that and I thought I'd like to take up the Clarinet again.

I'd like to get back up to that standard, but it's been so long and I don't know where to start.

So far I've been playing through some of my old exam pieces but I don't really know how to move forward from there.

Ultimately, I'd like to have some lessons on the clarinet, but for now that's not an option.

Any advice very much welcome.

Hi,

Good for you, that's fantastic news!

Well, there are lots of things you could do in addition to the exam pieces. Getting a good practice routine helps, playing your scales, long notes with a tuner for intonation. I ask my students to play something silly like 'frere Jaques' by ear, say staring on C (in C major), then on other notes. It's a great way of improving aural skills, AND getting to know your scales and key signatures in a more inspiring way.

Playing to some form of accompaniment is great, a pianist would be great as you seem to get a fuller sense of performance, but otherwise, there are loads of playalong books with cd's in every style you could want!

When you have enough confidence, possibly joining a local adults concert band or something similar, or even doing a short recital to raise money for charity.

Improvisation is great, maybe try these notes; low G, B flat, C, C#,D,F,G (ascending) G blues scale, and then improvise on those notes. Even better, if you have a keyboard etc that records, play minims F,E flat, D flat, C (descending) over and over, and improvise over the top using the notes suggested! It works really well, and is great fun!

Hi amber_piano

I just wanted to welcome a fellow clarinet player to the forum! I can't give you any advice because I'm just a learner myself, but I hope you enjoy yourself here and find it useful

Hiya amber_piano,

I think you'll be surprised at how much you remember! One thing you may need to do is build up your embouchure strength again (regular practice, and long tones will help here), otherwise, my advice would be, literally, to play lots and lots and lots!

Do have a look at books with CD accompaniments, if you want the experience of playing with accompaniment, if you can't find a live accompanist. Indeed, if you can, build yourself a small library of clarinet pieces, with music you like, whether it be classical, jazz, whatever.

I would very strongly recommend finding as many opportunities as you can to play to and/or with other people : I hold a lot of importance in the social side of music making.

If there's anything technical you need to ask, I and the other clarinettists here I'm sure will do our best to help you out.

Hope you thoroughly enjoy rediscovering the clarinet!

Thanks for the advice and for all being so friendly!

I'll let you know how I get on.

Hi,

About 2 years ago I restarted after a 15 year break, and I'm absolutely delighted I did. Here are some of my observations on restarting:

- I restarted because I was asked to play with a group for an anniversary concert. Since then, I've done 3 concerts with the same group. Having a social dimension to playing, and goals (like concerts) to prepare for is a great help
- It didn't take long to get back to the standard I was at previously, and it didn't take much longer to way exceed my previous standard! This has been such a surprise to me. I think being older now, I am much more patient, disciplined, and thoughtful in practicing. Also, I'm aware of having broken some bad habits I was aware of when I played first but just couldn't fix.
- I use the internet to scour for articles on embouchure, technique, exercises, intonation, etc., etc. None of that was there when I played before, and I find it very useful. I haven't taken any lessons, but I haven't ruled them out either.
- I got my clarinet overhauled. I had let it fall into poor repair, which may have contributed to my quitting the instrument when I did. I got a full overhaul from the best technician I could find, and I was stunned at the improvement.
- A little bit down the line now, I've gotten chances to borrow and play bass and Eb clarinets, and I think that they're both having a positive impact on my Bb playing.
- I've a bit more money now that I'm not the student I was when I last played, and I can afford to buy music much more easily, which I have done, and which I also recommend. I buy pieces I've heard and like; even if I can't play up to the standard of the recordings, I can play some parts, and it helps to stretch me.

I hope that if you do go back to playing, you get as much pleasure from it as I have. And I hope something I've said helps.

All the best.
Fishamble

eee, another clarinettist! Welcome to the forum fishamble!

We're all coming out of the woodwork Just play and play and then play some more - CD accompanied books are great for keeping in time, and joining an amateur orchestra will also be great for you Great fun as well! Just get stuck in, it'll improve without you noticing until you look back and see how far you've come

Yes it's always good to see more clarinettists, welcome fishamble, it's great isn't it

Thanks all; nice of you to welcome me.

One other thought on restarting - I borrowed a hand-made mouthpiece recently, and was really impressed at the difference it made. They're about twice the price of the standard ones (Selmer, Vandoren etc.), but I intend to get one of my own soon, so I can return the borrowed one (made by Clarke Fobs, btw).