Are there any carinet players out there who can give me some guidence on playing scales across the break. I, (as many of you know), am new to the clarinet. I have been playing about 3 months and probably play just above grade one.

I have started learning some of the more difficult scales from grade2 and 3. Some of these involve playing across the break. Can any of you more experianced players give me some advice on the best way to practice theses. Are there also any finger exercises you can do to get the speed up?

If it is simply a case of practice on the instrument I am more than happy but just woundered if there was anything else I could be doing.

Many Thanks in advanced.......

If you practice the notes before and after it and try to get rid of the "break" in sound. So in C major, go A,B,C, and back down again. It's always easier on the way down (well not always mainly). Sometimes if you push a bit more with your diaphragm it helps, but not lots coz it'll sound stupid and hurt! Or maybe it's psychological that part?!

I was just going to give the same advice as elmo! Do the A B C thing!

I know I found it hard to get used to going over the break and getting the B and C to sound with out squeaking! Beginners in my school also find it hard so you're not alone!

Keep at it!

Thanks for al the feedback thus far

Excellent advice elmo, I couldn't have put it better myself.

The only thing I would add to kmt63 is not to rush. Practice going over the break each way at quite a slow speed, and only speed up when it's never wrong.