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Mitchell S. Estrin
Assistant Professor of Clarinet University of Florida,
School of Music Buffet Clarinet Artist, Vandoren Performing Artist
Warming Up
The most basic and perhaps most important part of practicing is
warming up. How you go about doing this is essential to your success
on the clarinet. Use your time wisely to achieve the maximum results
in the minimum amount of time. Structure your warm-up carefully
and follow these three steps to a great warm-up:
- Longtones- Start your practice session with five to ten minutes
of longtones. Start in the chalumeau (low) register and gradually
work your way up to the clarion (middle) register. Pay careful
attention to your tone quality, especially when playing at a soft
dynamic level. Take full breaths and always use maximum breath
support.
- Scales- Scales are the single most important musical element
for a clarinetist (or any instrumentalist) to practice. One should
strive for a thorough knowledge, understanding, and flawless execution
of all scales. This means the major scales, minor scales, chromatic
scales, wholetone scales, thirds, dominant sevenths, diminished
sevenths, and all related arpeggios. The Baermann Third Division
is an excellent book to use for scale practice. I also like the
Stievenard Practical Study of the Scales for Clarinet.
- Articulation- The third part if your warm-up should focus on
articulation practice. The Kell 17 Staccato Studies is my favorite
book to use for both teaching and practicing. Strive for symmetry
of your articulation, particularly on repeated notes. Don’t
only focus on increasing the speed of your articulation, but also
on the quality of your sound while articulating. Tape yourself
and compare your tone quality when playing both legato and staccato
at all dynamic levels. Make sure they all sound exactly the same.
If you consistently follow these three steps when warming up, you
should notice a big improvement in your playing. Good luck!
VISIT
MITCHELL ESTRIN's WEBSITE
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These established clarinetists have graciously agreed to share their
thoughts on clarinet playing. May their words offer inspiration and
insight.
Artists
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