Category Archives: ClarinetMike’s Clarinet Teacher Tips

Don’t Look Down!

Posted on November 11, 2019 by

I’ve noticed that many young clarinetists, especially beginners, at times have a tendency to look down their clarinets while playing. Looking down the clarinet while playing can create bad habits and problems:  embouchure, head position, posture, etc. can be impacted. … Continue reading →

Posted in All, ClarinetMike's 101 Clarinet Tips, ClarinetMike's Clarinet Teacher Tips, Performance & Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Practice Tip: “I Will Clap The Music Every Day!”

Posted on October 8, 2019 by

Inside ClarinetMike’s Studio: A few years ago, one of my bright-eyed junior high students, Ian, came to a lesson and played music that he was preparing for a contest. He did an excellent performance of the notes; however, the rhythms … Continue reading →

Posted in All, All-State, ClarinetMike's Clarinet Teacher Tips, Performance & Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How To Practice: Clarinet Power! Practice Routine from ClarinetMike’s Texas All-State Clinic

Posted on September 23, 2019 by

How To Practice: Prepare the All-State Music (plus solos, band music, etc.) inside an organized practice routine that addresses basics and scales. TIP: Don’t feel obligated to hit every single item below every day. Use your creativity and common sense … Continue reading →

Posted in All, All-State, ClarinetMike's Clarinet Teacher Tips, Performance & Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

7 Tricks For Clarinet Teachers

Posted on August 13, 2019 by

Are you a new clarinet teacher looking for help? Are you a seasoned clarinet teacher looking for upgrades? Have you taught the clarinet since the Hoover Presidency and want to continue to improve? Well, ClarinetMike is lookin’ out for ya! … Continue reading →

Posted in All, ClarinetMike's Clarinet Teacher Tips, Performance & Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

7 Ways to Improve Your Clarinet Playing This Summer!

Posted on May 29, 2019 by

7 Ways to Improve Your Clarinet Playing This Summer! by Dr. Michael Dean “ClarinetMike” Take Clarinet Lessons. Make sure you have a good teacher who spends time improving your clarinet basics and teaching you how to practice.  Rote-only clarinet teachers are … Continue reading →

Posted in All, ClarinetMike's 101 Clarinet Tips, ClarinetMike's Clarinet Teacher Tips, Performance & Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Unkink Your Hose!” A Practical Tip for Lawn Care and Performing on a Wind Instrument

Posted on May 20, 2019 by

A few years ago, the city of Hurst, Texas sent out some nice folks to put down new grass in my lawn where they had previously dug it up to fix a water line. As I got out the ClarinetMike … Continue reading →

Posted in All, ClarinetMike's Clarinet Teacher Tips, Performance & Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Urgent Clarinet Maintenance: “Swab Your Clarinet and Clarinet Mouthpiece!”

Posted on May 8, 2019 by

Urgent Clarinet Maintenance: “Swab Your Clarinet and Clarinet Mouthpiece!” by Dr. Michael Dean “ClarinetMike” “Common sense (the best tool in a teacher’s toolbox) clearly indicates you should swab out your clarinet, including the mouthpiece, after every practice or performance, etc. … Continue reading →

Posted in All, ClarinetMike's Clarinet Teacher Tips, Performance & Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments