Category Archives: ClarinetMike’s Clarinet Teacher Tips

“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 →

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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 →

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7 Easy Tricks to Improve Clarinet Tone Immediately! [or almost immediately]

Posted on January 30, 2019 by

ClarinetMike says, “The granddaddy (and best) of all clarinet tone quick fixes is ‘More Air.’ Here’s 7 more.” 7 Easy Tricks to Improve Clarinet Tone Immediately! [or almost immediately] by Dr. Michael Dean “ClarinetMike” 1. Show Me Your Reed! I suggest band … Continue reading →

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ClarinetMike’s Basic Tonguing Exercise [aka BTE or “Betty”]

Posted on January 25, 2019 by

One of the most important (and tricky) aspects of playing the clarinet is tonguing. Below is an articulation exercise that I’ve found very helpful in my students and my own playing. ClarinetMike’s Basic Tonguing Exercise [aka BTE  or “Betty”] by … Continue reading →

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ClarinetMike Tip on “Going Over The Break”

Posted on October 4, 2018 by

Teachers of beginning clarinet students should not teach “Going Over The Break” using the right hand down short cut.  The only exception to this is when a student is having real trouble and “freaking out.” Then, for a very, very … Continue reading →

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7 Tricks For Clarinet Teachers

Posted on August 22, 2018 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 →

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The Best Clarinet Fingerings for F# and Eb

Posted on May 14, 2018 by

The Best Clarinet Fingerings for F# and Eb by Dr. Michael Dean “ClarinetMike” Below I discuss two common fingerings that should be taught to beginning (and all) clarinetists. First space F#/Gb.  Beginners are often taught to play this note in a chromatic … Continue reading →

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