How to Start Playing the Clarinet
Though popular in jazz-era swing bands, clarinets aren't exactly a major force in modern pop music. They are, of course, a mainstay in any traditional orchestra and smaller ensembles. Perhaps even more important, the clarinet is a gateway instrument for many, leading to more specialized instruments like the bass clarinet, or to similar instruments like oboes, bassoons or saxophones.
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Instructions
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Select an instrument. A good beginner's clarinet should be of reasonably high quality. Poorly crafted instruments will only make the beginner's task more challenging. Some recommendations include the Buffet B-12, Vito 74XX, Yamaha 34 and Bundy. When you start playing the clarinet, it's advisable to avoid variations such as alto or bass clarinets until you are well grounded in the rudiments of playing the basic instrument (see Resources).
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Learn how to assemble and care for the instrument. Clarinets are typically disassembled and stored in small cases. Thus, a beginning player should first learn the different parts of the instrument, from the bell to the mouthpiece, their proper care and assembly. Beginners should know that fluctuations in temperature can affect the performance of their instrument, and how to keep the cork joints well-lubricated. But of paramount importance to the beginner will be fastening the reed to the clarinet with the ligature.
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Establish good embouchure. The most important aspect of any wind instrument is the shape of the mouth, or embouchure. Before learning any fingerings, a beginner must learn how to properly force air into the clarinet. Proper embouchure is to hold the chin flat, with the throat open and tongue high in the mouth. A complete seal around the mouthpiece is essential to preventing leakage and focusing a stream of warm, moist air into the instrument.
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Learn how to hold the instrument and basic fingerings. Only after learning basic embouchure should someone looking to start playing the clarinet actually focus on holding the instrument and basic fingerings. These should be included in any good beginning clarinet method book, or can be taught by a personal instructor (see Resources).
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Learn to read sheet music. If you don't already know how to read notes on a scale, your progress with the clarinet is likely to be limited. Though some talented musicians gifted with an ear for naturally discerning tones can learn to play without reading music, almost all clarinetists read sheet music and learn at least basic music theory, because it is a way to be exposed to a variety of styles, and makes it easier to perform with other musicians.
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Tips & Warnings
When starting, using a soft reed, such as a 2.5 or 3, will make it easier to get the reed vibrating. With practice, you will begin stronger and better at producing sounds with stronger reeds. Try to see some clarinet performed live. If there are no such concerts in your local area, try to find video or audio recordings. Hearing a variety of clarinet music will not only provide insight on how to play the instrument, it will also help you identify the styles of music you might be interested in learning. Following your interest is the best way to stay motivated about learning.
