The Clarinet Ninja Podcast: Clarinet Lessons & Practice Tips

This is my first holiday season without my mom.

While going through old recordings after her passing, I found something that stopped me in my tracks: a recording of me at 11 years old playing "The Christmas Song" on clarinet, with my mom accompanying on piano.

It was a fifth grade band holiday concert. Fifth-grade me squeaking through phrases, my mom patiently at the piano, both of us creating something we didn't know would matter like this decades later.

So I decided to do something: I played a duet with my younger self. Current me, meeting fifth-grade me, both of us held together by my mom's piano.

This episode is different from my usual format. It's personal. It's emotional. But I think it might be exactly what some of you need to hear right now.

The story behind the recording and why my mom captured that moment

What grandparents (and parents and teachers) are really doing when they show up

The "long game" of creating meaning that compounds across decades

Why you should record yourself NOW, even if you're not ready

What you're actually building when you practice your instrument

The full duet performance: three generations in one musical moment

How music collapses time and creates conversations across decades

What it means to become "someone's archive"

Finding meaning during difficult seasons

The role of music in processing grief and loss

Legacy and what we pass down to future generations

Why your practice matters more than you realize

Creating archives that reveal their meaning later

The compounding effect of showing up consistently

How adult learners demonstrate possibility to those watching them

Whether you've lost someone recently, you're thinking about legacy, or you're wondering if your practice time really matters, this episode is for you.

The Clarinet Ninja Podcast helps adult clarinet players reclaim their musical dreams through evidence-based practice methods, systematic skill development, and the mindset of lifelong learning.

Whether you're returning after decades away or just getting started later in life, this show proves it's never too late to become the musician you've always wanted to be.

Hosted by Jay Hassler, who combines performance experience from Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and Broadway with adult learning science to create methods that actually work for real people with real lives.

If this episode resonated with you, the best way to support this work is to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

It helps other adult learners find the show and join this community of people who believe music is a lifelong conversation with yourself.

Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Sometimes the people who need these messages most don't even know they're looking for them.

Keep practicing. Keep showing up. Keep building something that compounds.

Host: Jay Hassler

Production: Clarinet Ninja

Original Recording (1985): Jay Hassler (clarinet), Betty Hassler (piano)

Music: "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)"

© 2024 Clarinet Ninja. All rights reserved.

Have you ever practiced diligently but struggled in performance? The problem isn't your playing—it's that you're only doing half the practice you need.

Free PDF

In this episode, I break down the two essential types of practice every clarinetist needs: Practice Practice (building skills) and Practice Performance (accessing those skills under pressure). Most players focus entirely on the first while neglecting the second, which is why performances don't match practice room ability.

What You'll Learn:

Key Timestamps: [Add your timestamps here - examples:]

Resources Mentioned:

Ready to transform both your practice and performances?

Join the Clarinet Ninja Dojo where we work on these exact skills in live group sessions: [link]

Connect with Clarinet Ninja:

Support the Show: If this episode helped you, please leave a rating and review. It helps other clarinet players find the show!

Larry Guy has played on Broadway, with the New York Philharmonic, NYC Opera, and as principal clarinet of the Joffrey Ballet. But what makes this conversation truly valuable is Larry's incredible body of pedagogical work—books on embouchure, articulation, and definitive editions of the Rose 32 Etudes and Complete Daniel Bonade works.

In this episode, Larry reveals why traditional embouchure teaching often makes students look perfect but sound worse, shares the simple coffee cup lid trick that fixes articulation problems instantly, and explains why the "tip of tongue to tip of reed" directive doesn't work for many players (including himself and Robert Marcellus!). We dive deep into his study with legends like Anthony Gigliotti, Dave Weber, and Cal Opperman, and Larry shares fascinating stories about Daniel Bonade that you won't hear anywhere else.

If you're an adult clarinet player, you'll especially appreciate Larry's insights on why adults can actually learn clarinet MORE efficiently than children—and how to leverage your adult brain for faster improvement.

Key Topics:

Why embouchure training must include air flow work

The upper lip pressure technique from Gigliotti Double-lip embouchure as daily tonic Articulation without closing your throat

How jaw anatomy affects tonguing placement

Teaching adults vs children effectively

What Rose really intended in the 32 Etudes Daniel Bonade's photographic memory and character

Resources mentioned:

Larry Guy's books (available through Camco Publishing):

The Complete Embouchure Book

The Complete Articulation Book Rose 32 Etudes Study Guide

The Complete Daniel Bonade

Join the Clarinet Ninja Dojo for systematic adult clarinet education: Clarinet Ninja

What clarinet equipment should you actually buy? Join Jay Hassler in this comprehensive clarinet gear guide with Quick Start Clarinet's Josh Goo and Queen Reed's Lynne Snyder as they reveal what to invest in at every budget level.

🎵 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

✅ Best clarinet equipment for a few hundred dollars (and it's not what you think!)

✅ Clarinet case comparison: Bam vs. Pro-Tech vs. Marcus Bona

✅ When to get a clarinet overhaul vs. clean, oil & adjust

✅ Buying used clarinets: What to look for and where to shop

✅ Why the Buffet E-12-F is an incredible value intermediate clarinet

✅ Josh's rave review of the Backun Alpha bass clarinet

✅ Why most clarinets don't work right out of the box

✅ Trusted clarinet dealers who properly set up instruments

🎼 FEATURED GUESTS:

Josh Goo - Quick Start Clarinet founder

Lynne Snyder - Queen Reed creator

Jay Hassler - Clarinet Ninja host

💡 KEY TAKEAWAY: The best investment for a few hundred dollars? Live concert tickets to hear professional clarinetists, then connect with them afterwards for invaluable advice and inspiration!

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Clarinet Ninja Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

• Quick Start Clarinet: https://www.quickstartclarinet.com/

• Queen Reed: https://www.lynnesnyder.com/blog

• Brian Corbin Clarinet Products: https://corbinclarinetproducts.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorb4r4Sfsk1l2O09v1YRN3wquSiA4sV1YFuO7-xv1qSBxA45W4G

• Rodriguez Musical Services: https://rodriguezmusical.com/

• EarSpasm Music (Michael Lowenstern): https://www.earspasm.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopI4YaBfVajYSvi7Xx-8d3B0kdMTzNxUk6YuunBw_0ev9rUySPk

📚 CONTINUE YOUR CLARINET JOURNEY: Join the Clarinet Ninja Dojo for weekly lessons, community support, and direct access to Jay Hassler: https://www.clarinetninja.com

🎙️ ABOUT THE CLARINET NINJA PODCAST: The Clarinet Ninja Podcast brings you expert interviews and practical lessons to help clarinet players of all levels improve, grow, and celebrate the clarinet.

👍 If you found this helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a 5-star review!

#Clarinet #ClarinetTips #ClarinetGear #MusicEducation #ClarinetLessons #Woodwinds #ClarinetEquipment #ClarinetAdvice #ClarinetCommunity

Clarinet Ninja Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

Clarinet Ninja Forum (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/6777812678921667

Calendly Link - talk to me free: https://calendly.com/theclarinetninja/30min

Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja

Clarinet Ninja approved products Links are affiliate links - a great (no cost to you) way to support the channel!

Mouthpieces: Affordable professional Bb clarinet mouthpiece:

Vandoren BD 4 https://amzn.to/3iSEmAc

Vandoren 5RV LYRE https://amzn.to/3H1mECA

Vandoren M30 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs

Student mouthpiece: Fobes Debut Student debut mouthpiece https://www.clarkwfobes.com/products/debut-clarinet-mouthpiece?variant=39983864774790

Brad Behn Overture mouthpiece https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/overture-student-clarinetmouthpiece

Vandoren V12 reeds:

#3 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs #3.5 https://amzn.to/3WvJHLD

#4 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY

Vandoren Traditional (Blue box)

#3 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY

#3.5 https://amzn.to/3ZKTGPY

#4 https://amzn.to/3QTusLm

Reed cases: Vandoren Hygro case Bb and Eb reeds https://amzn.to/3koZmPo

D'Addario Woodwinds Multi-Instrument Reed case https://amzn.to/3XubIVg

Rico Reed Guard Bb clarinet https://amzn.to/3J1h06d

Brad Behn Reed Cases https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/product-page/behn-reed-case

Books all clarinetists should have:

Baermann third division https://amzn.to/3j2fTsd

Kell Staccato studies https://amzn.to/3wkLisZ

Jean Jean Vade Mecum https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO

Rose 32 etudes https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO

Rose 40 etudes https://amzn.to/3GWDwdW

Kroepsch 416 progressive studies https://amzn.to/3wj48kb

Reed equipment:

Ridenour ATG reed finishing system https://amzn.to/3XqF7zu

ReedGeek Universal G4 reed tool https://amzn.to/3HnjWZC

400 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3H1oof6

600 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3j2hiyZ

Vandoren V12 Reed Trimmer https://amzn.to/3H7K8r6

Vandoren V21 and 56 Rue Lepic https://amzn.to/3GLkC9I

Vandoren Traditional https://amzn.to/3kjMQRi

Vandoren Black Master/Black Master Traditional https://amzn.to/3HcErs1

Vandoren White Master https://amzn.to/3kl4hRz

Ligatures:

Bonade inverted silver plated https://amzn.to/3wlJdNy

Vandoren M/O ligature https://amzn.to/3XPYNNg

Vandoren Optimum Ligature https://amzn.to/3QYvOof

Rovner Mark III https://amzn.to/3J6H7ZEa

approved products Links are affiliate links - a great way to support the channel!

Clarinet Ninja Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

Clarinet Ninja Forum (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/6777812678921667

Calendly Link - talk to me free:

https://calendly.com/theclarinetninja/30min

Ever wondered what clarinet accessories are actually worth your hard-earned money? In this game-changing episode, Clarinet Ninja host Jay Hasler sits down with two clarinet powerhouses: Josh Goo from Quick Start Clarinet and Lynne Snyder (aka Queen Reed) to decode the mystery of clarinet upgrades.

Clarinet NInja Amazon Store - No extra cost to you...but a great way to support the podcast!

Clarinet Ninja Merch

What You'll Discover:

🎵 The $60 Tool That Changes Everything - Lynne reveals her secret weapon for perfect reeds every single time (and why it beats expensive alternatives)

🎵 The Reed Case That Actually Works - Why the Brad Behn Reed Case is revolutionizing how pros store their reeds (hint: it's about those rails!)

🎵 The Boveda Pack Secret - How 49% humidity can make your reeds predictable and consistent (especially if you live in dry climates)

🎵 The Mouthpiece Truth Bomb - From $150 Vandorens to $300+ custom pieces—what's really worth it at each price point?

🎵 The Cork Grease Game-Changer - Mike Lowenstern's slippery cork secret that makes assembly effortless

🎵 The Tupperware Hack - Why every serious clarinetist needs a dedicated accessory container (and what to put in it) Perfect For: Intermediate players ready to level up Teachers looking for student recommendations Anyone tired of inconsistent reeds Players considering their next upgrade

Featured Experts: 

Jay Hasler - Clarinet NInja, Clarinet Ninja Dojo

Josh Goo - Creator of Quick Start Clarinet, renowned teacher

Lynne Snyder - Professional clarinetist, internet personality "Queen Reed"

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part 2 drops next week with even more upgrade secrets! Don't Miss: The "suck test" demonstration that every clarinetist needs to know (around minute 35) and why tweezers are the most underrated tool in your case.

Earspasm - Michael Lowenstern

What does it take to record two groundbreaking clarinet concertos?

Join us as we dive deep into Julian Bliss's extraordinary new album featuring the clarinet concertos of Magnus Lindberg and Kalevi Aho—two of today's most compelling contemporary composers. In this episode, we explore:

✨ The technical and artistic challenges of these modern masterworks

🎵 What makes Lindberg and Aho's compositions so unique

🎤 Julian's approach to interpreting contemporary classical music

📀 Behind-the-scenes insights from the recording process, whether you're a clarinetist, classical music lover, or curious about modern orchestral music, this conversation offers invaluable insights into one of the year's most significant clarinet releases.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES:

Julian Bliss Official Website: https://www.julianbliss.com/

Listen to the Album: -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1iLev7zNHl1X0cn7yi7i5A

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/lindberg-aho-clarinet-concertos/1828201426

Signum Records: https://signumrecords.com/

🎓 STUDY CLARINET WITH ME:

Join the Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

Clarinet Ninja Website: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

Free Content: https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help other clarinet enthusiasts discover these conversations! #JulianBliss #ClarinetConcerto #ClassicalMusic #ClarinetPodcast

Clarinetist/composer James Danderfer joins Jay to premiere his new album If Not Now (Celler Records), recorded at the storied Rudy Van Gelder Studio.

They dive into choosing clarinet vs. bass clarinet, arranging for a 7-piece band with three horns and vibes, the balance between classical sound concept and modern jazz feel, plus practical gear talk (Hawkins mouthpieces, Legère reeds, Selmer Privilege).

Hear how Danderfer treats each record as a snapshot in time—and why bass clarinet remains the most liberating voice in his toolkit.

Links: • If Not Now — stream/buy:

https://open.spotify.com/album/1Y8dJp1JtcTkMRlU9kIBqj?si=BtKo19KhS0GMCovUd3YPsw\

https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-not-now/1820276471

• James Danderfer: JamesDanderfer.com

• Clarinet Ninja Dojo (for adult players): https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

Clarinetninja.com

If you enjoyed this, please follow, rate, and review—it helps more clarinet lovers find the show.

In this episode we explore how bass clarinet artistry and community work can inform each other. Todd shares how he writes from the life around him, why giving the bass clarinet a leadership role matters, and what adult learners can borrow for tone, time feel, and phrasing.

The through line is simple. People are multifaceted. Music can help you become the whole person you want to be.

Intersectionofchange: https://intersectionofchange.org/

Todd Marcus: https://toddmarcusjazz.com/

Todd Marcus on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VCFQQXicToIzbO3RFmRop

Clarinet Ninja:

Clarinetninja.com

Clarinet Ninja Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

My Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja

David Gould shares the story behind New Picture, his new bass clarinet recording. We explore how the album took shape, working closely with composers, lessons from his study with David Weber and Philippe Cuper, the transition from Bb to bass clarinet, and practical insights on mouthpieces and reeds. In this episode:

• How the concept of New Picture became a finished album

• Collaborative approaches that refine tone, articulation, and style

• Training influences from David Weber and Philippe Cuper

• A clear path for moving from Bb to bass clarinet

• Mouthpiece and reed choices that balance color, response, and tuning

Keywords: bass clarinet, David Gould, New Picture, clarinet interview, David Weber, Philippe Cuper, living composers, clarinet mouthpiece, clarinet reeds, Bb to bass clarinet, clarinet tips, adult clarinetists, clarinet gear.

David Gould: https://www.dgclarinet.com/

New Picture on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2zt0sZIIAMhJP0JCD9FZGs

New Picture on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/new-picture/1764131379

Clarinet Ninja Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

Clarinet Ninja Forum (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/6777812678921667

Calendly Link - talk to me free: https://calendly.com/theclarinetninja/30min

Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja 

#BassClarinet #DavidGould #NewPicture #ClarinetPodcast #Clarinet #NewMusic #ClassicalMusic #ClarinetCommunity #ClarinetGear #ClarinetPractice #Woodwinds #ContemporaryClassical #RecordingLife

Preparing for a clarinet audition can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we explore The Audition Method for Clarinet by Benjamin Baron, a groundbreaking resource designed to help clarinetists succeed in auditions at every level.

You’ll learn: 🎵 Why auditions can feel so overwhelming for clarinetists 🎵 How Baron’s Audition Method breaks down preparation into clear, practical steps 🎵 Simple strategies you can start using right away to boost your confidence and performance Whether you’re auditioning for an orchestra, a school program, or simply want to push your clarinet playing further, this episode will give you tools to prepare smarter—not harder.

📘 Featured Book: The Audition Method for Clarinet by Benjamin Baron 🎶 Perfect for: Clarinet students, adult learners, and anyone facing auditions 👉 If you enjoy this episode, please follow the show and leave a review—it helps more clarinetists like you find this resource!

#Clarinet #ClarinetPodcast #ClarinetAudition #ClarinetTips

Ben Baron: https://www.benjaminbaron.com/

The Audition Method for clarinet Vol. 1: https://amzn.to/4oEVSoJ

The Audition Method for clarinet Vol. 2: https://amzn.to/4oEX5MN

James Danderfer:https:www.jamesdanderfer.com/

All Clarinet Ninja links: https:linktr.ee/theclarinetninja