The Clarinet Ninja Podcast: Clarinet Lessons & Practice Tips

What if two clarinetists learned from the same master teacher, but ended up sounding completely different? In this episode, I talk with my friend of 33 years, Evan Christopher, about our shared roots under clarinetist Gary Bovyer and how we each took that foundational training in radically different directions. We discuss the role of genre, artistic choices, and how musical identity is shaped over time. Whether you're a player, a teacher, or just a curious listener, this conversation will give you insight into how clarinetists build their sound, and why there’s no one right way to go with it.

My links:https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

Evan: https://www.clarinetroad.com/

We often think progress on the clarinet comes from focused effort—hours of practice, carefully chosen reeds, and targeted exercises. But sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs begin somewhere completely unexpected. On June 11, 2003, I had blood clots in my brain. I didn’t know it at the time, but that medical emergency would become one of the most defining moments of both my life and my clarinet playing. In this episode, I share how surviving that event forced me to rethink everything—from how I approached my career to how I understood discomfort, identity, and growth. And I draw direct lines between those lessons and the clarinet: how real improvement often starts with disruption. When you change your voicing, your tonguing reacts. When you focus on articulation, your tone may fall apart—at first. But within that mess is the seed of real transformation. Whether you’re navigating a personal challenge or just wrestling with your air support or articulation, this episode reframes discomfort as a necessary—and powerful—tool for musical growth. Sometimes the biggest changes in your playing start with the things you never asked for.

all my stuff: https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

Are you ready for the clarinet event of the year? 🎶 Join me for a fun and inspiring conversation with Dr. Cathy Wood, President of the International Clarinet Association (ICA), and Jessica Harrie, ICA Executive Director, as we dive into everything you need to know about ClarinetFest® 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas – July 9–13! We also talk about the special Pre-ClarinetFest Enthusiasts Event happening July 7–8, created just for adult clarinet lovers looking for connection, learning, and community before the convention kicks off. In this episode:

✅ Why ClarinetFest® is a life-changing experience for clarinetists of all levels

✅ What to expect this year in Fort Worth

✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from ICA leadership

✅ How YOU can be part of this unforgettable week

✅ And… how to register before it’s too late! Whether you're a performer, teacher, adult learner, or just love the clarinet — this is your invitation to join us in Texas this summer!

👇 Links + Info Below 👇

🔗 Register for ClarinetFest® 2025: https://clarinet.org/clarinetfest-registration-2025/

🎧 Learn More About Clarinet Ninja:https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

🎶 Check Out James Danderfer: https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/ 📬 Contact Me: [email protected]

🎧 Ever feel like your progress is slower than it should be? In this inspiring episode, I reflect on my journey recovering from a broken foot and the surprising parallels it shares with learning the clarinet as an adult.

Here is me: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

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

James Danderfer: https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

💥 From pain and patience to tiny wins and trust in the process, this story is a reminder that healing—and learning—aren’t linear. Whether you're nursing an injury or nurturing your skills, this episode is here to lift you up and remind you: you’re doing better than you think.

🛠️ Themes we explore: How rest IS progress Why setbacks don’t mean failure Trusting your teachers—and your body Celebrating the tiniest victories Staying motivated through frustration Building strength, one step at a time

🖤 For every adult clarinetist who’s ever wondered, “Is it supposed to be this hard?”—this one’s for you. 👉 Hit play and let’s reframe how we think about learning and growth!

🎶 In Part 2 of our conversation with master craftsman Brad Behn, we dive deep into how he actually creates his legendary clarinet mouthpieces. From material selection to design philosophy and precision hand-finishing, Brad shares insider secrets behind the mouthpieces trusted by top clarinetists worldwide.

Brad Behn: https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/

Find me: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.com/

Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.bandcamp.com/music

🔥 Topics we cover:

How Brad Behn designs and makes clarinet mouthpieces

What makes a mouthpiece truly special

Common myths about clarinet mouthpiece manufacturing

🎧 Whether you're a clarinet enthusiast, professional player, or gear nerd, you’ll love this behind-the-scenes look into the world of premium clarinet craftsmanship. Subscribe to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast for more clarinet inspiration!

#Clarinet #BradBehn #ClarinetMouthpiece #ClarinetCraftsmanship #ClarinetNinja #ClarinetGear #WoodwindLife

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/3J6H7ZE

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

🎶 In this episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, we sit down with world-renowned mouthpiece, barrel, bell, reed, and reed case maker Brad Behn. Discover how Brad’s journey from professional clarinetist to master craftsman began — and what inspired him to revolutionize clarinet gear. If you've ever wondered how the best clarinet mouthpieces are made, or how passion and artistry shape great craftsmanship, this episode is for you!

Brad Behn: https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/

Find me: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.com/

Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.bandcamp.com/music

🔥 Topics we cover: Brad Behn’s journey from performance to mouthpiece design How top-quality clarinet mouthpieces are born Advice for clarinetists looking to upgrade their setup 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast for more clarinet insights, interviews, and gear deep-dives! #Clarinet #BradBehn #ClarinetMouthpiece #ClarinetPodcast #ClarinetNinja #ClarinetGear #woodwindquintet 

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/3J6H7ZE

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

In this episode, we dive into Writing the Vandoren Wave, a compelling collection of essays by acclaimed clarinetist and educator Mitchell Estrin. This book offers powerful insights into the art of clarinet playing, thoughtful reflections on music education, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential brands in the clarinet world—Vandoren.

🎶 Why this book matters:
Writing the Vandoren Wave isn't just for clarinetists—it’s for teachers, students, and anyone passionate about music education. Mitch brings decades of wisdom, humor, and real-world experience to every page.

Check me out here: ClarinetNinja.com

🛒 Grab your copy here:
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mitch-estrin-new-york-philharmonic-university-of/id1806592700?i=1000704401678

📬 Stay in the loop with Vandoren:
Get more tips, interviews, and inspiration straight to your inbox by subscribing to The Wave, Vandoren's official newsletter.
👉https://www.dansr.com/vandoren/resources

Performed with the New York Philharmonic, working under legendary conductors like Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta.

Professor of Clarinet at the University of Florida, where he mentors the next generation of clarinetists.

Former president of the International Clarinet Association (ICA).

A longtime Vandoren artist and passionate advocate for excellence in clarinet education.

Whether you're a clarinetist, music educator, or lifelong learner, this conversation and Mitch's book will leave you feeling inspired and reconnected to your musical purpose.

Episode 3: Molly Gebrian – Learn Faster, Perform Better In this episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, I’m joined by Molly Gebrian, violist, neuroscientist, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better. She breaks down how the brain works and shares science-backed practice strategies to help you learn the clarinet more efficiently. If you’ve ever wondered how to practice smarter—not just harder—this episode is for you!

James Danderfers music https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

Dr. Gebrian's book: https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA

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

Episode 1: Ricardo Morales – From Prodigy to Principal In the premiere episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Ricardo Morales. We dive into his journey to becoming principal clarinet of the MET Opera at just 21 years old, as well as my experience studying with him in the mid-1990s. Along the way, we share laughs, stories, and invaluable insights into the world of clarinet playing. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

James Danderfers music https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

Dr. Gebrian's book: https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA

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

Episode 4: Molly Gebrian – Science-Based Practice Techniques Molly Gebrian returns to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast to dive even deeper into the science of learning. In this episode, she shares specific, research-backed practice techniques to help you improve faster and retain what you learn more effectively. If you're looking to take your clarinet playing to the next level with smarter practice, you won’t want to miss this!

Dr. Gebrian's book:  https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA

James Danderer's music: https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

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