Category Archives: Woodwind Instruments
Saxophones/Flutes – check sticky pads
Hi all, Always check for pads that are sticking. Doing this before playing will save that embarrassing moment when a note comes out incorrect! The suspect ones to check are G#, low C# and the Bis keywork. Flutes – … Continue reading
Reeds – Don’t attach yourself to them…
Too many students play on reeds that are broken or just worn out. A reed only has a certain shelf life once used for the first time – think of them as yogurts in the fridge. Also, you may occasionally … Continue reading
A Thank you
In response to me saying about donating new unused reeds of a strength you won’t use anymore – Big thanks to Ian Stubbs for donating about 20 reeds to the pool of reeds I use for students wishing to experiment … Continue reading
Unused reeds…
Hi, To all clarinet and saxophone students, please do let me have any reeds that you haven’t used and aren’t planning too. I have a little bank of reeds (all new), that I give out to any student if … Continue reading
Clarinet Repertoire
The clarinet is a fantastic instrument – my advice is to make sure that you know what type of music it is typically adapted and engineered to play. Yes it can play pop and film themes, however not nearly as … Continue reading
Balanced Pressure
Many new saxophone players ‘bite’ too hard. The saxophone is all about equal amount of pressure and balance. Not too little mouthpiece in the mouth and not too much. Not too tight an embouchure and mouth support and not too … Continue reading
Relaxed Embouchure…
Hi all, within reason try to keep a relaxed embouchure. The squeak that many musicians face at the start of playing clarinet /saxophone is due to either lack of embouchure but more commonly being too tight on the mouthpiece and … Continue reading
Runyon Mouthpieces
There are a fantastic set of mouthpieces for saxophone and clarinet at the runyon website. These mouthpieces are easy to play, have a high sound and baffle and project notes like no other mouthpiece I’ve tried to date – particularly … Continue reading
