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(deb)
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Hi Kate, your problem playing be may be as simple as making sure you are covering all the holes completely.
Now I`m an oldie, playing since 4th grade thru college, took a break for 14 yrs, and I am now in a community orchestra and taking private lessons from a wonderful French Canadian instructor who just earned his doctorate degree in performance of the clarinet. (Tempe, AZ)
There was so much I didn`t know so it was like starting over. So that`s wonderful you`re taking lessons!
If you`re squeaking you may be biting (which is too much pressure from the back of your jaws, an action like when you`re chewing while eating.)
Place your top teeth on the mouthpiece, without using them to bite the mouthpiece, but rather just hold it. Think firm embochure (sides of your mouth)and keep your lower jaw a little more open and your chin pointed down, that should open up your sound when you blow air.
Tell yourself you can do it, that`s 90% of it. When you`re playing a B it takes more air blown into the instrument to get the clarinet to sound (think warm air and constant air while you`re blowing), that should help.
Try thinking positive thoughts and once you`re sure the holes are covered completely, think only one thing - constant air. If you`re focused on a zillion things at once your brain gets clogged. Once you get it to sound, remember the sound in your head before you try it again. (positive reinforcement)
I guarantee you that will get you there.
Good Luck. I`m sure you`ll get it.
Ps, I still use my Evette Buffet wood clarinet from France, that my parents bought me in the 4th grade. Even my instructor thinks it`s awesome!
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