Hey everyone, I was wondering if you guys could help me out with something...

Whenever I play I always get this small squeaking noise on different notes, whether i slur up, down, or if I`m just attacking a note by itself. My teacher and I have no idea what the problem is and it`s really getting in the way of my progression as we`ve been spending all of my recent lessons addressing this issue. I play in several orchestras and groups and I am going to make a career out of being an orchestral clarinetist (I`m 17 right now). This problem is not noticeable in a large ensemble but my fear is that it will hurt me in college auditions and solo playing. It is also very annoying and I am at the point where it will probably start to discourage me from practicing.

I tried 3 other clarinets with different reeds, mouthpieces, and ligatures, but the same problem occurs, so I am pretty sure that the source of the problem is me and my embochure, but I have not changed my embochure for 3 years so I do not understand why this problem has just started occuring.

Can someone please help me out?

I am 17 as well and I am currently changing my embochure too. While it is slowly getting better, I still squeek a little. Actually me changing my embochure is making me squeek, but I know in the long run that it will get better. I`d say, don`t bite, don`t be too loosy goosy, and just keep your corners in. Corners in, chin down. What kind of reeds are you using? If you change your embochure, you might need to change your reed strength too.

Good luck and just get at it! That`s the only way it`ll stop: just do it!

Hi I am also a 17 year old clarinetist. I had the same problem a few years back when I started to change my embochure. It took my band director an myself a while to figure out that all that I really needed was a stronger reed now. I too am looking to professional playing for a career, but for me it is hard because I am blind and have to memorize everything that we play. As of right now I play in a professional polka band and have a lot of fun with other members of the band who see me more as a great clarinetist then a blind person.

Well, I`m 16, and I used to have a problem with squeaking. I fixed it by getting a different hardness of reed. Most people need to go down in hardness, but if that doesn`t, then go up in hardness. But if that doesn`t work, then maybe get a new mouthpeice or something. Good luck!

=O i`ve been squeaking a lot too! but then again, i use lvl 2 reeds... i always squeak when i get to this part in this song we`re going that has 11 F`s (the ones at the top of the staff) in eighth notes. it takes up to the 4th eight noe or so or me to control the note... =/ sad thing is, all the other clarinets just don`t play that part b/c they think it`s high. =/

Well, I have another suggestion. Use a lot of breath support. That usually helps with the squeaks.