I was wondering what everyone's daily exercises are. I really need to work on getting a dark sound and a more fuller sound. Besides long tones, how can I practice to achieve this?
As well, my clarinet playing isn't as fluid as I'd like it to be. Any opinions/tips on this? By fluid I mean like... stops in the sound, going over the break (both to clarion and altissimo), stuff like that.
Thanks =]
Re: Daily Exercises 19:45 on Thursday, May 7, 2009
I know you said other than long tones, but ... long tones are the key. It's not just playing long notes, though. You really need to pay attention to your air and embouchure and the sound it produces. If you want some way to make them more interesting check out Howard Klug's book "The Clarinet Doctor". He has a really good section on long tones, as well as a lot of other good stuff. Also, listen to really good clarinetists as much as possible.
As for fluidity, it's all about a stable embouchure; fast, constant air; and smooth fingers. For register changes practice 12ths and 6ths. These help you to isolate the air and embouchure and make sure they're working before you add the fingers.