Expert: jack wiard - 9/23/2011

Question
Hi Jack
Wondering if you can help identify what I'm doing wrong.....When I tongue the high notes I make a croaking sound on impact with the reed....not exactly a squeak but kind of.
This only happens when I tongue the note....I am trying to tongue the reed more gently and just at the tip...Could this be it?

Answer
Hello  Claire...I used to have the same problem...There is a method book called 'STACCATO STUDIES' by REGINALD KELL  [ a great classical clarinetist from England]...Looking at that book would fix your problem....If you have a metronome....set it at 80...then  90...then  100...then  110...then  120....On all these settings...try playing  1 note  against  click...then 2 notes...then 3 notes [triplet]...then 4 notes.[semiquavers]..etc....The proper air pressure must be behind the tongue before you release it...All the notes must be even [same volume]....I prefer my tongue at the tip of the reed...Some prefer it slightly furthur back....The notes to play for this exercise  would be open g...then c[third space]   then g above that  [top of stave]   ...then high c  [thumb]  and the d abobove that.....that will allow you to experience the clarinet resistance in all these registers....I trust you have a good clarinet/mouthpiece/ and reeds that are not to stiff for you...Cheers   JACK