QuickStart Clarinet Blog

According to Music Learning Theory, we should learn music the same way we would learn any native language, by hearing it first, then speaking, then reading and writing.

That’s why you are able to get the rhythm if you hear it first or are following along with the people around you (assuming they...

If you…

• Can’t play something until you hear it
• Follow rather than lead when playing with others
• Get lost or fall behind in rehearsal
• Can write in counting, but can’t confidently execute it
• Absolutely loathe the metronome

Then you are likely what I call a Rhythm Faker!

And if you are...

I recently submitted an entry to the International Clarinet Association's Young Artist Competition. I have no idea how competitive my recordings were, but I know I was not in the top 3. Even though I didn't win, I learned some valuable lessons on what it takes to win that I think are worth sharing.

After talking about the ICA video on warm-ups, it made me want to share another exciting warm-up resource that I do.

Each Monday morning (central time morning), I go live on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to go over a warm-up exercise, and challenge my viewers to do it as well and see what they c...

Though COVID-19 and recent times have been incredibly difficult for so many people, and everything is being cancelled, one silver lining is all of the wonderful virtual festivals that have been popping up!

Just this last weekend, the largest clarinet festival, the International Clarinet Association...

Recently I did a 4 week deep dive on how to practice over on the QuickStart Clarinet YouTube channel, and I compiled it all into one organized page to make it really easy for you to access.

Click Here to get to my How to Practice Page (www.quickstartclarinet.com/practice)

I will also be adding any...

I love being able to share new cool things happening in the clarinet world, and the Clarineat Master Series is a really exciting project!

Sean Perrin and Richard Hawkins have teamed up to present interviews and discussions with some of the best clarinetists in the world!

It has been so fascinating...

I'm super excited to be sharing this resource that will have a hugely positive impact on the productivity of your practicing, if you actually download it and put it to use!

This is The Ultimate Practice Guide, which will help you to organize your practice and keep you motivated to get the results y...

No, I will not stop with the Spongebob image!

I also won't stop sharing my ideas on how to get more out of your clarinet and musical journey!

So, let's pick up where we left off last week, and talk about analyzing music.

Most college students take theory and musicology courses for 2+ years that a...