History of the clarinet
November 12, 2023How to relax before playing in public?
November 14, 202301
Ask a teacher for help
Your clarinet or saxophone teacher can help you identify errors and give you the right advice to correct them, so feel free to ask questions and learn from their expertise.
02
Record yourself
Record yourself when you play so you can listen to your playing objectively. This will enable you to spot mistakes you might not notice while playing. Sometimes, to gain perspective, it can be useful to wait a few minutes before listening to yourself again. This gives you a "fresh" ear.
03
Analyze your mistakes
Listen to your recordings or work with your teacher to analyze the mistakes you frequently make. Identify patterns and underlying causes. Setting high standards for yourself is vital, because music deserves the very best interpretation, precision and accuracy. When tackling pieces from the repertoire, bear in mind that you are taking on the role of "devoted servant” to the composers. It is essential to respect their intentions as closely as you can.
04
Isolate specific problems
After spotting errors, isolate challenging sections or exercises. Practice them slowly and repeatedly to improve your precision and technique, and consider taking proactive steps to help you more easily overcome any difficulties that may arise.
05
Practice slowly
When working on difficult passages, take your time and play them slowly to make sure each fingering and note is correct. Gradually increase speed while maintaining accuracy.
06
Be patient and persistent
Learning an instrument takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and persevere despite mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and progress.
07
Be aware of your progress
When you correct a mistake and see your skills improving, be happy with the work you've done and the progress you've made. This will boost your motivation and your commitment to learning.