The Clarinet: Special Tonguing Techniques

458 Words2 Pages
Composers trying to learn to play the clarinet must learn how to articulate properly to ensure clean and distinct rhythms. Learning to play the clarinet is a good idea for composers that want to understand how the instrument works and learn to avoid the many pitfalls involved in writing music for the instrument. One of the most common issues involved with learning to play the clarinet is the ability to accurately articulate clean and clear articulations. The clarinet requires the use of a special tonguing technique to ensure that each note is heard clearly. When proper technique isn’t used, the sound of the rhythm won’t come out clear and distinct. Mastering the ability to accurately play and count rhythms on the clarinet makes it possible to develop an increased ability to sight-read music and analysis rhythms in your own compositions. Composers that are learning to play the clarinet to can achieve a better feel for how to compose for the instrument should use technique to improve their ability to write idiomatic and appropriate music for the clarinet. There is no special technique to the actual counting of rhythms on the clarinet. If you can’t clap or sing the rhythm, you’re not going to be able to play it correctly. Before you pick up your instrument, set a metronome to the appropriate tempo for the piece and clap the rhythm…show more content…
Practice saying the word “dee” and you’ll have an idea of the proper technique you should be using on the clarinet. The clarinet requires a softer articulation than brass instruments. As you increase the speed of the rhythm, you’re going toned to move your tongue in closer to the reed to receive the best results. If you still have trouble performing the rhythm, remove the pitch element and just play the rhythm on a single tone. This can help you articulate the rhythm and eliminate the added complication of playing the correct
Show More
Related

  • Paul Taffanel

    1365 Words  | 6 Pages

    arranged pieces such as Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber. Paul Taffanel died in 1908, leaving behind the well-established modern French Flute School. Taffanel’s teaching is still in use today, with his emphasis on the quality of sound and technique. His students furthered his work throughout the world and as a result the French style of playing, perfected by Taffanel himself, is the most widely accepted and taught way of playing the flute. His true legacy can be seen in the quality and variety

    Read More

More about The Clarinet: Special Tonguing Techniques

Open Document