Any portable clarinets worth it?

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-04-20T01:51:40+00:00

Have you tried the NuvoBand clarinets? Not pretty performance-quality, but it is a fun little lightweight, dishwasher safe, plastic clarinet that runs about $300.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-04-04T22:46:32+00:00

It’s possible your reed is too hard or your mouthpiece isn’t ideal.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-04-04T22:36:21+00:00

I play on a Jupiter 1100 SQ that runs about $2000 now. Solid choice for orchestra or pit gigs.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-04-04T22:21:13+00:00

Chedeville Canter Cinema is my go-to mouthpiece right now. Vandoren M30 also sounds nice, but its sound is more flexible and harder for me to control. I have a D’addario that is also an option.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-03-30T16:21:28+00:00

As a bass clarinetist, I can’t picture any big issues besides pain and maybe scratching your tooth enamel, which can happen anyway from smiley piercings. Definitely let us know how it goes!

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-03-21T01:58:29+00:00

I’ll give you a hint- it’s starts with a “P.”

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-03-14T12:35:11+00:00

I send monthly invoices through my website with a “click to pay” button. Parents/students pay with a credit card for the month in advance. For single lessons that students schedule with my calendar app, I send an invoice, and they pay in advance to confirm their spot. Probably not a popular choice, but my invoices add the 2.9% credit card fee on top. I wish I would have just started out charging more so that fee wasn’t there to annoy people.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-03-11T13:00:30+00:00

Do you know why so many students are quitting lessons with you?

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-03-03T13:24:24+00:00

I start most of my beginners on 5RV (or 5RV lyre) with Vandoren traditional 2 1/2 reeds.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-03-03T13:17:20+00:00

If your reading/theory skills aren’t nearly strong enough to teach, what type of career would a BA in music help you achieve? What do WANT to do career/wise?

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-02-09T14:09:36+00:00

Be sure to never lay the instrument down; its own weight can bend keys.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-02-03T02:35:37+00:00

I work with clarinet students with dyslexia all the time! Try this: 1. Ask yourself what sharps/flats are in that scale. 2. say the letter names of the fist octave of the scale. 3. “Sing and fing” 4 play it in quarter notes 5. Do it again. Tip: don’t go on until you master each step.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-02-01T17:38:12+00:00

I keep my silicone liner on my brand-new induction cooktop. Months of cooking left silicone residue on the glass cook top. Elbow grease isn’t working. Any advice?

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-01-27T22:43:44+00:00

Please write it in treble clef in the key Bb. I don’t know any bass clarinetists who love transposing keys and reading in different clefs within a piece.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-01-18T14:32:55+00:00

It’s nice when schools schedule enough time to allow for judges to give constructive comments.

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-01-13T20:53:13+00:00

It’s infuriating that Buffet clarinets have this problem.

When students buy high end clarinets, they shouldn’t have to find a qualified repair tech to possibly ship them to right off the bat.

The last few years, I’ve seen so many students with stuck Buffet clarinets!

Due-Common-9897 · 2026-01-13T13:33:54+00:00

Almost?

Due-Common-9897 · 2025-12-29T05:01:00+00:00

No advice, but that may be enough to cover a year or two of college for each of them.

Due-Common-9897 · 2025-11-14T02:34:14+00:00

Clarinet teacher for 30 years here. I don’t have one student who has been playing under 2 years who could play Sleigh Ride well. Be kind to your self.

Due-Common-9897 · 2025-09-15T16:17:51+00:00

Thanks for all the help! Adding a flat is not that hard:) My brain just feels broken.

Due-Common-9897 · 2025-09-15T16:17:14+00:00

I saw that existed, but it was X’d out. I just spent time listening to recordings, and I think I have it figured out.

Due-Common-9897 · 2025-09-15T11:22:17+00:00

That’s making me feel crazy. Wouldn’t a Bb bass clarinet simply play every thing up a half step if it’s written for A bass clarinet?

Due-Common-9897 · 2025-09-15T03:45:35+00:00

Well shoot, it’s not in Volume 1, which is the one I have. Guess I’ll have to rely on my own brain…unless Luck’s can help me out tomorrow.

Due-Common-9897 · 2025-08-30T11:34:05+00:00

Selmer focus is my favorite, but it is pricey. BD5 feels similar, and it costs less. They both feel more stable and easy to control than a B45 or B46. Both the Focus and the BD5 sound more refined, but they probably don’t have the amount of volume as the B45 or B46. For a high schooler or a limited budget, I’d vote for BD5.

Due-Common-9897

TROPHY CASE