I want to play clarinet again after 15 years.

Question

From about 5th grade through high school I played clarinet. I regret now that I ever stopped. I'd like to play it again - I'm taking my Buffet to the shop today to get new pads and stuff - but I have a feeling I will remember nothing. How do I get started again?

I don't even know what reeds to buy anymore.

Answer 1

Just buy your reeds and blow. Honestly, I haven't played my flute for years, but I still remember the scales once I put my hands on it. If you feel a bit rusty talk to the person at the instrument supply store. Best of Luck!

Answer 2

Hi Texas,

   Everything is going to come right back to you, as soon as you get started.  You have not played for quiet a long time, so I recommend you get a small box of 5 Vandoren reeds with a 2 1/2 strength.  You may not need stronger until you have worked up your embouchure... then you would be advancing to the 3.  

While you are at the music store,  look for two good books that will definitely bring everything back to you.

1.  Rubank Elementary Method for Clarinet - which will refresh your memory.  It also has a nice fingering chart in the front.  $7.00

2.  Rubank Intermediate Method for Clarinet - which will continue to  review you on the skills and techniques.  

From there and after you have completed both books and feel confident again,  you can pick up a nice scales book as well as an Etude studies book.

It will not be long before you are reliving your wonderful playing days again.  This time,  just keep going.  You can play until you are at least 81.  :))   ...... my daughterr has an 81 year old student who just started in the spring.  He is doing great!!!

Hope that helps and best of luck to you.

Thanks for reading.

Answer 3

Try the Standard Book of Excellence (the red one) it explains everything very thoroughly, and you can also get an enhanced edition that comes with a cd for your computer that helps you remember to play. It also has a fingering chart in the back. You may also want a private teacher. Ask your music store where you're getting the repairs done about a good one. Private teachers have boat loads of sheet music, and can move along at the same pace as you.

Try 2 1/2 or 3 reeds. Rico has the cheapest, but the worst quality. I use vandoren. If you buy them off the internet, they're cheaper. But you'll probably want to start off with rico in case you break one.