The Clarinet Ninja Podcast

Jay Hassler
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  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

The Clarinet Ninja Podcast brings you insightful interviews with clarinet players and practical lessons to help musicians of all ages and skill levels learn, grow, and celebrate the clarinet. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, join us for expert tips, inspiring stories, and all things clarinet!

  1. Julian Bliss on His Stunning New Album: Lindberg & Aho Clarinet Concertos | Inside the Recording

    5 DAYS AGO

    Julian Bliss on His Stunning New Album: Lindberg & Aho Clarinet Concertos | Inside the Recording

    What does it take to record two groundbreaking clarinet concertos? Join us as we dive deep into Julian Bliss's extraordinary new album featuring the clarinet concertos of Magnus Lindberg and Kalevi Aho—two of today's most compelling contemporary composers. In this episode, we explore: ✨ The technical and artistic challenges of these modern masterworks 🎵 What makes Lindberg and Aho's compositions so unique 🎤 Julian's approach to interpreting contemporary classical music 📀 Behind-the-scenes insights from the recording process, whether you're a clarinetist, classical music lover, or curious about modern orchestral music, this conversation offers invaluable insights into one of the year's most significant clarinet releases. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES: Julian Bliss Official Website: https://www.julianbliss.com/ Listen to the Album: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1iLev7zNHl1X0cn7yi7i5A Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/lindberg-aho-clarinet-concertos/1828201426 Signum Records: https://signumrecords.com/ 🎓 STUDY CLARINET WITH ME: Join the Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing Clarinet Ninja Website: https://www.clarinetninja.com/ Free Content: https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help other clarinet enthusiasts discover these conversations! #JulianBliss #ClarinetConcerto #ClassicalMusic #ClarinetPodcast

    1h 16m
  2. James Danderfer — If Not Now: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet & The Van Gelder Sound

    29 SEPT

    James Danderfer — If Not Now: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet & The Van Gelder Sound

    Clarinetist/composer James Danderfer joins Jay to premiere his new album If Not Now (Celler Records), recorded at the storied Rudy Van Gelder Studio. They dive into choosing clarinet vs. bass clarinet, arranging for a 7-piece band with three horns and vibes, the balance between classical sound concept and modern jazz feel, plus practical gear talk (Hawkins mouthpieces, Legère reeds, Selmer Privilege). Hear how Danderfer treats each record as a snapshot in time—and why bass clarinet remains the most liberating voice in his toolkit. Links: • If Not Now — stream/buy: https://open.spotify.com/album/1Y8dJp1JtcTkMRlU9kIBqj?si=BtKo19KhS0GMCovUd3YPsw\ https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-not-now/1820276471 • James Danderfer: JamesDanderfer.com • Clarinet Ninja Dojo (for adult players): https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing Clarinetninja.com If you enjoyed this, please follow, rate, and review—it helps more clarinet lovers find the show.

    1h 2m
  3. The Transformative Power of Jazz with Todd Marcus

    18 SEPT

    The Transformative Power of Jazz with Todd Marcus

    In this episode we explore how bass clarinet artistry and community work can inform each other. Todd shares how he writes from the life around him, why giving the bass clarinet a leadership role matters, and what adult learners can borrow for tone, time feel, and phrasing. The through line is simple. People are multifaceted. Music can help you become the whole person you want to be. Intersectionofchange: https://intersectionofchange.org/ Todd Marcus: https://toddmarcusjazz.com/ Todd Marcus on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VCFQQXicToIzbO3RFmRop Clarinet Ninja: Clarinetninja.com Clarinet Ninja Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing My Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja

    59 min
  4. Inside "New Picture": Hidden Lessons from David Gould on Bass Clarinet

    3 SEPT

    Inside "New Picture": Hidden Lessons from David Gould on Bass Clarinet

    David Gould shares the story behind New Picture, his new bass clarinet recording. We explore how the album took shape, working closely with composers, lessons from his study with David Weber and Philippe Cuper, the transition from Bb to bass clarinet, and practical insights on mouthpieces and reeds. In this episode: • How the concept of New Picture became a finished album • Collaborative approaches that refine tone, articulation, and style • Training influences from David Weber and Philippe Cuper • A clear path for moving from Bb to bass clarinet • Mouthpiece and reed choices that balance color, response, and tuning Keywords: bass clarinet, David Gould, New Picture, clarinet interview, David Weber, Philippe Cuper, living composers, clarinet mouthpiece, clarinet reeds, Bb to bass clarinet, clarinet tips, adult clarinetists, clarinet gear. David Gould: https://www.dgclarinet.com/ New Picture on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2zt0sZIIAMhJP0JCD9FZGs New Picture on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/new-picture/1764131379 Clarinet Ninja Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing Clarinet Ninja Forum (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/6777812678921667 Calendly Link - talk to me free: https://calendly.com/theclarinetninja/30min Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/ Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja  #BassClarinet #DavidGould #NewPicture #ClarinetPodcast #Clarinet #NewMusic #ClassicalMusic #ClarinetCommunity #ClarinetGear #ClarinetPractice #Woodwinds #ContemporaryClassical #RecordingLife

    1h 1m
  5. Clarinet Audition Secrets: The Audition Method for Clarinet by Benjamin Baron

    18 AUG

    Clarinet Audition Secrets: The Audition Method for Clarinet by Benjamin Baron

    Preparing for a clarinet audition can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we explore The Audition Method for Clarinet by Benjamin Baron, a groundbreaking resource designed to help clarinetists succeed in auditions at every level. You’ll learn: 🎵 Why auditions can feel so overwhelming for clarinetists 🎵 How Baron’s Audition Method breaks down preparation into clear, practical steps 🎵 Simple strategies you can start using right away to boost your confidence and performance Whether you’re auditioning for an orchestra, a school program, or simply want to push your clarinet playing further, this episode will give you tools to prepare smarter—not harder. 📘 Featured Book: The Audition Method for Clarinet by Benjamin Baron 🎶 Perfect for: Clarinet students, adult learners, and anyone facing auditions 👉 If you enjoy this episode, please follow the show and leave a review—it helps more clarinetists like you find this resource! #Clarinet #ClarinetPodcast #ClarinetAudition #ClarinetTips   Ben Baron: https://www.benjaminbaron.com/ The Audition Method for clarinet Vol. 1: https://amzn.to/4oEVSoJ The Audition Method for clarinet Vol. 2: https://amzn.to/4oEX5MN James Danderfer:https:www.jamesdanderfer.com/ All Clarinet Ninja links: https:linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

    1h 5m
  6. Jazz vs Classical Clarinet: How One Teacher Shaped Two Totally Different Sounds

    23 JUN

    Jazz vs Classical Clarinet: How One Teacher Shaped Two Totally Different Sounds

    What if two clarinetists learned from the same master teacher, but ended up sounding completely different? In this episode, I talk with my friend of 33 years, Evan Christopher, about our shared roots under clarinetist Gary Bovyer and how we each took that foundational training in radically different directions. We discuss the role of genre, artistic choices, and how musical identity is shaped over time. Whether you're a player, a teacher, or just a curious listener, this conversation will give you insight into how clarinetists build their sound, and why there’s no one right way to go with it. My links:https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja Evan: https://www.clarinetroad.com/

    1h 16m
  7. Clarinet, Crisis, and Change: How a Blood Clot Reshaped My Playing—and My Life

    11 JUN

    Clarinet, Crisis, and Change: How a Blood Clot Reshaped My Playing—and My Life

    We often think progress on the clarinet comes from focused effort—hours of practice, carefully chosen reeds, and targeted exercises. But sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs begin somewhere completely unexpected. On June 11, 2003, I had blood clots in my brain. I didn’t know it at the time, but that medical emergency would become one of the most defining moments of both my life and my clarinet playing. In this episode, I share how surviving that event forced me to rethink everything—from how I approached my career to how I understood discomfort, identity, and growth. And I draw direct lines between those lessons and the clarinet: how real improvement often starts with disruption. When you change your voicing, your tonguing reacts. When you focus on articulation, your tone may fall apart—at first. But within that mess is the seed of real transformation. Whether you’re navigating a personal challenge or just wrestling with your air support or articulation, this episode reframes discomfort as a necessary—and powerful—tool for musical growth. Sometimes the biggest changes in your playing start with the things you never asked for. all my stuff: https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

    20 min
  8. ClarinetFest 2025 in Fort Worth! Why You Need to Be There + Behind the Scenes with ICA Leaders

    3 JUN · BONUS

    ClarinetFest 2025 in Fort Worth! Why You Need to Be There + Behind the Scenes with ICA Leaders

    Are you ready for the clarinet event of the year? 🎶 Join me for a fun and inspiring conversation with Dr. Cathy Wood, President of the International Clarinet Association (ICA), and Jessica Harrie, ICA Executive Director, as we dive into everything you need to know about ClarinetFest® 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas – July 9–13! We also talk about the special Pre-ClarinetFest Enthusiasts Event happening July 7–8, created just for adult clarinet lovers looking for connection, learning, and community before the convention kicks off. In this episode: ✅ Why ClarinetFest® is a life-changing experience for clarinetists of all levels ✅ What to expect this year in Fort Worth ✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from ICA leadership ✅ How YOU can be part of this unforgettable week ✅ And… how to register before it’s too late! Whether you're a performer, teacher, adult learner, or just love the clarinet — this is your invitation to join us in Texas this summer! 👇 Links + Info Below 👇 🔗 Register for ClarinetFest® 2025: https://clarinet.org/clarinetfest-registration-2025/ 🎧 Learn More About Clarinet Ninja:https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja 🎶 Check Out James Danderfer: https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/ 📬 Contact Me: TheClarinetNinja@gmail.com

    40 min
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The Clarinet Ninja Podcast brings you insightful interviews with clarinet players and practical lessons to help musicians of all ages and skill levels learn, grow, and celebrate the clarinet. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, join us for expert tips, inspiring stories, and all things clarinet!

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