The Clarinet Ninja Podcast: Clarinet Lessons & Practice Tips

Jay Hassler
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Clarinet Ninja Podcast teaches adult clarinet players how to learn faster and play better using science-based practice methods. Host Jay Hassler brings you interviews with world-class clarinetists like Ricardo Morales (Philadelphia Orchestra), Dr. Molly Gebrian (neuroscientist and author), and master craftsmen like Brad Behn. Whether you're just starting clarinet, returning after years away, or looking to refine your skills, you'll get proven practice techniques, equipment advice, and inspiration from the pros. Perfect for adult learners who want to improve their clarinet playing efficiently.

  1. Support vs. Volume: The Key to Better Clarinet Playing with David Sapadin

    JAN 20

    Support vs. Volume: The Key to Better Clarinet Playing with David Sapadin

    Welcome to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast! In this episode, Jay sits down with longtime friend and accomplished clarinetist Dave Sapadin for a deep dive into the journey of becoming your own player. Dave shares his equipment evolution - from Buffet R13 to LeBlanc Opus, Backun MOBAs, and finally to Uebel clarinets - and what he learned about compromise and personal sound along the way. But this conversation goes far beyond gear. As a highly successful teacher with students earning top honors (including first chair in New York State), Dave reveals his teaching philosophy: creating an open, judgment-free environment where students learn to identify and solve problems independently. He discusses the crucial difference between support and volume, why embouchure is often blamed incorrectly, and how to help students hear themselves objectively. Key topics include: The evolution of clarinet manufacturing and intonation Learning habits vs. unlearning them Teaching students to "not accept" mediocrity How sound changes with distance from the player The role of air, throat, and fingers (not just embouchure) Lessons learned from studying with Ricardo Morales and Yehuda Gilad Why dynamics are about color, not just volume The impact of the pandemic on student playing Whether you're a student, teacher, or adult amateur, this conversation offers valuable insights into developing as a complete musician. 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 JamesDanderfer.com

    53 min
  2. Stuck in Your Clarinet Playing? Here's What's Really Holding You Back

    JAN 5

    Stuck in Your Clarinet Playing? Here's What's Really Holding You Back

    If you've been frustrated with your clarinet progress, this episode will change everything. The problem isn't that you're not talented enough. The problem isn't that you don't practice enough. The problem is your environment. In this episode, I break down the exact framework for designing an internal environment where improvement becomes inevitable, not aspirational. You'll discover: - Why discipline and willpower-based practice always fails (and what actually works) - The Three Rooms Strategy for strategic musical growth - How your confidence shifts based on proximity (and how to stabilize it) - The exact four areas that determine your progress - How to protect your mental environment from comparison traps - Why you're the same musician in every room This isn't about practicing more hours. It's about designing the right environment where drive flourishes naturally. FREE DOWNLOADS: 📥 Internal Environment Workbook: https://www.clarinetninja.com/internal-environment-workbook 📥 Clarinet Practice Guide: https://www.clarinetninja.com/2026-clarinet-practice-guide This year, don't just set goals. Design an environment where improvement is inevitable. CONNECT WITH CLARINET NINJA: 🌐 Website: www.clarinetninja.com 📧 Email: TheClarinetNinja@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @clarinetninja 🎵 Join the Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing If this episode helped you, please leave a review! It helps other clarinetists find the show.

    24 min
  3. Playing Clarinet with My 11-Year-Old Self: A Story About Music, Memory, and Loss

    12/22/2025

    Playing Clarinet with My 11-Year-Old Self: A Story About Music, Memory, and Loss

    This is my first holiday season without my mom. While going through old recordings after her passing, I found something that stopped me in my tracks: a recording of me at 11 years old playing "The Christmas Song" on clarinet, with my mom accompanying on piano. It was a fifth grade band holiday concert. Fifth-grade me squeaking through phrases, my mom patiently at the piano, both of us creating something we didn't know would matter like this decades later. So I decided to do something: I played a duet with my younger self. Current me, meeting fifth-grade me, both of us held together by my mom's piano. This episode is different from my usual format. It's personal. It's emotional. But I think it might be exactly what some of you need to hear right now. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: The story behind the recording and why my mom captured that moment What grandparents (and parents and teachers) are really doing when they show up The "long game" of creating meaning that compounds across decades Why you should record yourself NOW, even if you're not ready What you're actually building when you practice your instrument The full duet performance: three generations in one musical moment How music collapses time and creates conversations across decades What it means to become "someone's archive" THIS EPISODE EXPLORES: Finding meaning during difficult seasons The role of music in processing grief and loss Legacy and what we pass down to future generations Why your practice matters more than you realize Creating archives that reveal their meaning later The compounding effect of showing up consistently How adult learners demonstrate possibility to those watching them Whether you've lost someone recently, you're thinking about legacy, or you're wondering if your practice time really matters, this episode is for you. ABOUT THE CLARINET NINJA PODCAST: The Clarinet Ninja Podcast helps adult clarinet players reclaim their musical dreams through evidence-based practice methods, systematic skill development, and the mindset of lifelong learning. Whether you're returning after decades away or just getting started later in life, this show proves it's never too late to become the musician you've always wanted to be. Hosted by Jay Hassler, who combines performance experience from Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and Broadway with adult learning science to create methods that actually work for real people with real lives. LEAVE A REVIEW: If this episode resonated with you, the best way to support this work is to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other adult learners find the show and join this community of people who believe music is a lifelong conversation with yourself. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Sometimes the people who need these messages most don't even know they're looking for them. Keep practicing. Keep showing up. Keep building something that compounds. EPISODE CREDITS: Host: Jay Hassler Production: Clarinet Ninja Original Recording (1985): Jay Hassler (clarinet), Betty Hassler (piano) Music: "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" © 2024 Clarinet Ninja. All rights reserved.

    10 min
  4. The Two Types of Practice That Transform Your Clarinet Performances

    12/02/2025

    The Two Types of Practice That Transform Your Clarinet Performances

    Have you ever practiced diligently but struggled in performance? The problem isn't your playing—it's that you're only doing half the practice you need. Free PDF In this episode, I break down the two essential types of practice every clarinetist needs: Practice Practice (building skills) and Practice Performance (accessing those skills under pressure). Most players focus entirely on the first while neglecting the second, which is why performances don't match practice room ability. What You'll Learn: Why playing perfectly in practice doesn't guarantee performance success The difference between Practice Practice and Practice Performance Dr. Noa Kageyama's research on conscious control vs. trusting your preparation Dr. Molly Gebrian's concept of overlearning and why mistakes in practice matter How to use spaced repetition for maximum retention The red, yellow, green system for efficient practice time Why the "easy" spots after difficult passages are performance danger zones How to create effective mock auditions and simulated performances Building your performance day routine for consistent results Key Timestamps: [Add your timestamps here - examples:] 0:00 Introduction: My 1990s performance disaster 3:15 The two types of practice explained 8:30 Practice Practice fundamentals 15:45 The Build-Out Method 22:10 Practice Performance essentials 28:30 Mock performances and mental preparation 35:00 Your 3-week challenge Resources Mentioned: Dr. Noa Kageyama's Bulletproof Musician: bulletproofmusician.com Dr. Molly Gebrian's "Learn Faster, Perform Better" FREE Practice Performance Roadmap: [your link] Ready to transform both your practice and performances? Join the Clarinet Ninja Dojo where we work on these exact skills in live group sessions: [link] Connect with Clarinet Ninja: Website: clarinetninja.com Email: theclarinetninja@gmail.com Facebook Group: Clarinet Ninja Forum Free Beginner/Refresher Course Support the Show: If this episode helped you, please leave a rating and review. It helps other clarinet players find the show!

    35 min
  5. Clarinet Embouchure & Articulation with Larry Guy| Adult Clarinet Players NEED This

    11/17/2025

    Clarinet Embouchure & Articulation with Larry Guy| Adult Clarinet Players NEED This

    Larry Guy has played on Broadway, with the New York Philharmonic, NYC Opera, and as principal clarinet of the Joffrey Ballet. But what makes this conversation truly valuable is Larry's incredible body of pedagogical work—books on embouchure, articulation, and definitive editions of the Rose 32 Etudes and Complete Daniel Bonade works. In this episode, Larry reveals why traditional embouchure teaching often makes students look perfect but sound worse, shares the simple coffee cup lid trick that fixes articulation problems instantly, and explains why the "tip of tongue to tip of reed" directive doesn't work for many players (including himself and Robert Marcellus!). We dive deep into his study with legends like Anthony Gigliotti, Dave Weber, and Cal Opperman, and Larry shares fascinating stories about Daniel Bonade that you won't hear anywhere else. If you're an adult clarinet player, you'll especially appreciate Larry's insights on why adults can actually learn clarinet MORE efficiently than children—and how to leverage your adult brain for faster improvement. Key Topics: Why embouchure training must include air flow work The upper lip pressure technique from Gigliotti Double-lip embouchure as daily tonic Articulation without closing your throat How jaw anatomy affects tonguing placement Teaching adults vs children effectively What Rose really intended in the 32 Etudes Daniel Bonade's photographic memory and character Resources mentioned: Larry Guy's books (available through Camco Publishing): The Complete Embouchure Book The Complete Articulation Book Rose 32 Etudes Study Guide The Complete Daniel Bonade Join the Clarinet Ninja Dojo for systematic adult clarinet education: Clarinet Ninja

    56 min
  6. Clarinet Gear Guide Part 2: What Equipment to Buy at Every Budget with Josh Goo & Lynne Snyder | Part 2

    11/03/2025

    Clarinet Gear Guide Part 2: What Equipment to Buy at Every Budget with Josh Goo & Lynne Snyder | Part 2

    What clarinet equipment should you actually buy? Join Jay Hassler in this comprehensive clarinet gear guide with Quick Start Clarinet's Josh Goo and Queen Reed's Lynne Snyder as they reveal what to invest in at every budget level. 🎵 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ Best clarinet equipment for a few hundred dollars (and it's not what you think!) ✅ Clarinet case comparison: Bam vs. Pro-Tech vs. Marcus Bona ✅ When to get a clarinet overhaul vs. clean, oil & adjust ✅ Buying used clarinets: What to look for and where to shop ✅ Why the Buffet E-12-F is an incredible value intermediate clarinet ✅ Josh's rave review of the Backun Alpha bass clarinet ✅ Why most clarinets don't work right out of the box ✅ Trusted clarinet dealers who properly set up instruments 🎼 FEATURED GUESTS: Josh Goo - Quick Start Clarinet founder Lynne Snyder - Queen Reed creator Jay Hassler - Clarinet Ninja host 💡 KEY TAKEAWAY: The best investment for a few hundred dollars? Live concert tickets to hear professional clarinetists, then connect with them afterwards for invaluable advice and inspiration! 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED: • Clarinet Ninja Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing • Quick Start Clarinet: https://www.quickstartclarinet.com/ • Queen Reed: https://www.lynnesnyder.com/blog • Brian Corbin Clarinet Products: https://corbinclarinetproducts.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorb4r4Sfsk1l2O09v1YRN3wquSiA4sV1YFuO7-xv1qSBxA45W4G • Rodriguez Musical Services: https://rodriguezmusical.com/ • EarSpasm Music (Michael Lowenstern): https://www.earspasm.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopI4YaBfVajYSvi7Xx-8d3B0kdMTzNxUk6YuunBw_0ev9rUySPk 📚 CONTINUE YOUR CLARINET JOURNEY: Join the Clarinet Ninja Dojo for weekly lessons, community support, and direct access to Jay Hassler: https://www.clarinetninja.com 🎙️ ABOUT THE CLARINET NINJA PODCAST: The Clarinet Ninja Podcast brings you expert interviews and practical lessons to help clarinet players of all levels improve, grow, and celebrate the clarinet. 👍 If you found this helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a 5-star review! #Clarinet #ClarinetTips #ClarinetGear #MusicEducation #ClarinetLessons #Woodwinds #ClarinetEquipment #ClarinetAdvice #ClarinetCommunity 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 Clarinet Ninja approved products Links are affiliate links - a great (no cost to you) way to support the channel! Mouthpieces: Affordable professional Bb clarinet mouthpiece: Vandoren BD 4 https://amzn.to/3iSEmAc Vandoren 5RV LYRE https://amzn.to/3H1mECA Vandoren M30 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs Student mouthpiece: Fobes Debut Student debut mouthpiece https://www.clarkwfobes.com/products/debut-clarinet-mouthpiece?variant=39983864774790 Brad Behn Overture mouthpiece https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/overture-student-clarinetmouthpiece Vandoren V12 reeds: #3 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs #3.5 https://amzn.to/3WvJHLD #4 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY Vandoren Traditional (Blue box) #3 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY #3.5 https://amzn.to/3ZKTGPY #4 https://amzn.to/3QTusLm Reed cases: Vandoren Hygro case Bb and Eb reeds https://amzn.to/3koZmPo D'Addario Woodwinds Multi-Instrument Reed case https://amzn.to/3XubIVg Rico Reed Guard Bb clarinet https://amzn.to/3J1h06d Brad Behn Reed Cases https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/product-page/behn-reed-case Books all clarinetists should have: Baermann third division https://amzn.to/3j2fTsd Kell Staccato studies https://amzn.to/3wkLisZ Jean Jean Vade Mecum https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO Rose 32 etudes https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO Rose 40 etudes https://amzn.to/3GWDwdW Kroepsch 416 progressive studies https://amzn.to/3wj48kb Reed equipment: Ridenour ATG reed finishing system https://amzn.to/3XqF7zu ReedGeek Universal G4 reed tool https://amzn.to/3HnjWZC 400 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3H1oof6 600 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3j2hiyZ Vandoren V12 Reed Trimmer https://amzn.to/3H7K8r6 Vandoren V21 and 56 Rue Lepic https://amzn.to/3GLkC9I Vandoren Traditional https://amzn.to/3kjMQRi Vandoren Black Master/Black Master Traditional https://amzn.to/3HcErs1 Vandoren White Master https://amzn.to/3kl4hRz Ligatures: Bonade inverted silver plated https://amzn.to/3wlJdNy Vandoren M/O ligature https://amzn.to/3XPYNNg Vandoren Optimum Ligature https://amzn.to/3QYvOof Rovner Mark III https://amzn.to/3J6H7ZEa approved products Links are affiliate links - a great way to support the channel! 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

    34 min
  7. Clarinet Upgrades for Beginners: Best Budget Equipment (Part 1 with Josh Goo & Lynne Snyder)

    10/27/2025

    Clarinet Upgrades for Beginners: Best Budget Equipment (Part 1 with Josh Goo & Lynne Snyder)

    Ever wondered what clarinet accessories are actually worth your hard-earned money? In this game-changing episode, Clarinet Ninja host Jay Hasler sits down with two clarinet powerhouses: Josh Goo from Quick Start Clarinet and Lynne Snyder (aka Queen Reed) to decode the mystery of clarinet upgrades. Clarinet NInja Amazon Store - No extra cost to you...but a great way to support the podcast! Clarinet Ninja Merch What You'll Discover: 🎵 The $60 Tool That Changes Everything - Lynne reveals her secret weapon for perfect reeds every single time (and why it beats expensive alternatives) 🎵 The Reed Case That Actually Works - Why the Brad Behn Reed Case is revolutionizing how pros store their reeds (hint: it's about those rails!) 🎵 The Boveda Pack Secret - How 49% humidity can make your reeds predictable and consistent (especially if you live in dry climates) 🎵 The Mouthpiece Truth Bomb - From $150 Vandorens to $300+ custom pieces—what's really worth it at each price point? 🎵 The Cork Grease Game-Changer - Mike Lowenstern's slippery cork secret that makes assembly effortless 🎵 The Tupperware Hack - Why every serious clarinetist needs a dedicated accessory container (and what to put in it) Perfect For: Intermediate players ready to level up Teachers looking for student recommendations Anyone tired of inconsistent reeds Players considering their next upgrade Featured Experts:  Jay Hasler - Clarinet NInja, Clarinet Ninja Dojo Josh Goo - Creator of Quick Start Clarinet, renowned teacher Lynne Snyder - Professional clarinetist, internet personality "Queen Reed" This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part 2 drops next week with even more upgrade secrets! Don't Miss: The "suck test" demonstration that every clarinetist needs to know (around minute 35) and why tweezers are the most underrated tool in your case. Earspasm - Michael Lowenstern

    36 min
  8. Julian Bliss Interview: Recording Lindberg & Aho Clarinet Concertos

    10/13/2025

    Julian Bliss Interview: Recording Lindberg & Aho Clarinet Concertos

    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
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About

The Clarinet Ninja Podcast teaches adult clarinet players how to learn faster and play better using science-based practice methods. Host Jay Hassler brings you interviews with world-class clarinetists like Ricardo Morales (Philadelphia Orchestra), Dr. Molly Gebrian (neuroscientist and author), and master craftsmen like Brad Behn. Whether you're just starting clarinet, returning after years away, or looking to refine your skills, you'll get proven practice techniques, equipment advice, and inspiration from the pros. Perfect for adult learners who want to improve their clarinet playing efficiently.

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