How is picking up clarinet after playing the flute for a long time?

Question

I have been playing the flute for 11 years. Does anybody have experience with these two instruments, or have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I am a flute player first and my secondary instrument is the clarinet. It isn't too difficult a transition. The fingering system isn't too hard to get used to and the transition for your embouchre isn't as difficult as it is between flute and trumpet. In fact the only instrument I had an easier time with was french horn. The only things I would caution you about is when you switch make sure that you are NOT practicing for too long and that you start on a low enough reed strength. My suggestion would be to start the first couple weeks on a 1 1/2 reed and only practicing 15 minutes at a time. At that point I would suggest adding 5 minutes to your time every couple weeks. Once you get up to a half hour then switch to a 2 strength reed. My suggestion would be to ONLY use Van Doren reeds once you get to a 2. They are more expensive but well worth the price in the difference they make in tone quality. If you have any other questions I would be happy to answer them. I am a private music teacher and love to see people expanding their musical horizons. One final word of caution. I would suggest making sure that you are practicing your flute as well unless you are giving up flute because otherwise the clarinet can damage your flute embouchre. Good luck to you :)

Answer 2

I was a flute performance major in college, and I did a master's in music ed, so I had to learn clarinet. I found that playing the clarinet takes a lot more endurance of your facial muscles. You need to be really firm, which is pretty much the opposite of what you're taught for the flute for your whole life. The fingerings aren't too terrible, it's just a little awkward that the clarinet uses a register key (as opposed to an octave key, like on the saxophone). The low register fingerings are off from the flute by a fifth, and the middle register is the same (pretty much) as the flute. From G in the staff to around B in the staff is nasty on the clarinet, but with practice you'll get it. I really don't think you'll have a hard time switching. Just watch your bottom lip. Ouch. You can try using a piece of paper or rolling paper over your bottom teeth to protect your lip a bit until you build up a callous. Good luck!

Answer 3

After playing flute for a lot of years, I picked up bassoon. Bassoon, by the way is totally different from flute in almost every way. After playing bassoon for a few years, I had to pick up Sax too.

Here's the good news, within about a week or so on sax (because of my experience on flute) I was already play sax well. Not great, but at least well.

I have found that after you've learned the basics about wind instruments, any other instrument you pick up will become much easier. Fortunately Flute and Clarinet aren't totally dissimilar.

One more thing, unless you're a fabulous flute player, I recommend learning Clarinet and Sax too. The more diverse you become, the easier it'll be to land gigs.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I played flute for a few years then went to piano. I play my flute sometimes (not as much as I used to play it, unfortunately) and it's hard to remember how to play a given note on the flute. With the clarinet, they're both woodwinds and you have to read the music differently, so it's probably going to be a little different for you to get used to the clarinet. You'll probably get the fingering for some notes mixed up but if you practice, I'm sure it won't be too difficult for you :-)

Happy music playing!

Answer 5

ive played flute for a while, and moved to clarinet. usually, flutests are good at clarinets... for sound. because the two instruments require simalar lips. but it may feel wierd holding the clarinet, the clarinet is very complicated, it will take a while. many alternates and the reed too... be prepared.. and another thing: POSTURE IS EVERYTHING!

also, at begging, you will tend to bite with your bottom lip, this is not good, for it closes the reed flow, and you can not play a peep.. bite from the top teeth and high notes and all notes actually will be easier.. i am 12, but ive been playing for 3 years, first chair in the higher band, and im going through my teeth problem, i got pads to put on the top of the clarinet, so if you had a biting problem.. get them... you get about6 for 3 dollars usually...
i had a very bad problem, my mouth piece had to dents in them because i bite HARD.. haha

GOOD LUCK!

im having fun! and dont give up!

Answer 6

I played clarinet for years, and I've been told that the fingering is not that different. You will have to develop your lip, though. That means that your lower lip (and just below it) will be sore for a while (a little raw) because of the reed--it's almost like building up a callus, but you can't see it. But it goes away after you've played a little while. And I think it's more important to thoroughly clean it, especially if you have a wooden clarinet. You'll need to oil it with bore oil occasionally, too.

Answer 7

The fingering patterns are very similar. The biggest adjustment would be your embouchure. It'll be hard to get used to your instrument being IN your mouth and your chops will be sore and tired for a while. If you can live through that adjustment then you'll be good to go! Good luck and happy clarinetting!!