How to play Gershwins Rhapsody in Blue opening clarinet solo Earspasm Music 2017-01-12 | That sound at the beginning? It's called a "smear" — here's a quick video on how to do it, (and why it doesn't work on the bass clarinet.)
How I Arrange Pop Hits for Bass Clarinet: featuring Britney Spears Toxic Earspasm Music 2024-10-10 | Join me as I break down my process for arranging Britney Spears' iconic hit 'Toxic' for the bass clarinet. Watch step by step as I take this pop song and transform it into one of my, um, "signature" arrangements for clarinet choir. You'll see how easy it is — really! — and maybe get inspired to add your own arrangements to the clarinet choir canon.
How Brand Endorsements Work! (maybe youd like one?) Earspasm Music 2024-09-26 | Here I pull back the curtain on how brands and players agree to work together, and what's in it for each party.
FAIL: Playing 95% of the right notes isnt good enough. Earspasm Music 2024-09-05 | 95% is downright fantastic in sports. There isn't a basketball player who shoots 95%. Heck, 95% is a solid A. But music is a different story. Even one wrong note or rhythm sticks out. Here, I'll show you.
Steve Miller Band, Fly Like an Eagle – Bass Clarinet Choir + AI Video Earspasm Music 2024-08-22 | Download the arrangement here: https://earspasm.link/flyInstrumentation: 13 bass clarinets (and drummer or beatboxer, or the downloadable beatbox track I made for y'all) for this one — but you could just as easily do it with 10 or 11 clarinets and a couple bass clarinets. Fun fact: all of the video backgrounds were generated by various AI engines, and then assembled together with video of me to create what you see here.
STOMP - Lowenstern, live in Michigan, 2016 Earspasm Music 2024-06-25 | From way back in, I think, 2015 or 2016. This was a show in Michigan at GVSU as part of Bill Ryan's Free Play series. Stomp is available on the "Sway" album.
Pinky Power — the unloved (but awesome) left pinky Eb/Ab key on your clarinet. Earspasm Music 2024-05-05 | One of the forgotten gems of the clarinet, the left pinky Eb/Ab key sits high above the stack, waiting to be loved. You're gonna love it — Pinky-promise.
Mike Lowenstern - BETTER, Live at KING FM, Seattle - October, 2023 Earspasm Music 2024-04-13 | From the album Ten Children, Vol 2, available on Spotify and wherever else you stream your music!
We want Bass Clarinet as a COLOR, not a SOUND: Lincolnshire Posy Excerpt Earspasm Music 2024-03-09 | Sometimes our job is to add color—in fact most often that is our MAIN job. In this video I talk about how to play the opening "quartet" of Rufford Park Poachers from Lincolnshire Posy. It's on many bass clarinet auditions, so it's worth talking about in its own right.Downloads for this video are here: earspasm.link/lincolnshire
Backun Alpha Bass Clarinet Review Earspasm Music 2024-02-17 | Internet, you're welcome (I got hundreds of requests for this review since the instrument was announced 3 weeks ago!) Here is the brand new Backun Alpha Low C Bass Clarinet (he's making an Eb, too), and my review of the instrument. 0:00 Intro1:29 How is it similar to the Model Q?2:00 First listen2:31 Guided tour2:36 Triple register mechanism3:58 Articulated C#/G#4:53 Accessory attachment5:37 Low fingering system6:54 Standing peg7:10 Case7:28 Blind listening tests11:05 Kessler vs Max vs Alpha - my opinion13:00 Summary
Bass Clarinet Excerpt: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story — Cool Earspasm Music 2024-02-03 | This excerpt, while not normally on an orchestra audition is ALWAYS on service (Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard) band auditions. Here's how it's different from your "normal" excerpt!
Backun Model Q Bass Clarinet, Reviewed! Earspasm Music 2023-12-23 | It's here! Well, its *almost* here, but it'll be shipping in March/April, 2024. The new Backun Model Q Bass Clarinet(s) in Grenadilla and Cocobolo. I've got them both, and this is a review you are going to want to watch. I do a lot of playing, so if you want to jump to the music, here are some links to the music!0:00 Bach Cello Suite #2 (Grenadilla)5:16 12ths Intonation test5:42 15ths (two octave) intonation test10:20 Bach Cello Suite #1 Prelude (Grenadilla)10:51 Bach Cello Suite #1 Prelude (Cocobolo)13:38 Khachaturian Piano Concerto Excerpt (Cocobolo)14:26 Rose Etude #1 (from 32) (Cocobolo)14:59 Shostakovich Violin Concerto Excerpt (Cocobolo)15:14 Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite Excerpt (Cocobolo)15:27 Strauss Till Eulenspiegel Excerpt (Cocobolo)15:35 Dolphy/Holiday God Bless The Child (Grenadilla)16:27 Yun Monolog (Grenadilla)
Is that a clarinet in your pocket? (Or are you just glad to see me?) Earspasm Music 2023-12-09 | The Buffet Pocket Clarinet is now a reality. But who is it meant for? Watch while Katherine and Michael review this clever little curiosity from Buffet.
Yo clarinet players: Give an F about your low F! Earspasm Music 2023-11-04 | Some clarinets come with a NEW F-CORRECTION KEY. One that finally un-F's how F'ing out of tune your low F is. See how they stack up!
Tunes That Dont Have a Bass Clarinet - But Need One: Lawrence, Dont Lose Sight Earspasm Music 2023-10-23 | My favorite tune from 2022, or so says Spotify based on my listening from last year. What better than to use this to inaugurate a new limited series called "Tunes That Don't Have A Bass Clarinet But Need One."
Does this $100 device do ANYTHING for your bass clarinet sound? Earspasm Music 2023-10-14 | Today we check out the Klangbogen (German: "Sound Bow") from ReedGeek®. This device's marketing claims to make a difference in the sound and response of your instrument. I put it up against some acoustics software to see (and hear) what, *if anything,* it does for my sound. Grab a set of headphones (if you like), and watch and listen for yourself.
Tonguing as a blood-sport. (Rose 32 Studes, No. 4 on bass clarinet) Earspasm Music 2023-09-30 | This etude is dumb. There. I said it. But it's got an important purpose: tonguing quickly in spurts. For those looking to improve your fast single-tongue, this is your video.
Rumberger K1X-II — The best clarinet mic for live electronics? Earspasm Music 2023-09-30 | German manufacturer, Rumberger, is a leader in clarinet and sax contact microphones. Here I put the K1X through its paces using reverbs, delays, and other effects that usually destroy traditional microphones.
Rose 32 Studies, No. 3 (for Bass Clarinet, because of course) Earspasm Music 2023-09-23 | Rose 32, #3 is absolutely beautiful on the Bass Clarinet. It's fits the range of the instrument perfectly, and is great for even intermediate players. But it's deceptively difficult—if you don't know where to place emphasis. You can do this!
Soft, light, and deadly — Rose #13 from the 32 Clarinet Studies Earspasm Music 2023-09-16 | Today we're talking about Rose #13 from the book of 32 studies. It's a challenge for so many reasons: 1) it's slow, but with lots of rhythmic challenges, 2) it's soft, requiring lots of control, 3) it's got some challenging articulation types, 4) it requires you play fast, but delicately. ...To name a few.5:47: Musical Footballs. Don't do 'em.9:25: Tip for playing softly up in the upper clarion and altissimo10:35: Tip for playing a SOFT high D. (It's Backless!)11:37: Tip for playing LIGHT articulations under a slur
Turns and Tonguing — Rose #35 from the 40 Clarinet Studies Earspasm Music 2023-09-09 | Got All-State? Here's the first installment of the Bb clarinet audition list for (at least) TMEA 2023. Stay tuned — there's more to come!For those curious, I'm playing on an Uebel Zenit Bb clarinet. I'll be playing different horns for each etude because, well, I have them in stock and I can! Bwahahahaha. (If you're interested in this one, or any other, visit earspasm.com/clarinets to check one out for yourself!)
Use Me — Bill Withers cover (Bass Clarinet, Ableton Live and Max4Live) Earspasm Music 2023-09-01 | Welcome to season 13! Another year, more fun stuff to come. Thanks for watching and see you in a few weeks to talk more about electronics and clarinet. ;)
Low C Bass Clarinet Newbie? Try this trick to learn the new fingerings! Earspasm Music 2023-08-05 | Hitting the Low D key when going for a Low F? This should solve your problem.
The Backun Alpha Bb Clarinet - is it the best student clarinet on the market? Earspasm Music 2023-07-15 | Today I review the Backun Alpha clarinet. An $1,100 clarinet, made by Morrie Backun that aims to be the best "bang for the buck" plastic clarinet on the market. Let's see if Backun hit the bullseye.
Cheryl Lynn, Got To Be Real - for bass clarinet choir Earspasm Music 2023-06-17 | Video content gathered from Latex Ball, GMHC Historical Archives, Paris Is Burning (film). If you would like to play this yourself, grab the sheet music here: https://earspasm.link/realAll proceeds are being donated to the Trevor Project.
Discovering Hidden Melodies in Stravinsky Three Pieces for Clarinet! Earspasm Music 2023-06-03 | When you use emphasis in a sentence, it helps the listener understand your intent. Same goes for music. AND it helps YOU play the piece better! Watch and see what I mean. It makes all the differenceSHAMELESS PLUG ALERT: For those interested, this is a brand new Selmer Muse A clarinet available here: earspasm.com/clarinets/selmer-muse-bba-clarinet
Vandorens New *VK1* Synthetic Reed — Hands-on Review Earspasm Music 2023-04-23 | This was a long, long, loooooooooong time coming. Vandoren finally released a synthetic reed, and Katherine and I got our hands on them. Is it everything we have come to expect from Vandoren? Watch, listen, and see!
Whats the BEST Bass Clarinet mouthpiece under $70? Earspasm Music 2023-04-16 | Update! learned something after posting this video: have a quick 2-minute read here: earspasm.com/blog/2023/4/18/student-bass-clarinet-mouthpieces-an-updateI tried them all, including one that no one should ever, EVER play. Ever. See where your favorite stacks up!
No, your clarinet was not tuned at the factory. Thats your job. Earspasm Music 2023-03-19 | Featuring The Swan, by Camille Saint-Saëns.
Introducing the Bb clarinet with CLOSED holes! (Is it easier to play?) Earspasm Music 2023-02-19 | Yep, it's called a Plateau Clarinet, and they used to be much more common. Now only one or two manufacturers in the world make them. And I've got two of 'em from Uebel!
Fast Finger Technique Tip — It starts paying off IMMEDIATELY. I promise! Earspasm Music 2023-01-22 | Lots of notes on the page? Fingers not working fast enough? Here's how to start taming that beast of a piece you're working on.
Nutcracker Overture - Clarinet Quartet Play Along (Get your holiday spirit on. Like, right now!) Earspasm Music 2022-12-11 | First Clarinet part 0:00Bass Clarinet Part 3:24For the sheet music, visit Lincoln Music Publications: earspasm.link/nutcracker-quartet
Uebel Emperior Low C Bass Clarinet - Reviewed! Earspasm Music 2022-12-04 | Uebel is not a new name in the clarinet world, but it's fairly unknown to most. But they make a professional bass clarinet that's quality and price make it an instrument to seriously consider. See how it stacks up against the competition!
How to put together your bass clarinet so you don’t break it. Earspasm Music 2022-11-20 | Over the past 30 years, I've taught about 250 bass clarinetists, and I find that VERY few (less than 20%) know how to put their instrument together properly. I see hands in wrong places, rods bending, misaligned joints. It's a hot mess. And these instruments are out of adjustment because of itNO MORE, I say. Watch this video and heed the advice. And maybe you'll save a few bucks at the repair shop.(And, my sincere apologies about the blurriness of this video. If enough people complain I may make it over again.)Intro: 0:00Buffet: 1:00 (Watch this for all instruments)Selmer: 11:55Royal Firebird: 15:10Royal Polaris/Max: 17:30Kessler: 19:50
Funk Sax Comping - Featuring LeRoi Moore on DMBs Stay Earspasm Music 2022-10-30 | Featuring LeRoi Moore's tenor sax solo on Dave Matthews Band's "Stay (Wasting Time)" I break down a (brief, and slightly shallow) history of funk sax comping that has its origins all the way back to the 1960s.
Spending over $60,000 on 5 Bass Clarinets in 2 hours Earspasm Music 2022-10-15 | I'm here at the Conn-Selmer factory in Indiana with a lotta money to spend. So in this video I take you through my instrument selection process in real-time as I choose from 12 (!) instruments. (Hint: you can use this even if you want to just choose from 2.)
Royal FIREBIRD neck played on Royal POLARIS (This Was Unexpected!) Earspasm Music 2022-10-01 | The title says it all. Now, if you want to try it for yourself, visit the shop here: earspasm.com/bcl-accessories/royal-firebird-neck
Royal Global MAX Bass Clarinet – REVIEWED! Earspasm Music 2022-09-19 | You asked for it, you got it. Here's my take on the new Royal Global Max bass clarinet, the only "semi-professional" (← Royal's term) bass clarinet under $4,000!Want one? Check it out here: https://earspasm.link/max
Theme from The Jetsons for Clarinet Choir Earspasm Music 2022-09-02 | Meet George Jetson. His Boy Elroy. Daughter Judy. Jane, his wife. Download music. Visit earspasm.link/jetsons to grab your copy!
Bass Clarinet neck shootout: Stock neck vs. Buffet ICON vs. Blashaus! Earspasm Music 2022-05-31 | Using the Buffet Tosca bass clarinet as the guinea pig, I try three different necks that are made specifically for the Tosca, and share my pros-and-cons.
Bass Clarinet Review: Royal Global Firebird Earspasm Music 2022-04-30 | Why is this instrument so popular? Lemme tell you. (And if you're interested in grabbing one, visit www.earspasm.com/instruments
60-second exercise to help you SLAY the Brahms 3rd Symphony Clarinet excerpt Earspasm Music 2022-04-10 | I think I've talked about this exercise before, but it's such a great one, it's worth spending some more time on. Plus, you know, Brahms.
Courante from Bach Cello Suite No. 1 — How to land that estate/court/castle gig! Earspasm Music 2022-03-12 | Bach Cello Suites are favorites with bass clarinetists, and with good reason: they fit the range perfectly, and they're great pieces of music. But they come with some unique challenges. Here's how to approach this movement!
The first Electric Wind Instrument with CLARINET fingerings! Earspasm Music 2022-02-05 | It's about TIME someone made an EWI with Clarinet fingerings. Well Roland did, I review their Aerophone Pro AE-30 from the perspective of a clarinet player.
GEAR REVIEW: Can Anyone Make a Bass Clarinet Standing Peg That ISNT Crap? Earspasm Music 2022-01-09 | Bass clarinetists who want to play standing up — but who don't like straps —could this be the perfect solution? Here I review the WoodwindDesign Carbon Fiber Bass Clarinet Standing Peg. TL;DR, it's amazeballs.For more info, visit www.earspasm.link/peg
How to Sound like Eric Dolphy (Green Dolphin Street transcription) Earspasm Music 2021-12-12 | Eric Dolphy's Green Dolphin Street from 1960's "Outward Bound" is hands-down favorite Dolphy track — so I transcribed it. (download it here: https://earspasm.link/GreenDolphin and play it yourself!)
Learn the Basics of Music Transcription in Under 20 Minutes! Seriously. Earspasm Music 2021-11-20 | Learn how to break apart the task of transcribing (writing out by ear) a solo in 7 steps: 1. Download the tune you want to transcribe, 2:30 2. Figure out the Key, 4:233. Figure out the Meter, 5:124. Write out the Rhythms, 8:035: Melodic Dictation 1 (Listen to the pitches): 14:196. Melodic Dictation 2 (Write the pitches), 16:587. Verify by playing it, 17:42
The trick to playing fast, large leaps on Bass Clarinet Earspasm Music 2021-10-31 | Squeaking a lot when playing up around the clarion register? (The one over the break). Well, you know about voicing, but here's an advanced trick to keep those squeaks at bay.
Can I play as fast as Michael Brecker? (The Melody Still Lingers On w/ Chaka) Earspasm Music 2021-10-10 | Michael Brecker was my favorite Tenor Sax player, and until now, I think I was was too intimidated to tackle a transcription of one of his solos. Why? Because dude was a total MONSTER. But, then I went ahead and learned this. Watch to see my process as I tackle the FASTEST piece
Whats the deal with Fake Fingerings on Bass Clarinet? Earspasm Music 2021-09-26 | We all know the "real" fingerings for all of the bass clarinet notes, but do you know the FAKE ones? Yes, there are fake fingerings to some thorny notes that make going over the altissimo break much easier, if you know what they are, and when to use them.
