Improving Tone and Musicianship Through Practicing Scales on a B Flat Clarinet

For a clarinet player, learning to play scales is more than just mastering different notes. It is a review and meditation on tone and an exploration of musicianship. In this article, we will delve into how practicing scales on a B flat clarinet can help improve your tone and refine your musicianship skills.

The Importance of Scales in Clarinet Playing

When I was in 5th grade and practiced my B flat clarinet, I would often start every practice session by playing long sustained notes—often soft, but also changing my volume as needed. These long sustained notes served not only as a delay of gratification exercise, but also as a way to hone my tone. By listening carefully to each note and striving for a full, rich sound, I was able to improve my tone. This process was essential in my development as a clarinet player, as it laid the foundation for the more complex techniques I would learn later.

Playing the Chromatic Scale Rapidly

Once I had a solid foundation in long sustained notes, I would move on to playing the chromatic scale rapidly. This required both precision and speed, as I needed to be able to play each note accurately and transition smoothly from one to the next. By practicing the chromatic scale, I was able to develop both musicianship and technical proficiency. This was an essential step on my journey to becoming a more skilled clarinet player.

Extending Your Practice to Different Instruments

By 7th grade, my tone sounded almost professional after two years of playing these long sustained notes on scales. This approach was not limited to the clarinet alone. When I took up the trumpet in 8th grade, I used the same technique, playing long sustained notes on different scales, including the key of F. Later, when I took up the oboe in my 50s, my oboe teacher had a warm-up sheet with long sustained notes, complete with dynamics notations. I could differentiate any dynamic marking, and this ability came from consistent practice with long sustained notes on woodwinds like the clarinet and oboe.

Adding a New Dimension with Bowing

In my 60s, when I took up the viola, I continued to practice scales at the beginning of every lesson or rehearsal session. However, the scales took on a new meaning as I learned to bowed scales, a completely different type of exercise. Bowing required a different set of skills and techniques, and it was a challenge to translate what I had learned on the clarinet to this new instrument. But the fundamental principles of tone and musicianship remained the same.

Emphasizing Scales in Violin Practice

The violin great Paganini emphasized the mastery of scales in his approach to teaching. Scales are fundamental to the mastery of any instrument, and for clarinet players, sustained note playing is crucial. It helps with tone development and the ability to control dynamics, which are key aspects of musical expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, practicing scales on a B flat clarinet is more than just a technical exercise. It is a means of developing your tongue (oral technique), enhancing your breath control, and refining your tone. By dedicating time to these exercises, you can improve your musicianship and become a more accomplished player. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your skills, incorporating scales into your practice routine will undoubtedly benefit your playing.