Not all practice has to happen in the most ideal setting but it’s best to at least try to have the right tools for the job. I know students who practice everyday but when they come to lessons I’m always baffled by dropped chins or odd body posture. I’m glad my students are practicing but if their general posture, hand position and embouchure have to be corrected every lesson then the practice isn’t as effective as they think.
Ideal practice set-up
Ok. Above is the picture of the ideal practice set up. A straight backed chair with a music stand and a stand for your instrument. You don’t need as much room as this picture shows but this is the general bare minimum you need for effective practice.
Why?
-The chair keeps your back straight with the ability to keep your feet flat on the floor, which helps your breathing and body posture.
-The music stand, obviously, holds your music. This means that you’re able to read the music at eye level and adjust the height to your needs.
-The instrument stand make sure that you have a safe place to put your instrument when you’re making marks on your music.
Obviously you can add more to this to make it comfortable for you. A small table to hold your reeds, pencils, music, metronome and tuner. A computer for recording your \self or looking up music or fingerings. These are great additions to a practice space but in the end you should have three items for a bare minimal ideal practice space: straight backed chair, music stand, and instrument stand.
But Sara, I don’t have a music stand? Can I just practice clarinet sitting on my bed?
If there is absolutely nothing else….I guess so.
But wait!
Here are 5 clever hacks for when you are lacking a music stand!
Use refrigerator magnets to stick sheet music to the fridge – proceed to serenade your produce
Tape sheet music to the inside of your front door – proceed to serenade the neighbors as they walk by
Use a plate display or cook book easel and set it on a table or flat surface – proceed to serenade your cat (cat not pictured, he wouldn’t sit still for the photo shoot lol)
Prop up book on the desk using your computer monitor and keyboard – proceed to serenade your monitor
Prop it up on a piano and sit at the bench to practice – proceed to serenade the piano pedals
Not ideal and best avoided: flat on the table/floor/bed – where you’re looking down at your music- this scrunches your neck and inhibits air flow.
No straight backed chair? No problem!
Acceptable substitutes: standing, office chair, high bar stool, piano benches. Basically anything seated where your feet can be flat on the floor with your knees at a 90 degree angle. Or if in a high bar stool where your back can be straight and feet situated on the rungs.
Not ideal and best avoided: legs crossed on the floor, sitting on your bed, short stools, and recliners – these scrunch up your core and won’t allow you to breathe properly to play.
No instrument stand? It’s all good!
Acceptable substitute: another chair to set your instrument on, or gently setting it on the floor.
UNACCEPTABLE: the music stand!
DO NOT DO PUT YOUR CLARINET ON THE MUSIC STAND FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD IN THE WORLD!
Story time! – When I was in middle school my stand partner put her clarinet on the music stand, which proceeded to flatten and dumped the clarinet onto the floor, shattering the mouthpiece. Moral of the story: Although the music stand may seem like a quick place to put your clarinet, it is not the safest. Do you really want to risk it? No. No you do not.
Now that we’ve gone through some acceptable substitutes for chairs, music stands and instrument stands it’s time to get practicing!
But Sara, where should I practice?
Anywhere really! Your bedroom, a walk in closet, outside, at a park, on the sidewalk, literally anywhere can become a practice room! Obviously some locations are more private, ideal and sound proof, but as long as you’re practicing you’re making strides to improving your playing and reaching your goals!
Next up some practice tips! Stay Tuned!
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