Quick Tip: Finding The Right Reed Strength For You

VCA Instructor Kristen Thompson talks us through how to select the best reed strength. How can you tell if you're playing on a reed strength that fits *just right*? Here's what to listen for as you're practicing: TOO SOFT *reed responds too easily *tone is wide, bright, harsh *unable to achieve a warm, dark sound *buzzy/spread articulation TOO HARD *reed is difficult to play on *tone is stuffy, muffled, or muddy *unable to make a clearer or brighter sound *articulation is heavy and stuffy JUST RIGHT *reed responds easily *tone is warm and even throughout registers *articulation is clear and consistent If you think you might need to adjust your reed size, try moving up by 1/2 strength at a time. Band directors and private teachers can be an amazing resource for help here as well! Remember that there is no best size reed: play on what makes you sound great! Comment down below if this video was helpful and if you'd like to see more Quick Tips videos like this one! Find us on social media: Instagram: @virtualclarinetacademy Facebook: www.facebook.com/virtualclarinetacademy Twitter: @ClarinetAcademy