The Clarinet Ninja Podcast: Clarinet Lessons & Practice Tips

In this episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, host Jay Hasler sits down with Dr. Ron Odrich for the first of a four-part conversation that every clarinet player needs to hear. Dr. Odrich is one of the most uniquely positioned clarinetists alive today. He is a world-renowned periodontist, a former member of the legendary Airmen of Note, a close friend and student of Buddy DeFranco, and a man who studied directly with both Robert Marcellus and Daniel Bonade. This is not secondhand information. This is living history. In Episode 1, Ron walks us through his musical journey from his first teacher Sal Amato, a virtuosic doubler whose clarinet tone Ron still considers the most beautiful he has ever heard, to Jimmy Abato, to three transformative years studying under Bob Marcellus in Washington D.C. while serving in the Air Force. He also shares how a chance meeting with Buddy DeFranco at his father's home set the direction of his entire musical life. Along the way, you will hear some remarkable stories, including the moment Bonade picked up Ron's clarinet and played a Rose etude so beautifully that Ron could not believe it, and a phone call Bonade received from Benny Goodman right in the middle of a lesson. Ron also draws on his expertise as a periodontist to explain something very few teachers have ever discussed openly: how the structure of your mouth, your palate, your teeth, and even the vowel sounds of your native language shape the sound you produce on the clarinet. His explanation of how Marcellus's dentures contributed to that famous large resonant tone is alone worth the entire episode. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone who loves the clarinet, this conversation will change the way you think about tone production forever.

Preparing for a clarinet audition can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we explore The Audition Method for Clarinet by Benjamin Baron, a groundbreaking resource designed to help clarinetists succeed in auditions at every level. You’ll learn: 🎵 Why auditions can feel so overwhelming for clarinetists 🎵 How Baron’s Audition Method breaks down preparation into clear, practical steps 🎵 Simple strategies you can start using right away to boost your confidence and performance Whether you’re auditioning for an orchestra, a school program, or simply want to push your clarinet playing further, this episode will give you tools to prepare smarter—not harder. 📘 Featured Book: The Audition Method for Clarinet by Benjamin Baron 🎶 Perfect for: Clarinet students, adult learners, and anyone facing auditions 👉 If you enjoy this episode, please follow the show and leave a review—it helps more clarinetists like you find this resource! #Clarinet #ClarinetPodcast #ClarinetAudition #ClarinetTips   Ben Baron: https://www.benjaminbaron.com/ The Audition Method for clarinet Vol. 1: https://amzn.to/4oEVSoJ The Audition Method for clarinet Vol. 2: https://amzn.to/4oEX5MN James Danderfer:https:www.jamesdanderfer.com/ All Clarinet Ninja links: https:linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

We often think progress on the clarinet comes from focused effort—hours of practice, carefully chosen reeds, and targeted exercises. But sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs begin somewhere completely unexpected. On June 11, 2003, I had blood clots in my brain. I didn’t know it at the time, but that medical emergency would become one of the most defining moments of both my life and my clarinet playing. In this episode, I share how surviving that event forced me to rethink everything—from how I approached my career to how I understood discomfort, identity, and growth. And I draw direct lines between those lessons and the clarinet: how real improvement often starts with disruption. When you change your voicing, your tonguing reacts. When you focus on articulation, your tone may fall apart—at first. But within that mess is the seed of real transformation. Whether you’re navigating a personal challenge or just wrestling with your air support or articulation, this episode reframes discomfort as a necessary—and powerful—tool for musical growth. Sometimes the biggest changes in your playing start with the things you never asked for. all my stuff: https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

🎧 Ever feel like your progress is slower than it should be? In this inspiring episode, I reflect on my journey recovering from a broken foot and the surprising parallels it shares with learning the clarinet as an adult. Here is me: https://www.clarinetninja.com/ Here is the Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing James Danderfer: https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/ 💥 From pain and patience to tiny wins and trust in the process, this story is a reminder that healing—and learning—aren’t linear. Whether you're nursing an injury or nurturing your skills, this episode is here to lift you up and remind you: you’re doing better than you think. 🛠️ Themes we explore: How rest IS progress Why setbacks don’t mean failure Trusting your teachers—and your body Celebrating the tiniest victories Staying motivated through frustration Building strength, one step at a time 🖤 For every adult clarinetist who’s ever wondered, “Is it supposed to be this hard?”—this one’s for you. 👉 Hit play and let’s reframe how we think about learning and growth!

🎶 In this episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, we sit down with world-renowned mouthpiece, barrel, bell, reed, and reed case maker Brad Behn. Discover how Brad’s journey from professional clarinetist to master craftsman began — and what inspired him to revolutionize clarinet gear. If you've ever wondered how the best clarinet mouthpieces are made, or how passion and artistry shape great craftsmanship, this episode is for you! Brad Behn: https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/ Find me: https://www.clarinetninja.com/ https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.com/ Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.bandcamp.com/music 🔥 Topics we cover: Brad Behn’s journey from performance to mouthpiece design How top-quality clarinet mouthpieces are born Advice for clarinetists looking to upgrade their setup 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast for more clarinet insights, interviews, and gear deep-dives! #Clarinet #BradBehn #ClarinetMouthpiece #ClarinetPodcast #ClarinetNinja #ClarinetGear #woodwindquintet  Clarinet Ninja approved products Links are affiliate links - a great (no cost to you) way to support the channel! Mouthpieces: Affordable professional Bb clarinet mouthpiece: Vandoren BD 4 https://amzn.to/3iSEmAc Vandoren 5RV LYRE https://amzn.to/3H1mECA Vandoren M30 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs Student mouthpiece: Fobes Debut Student debut mouthpiece https://www.clarkwfobes.com/products/debut-clarinet-mouthpiece?variant=39983864774790 Brad Behn Overture mouthpiece https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/overture-student-clarinetmouthpiece Vandoren V12 reeds: #3 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs #3.5 https://amzn.to/3WvJHLD #4 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY Vandoren Traditional (Blue box) #3 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY #3.5 https://amzn.to/3ZKTGPY #4 https://amzn.to/3QTusLm Reed cases: Vandoren Hygro case Bb and Eb reeds https://amzn.to/3koZmPo D'Addario Woodwinds Multi-Instrument Reed case https://amzn.to/3XubIVg Rico Reed Guard Bb clarinet https://amzn.to/3J1h06d Brad Behn Reed Cases https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/product-page/behn-reed-case Books all clarinetists should have: Baermann third division https://amzn.to/3j2fTsd Kell Staccato studies https://amzn.to/3wkLisZ Jean Jean Vade Mecum https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO Rose 32 etudes https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO Rose 40 etudes https://amzn.to/3GWDwdW Kroepsch 416 progressive studies https://amzn.to/3wj48kb Reed equipment: Ridenour ATG reed finishing system https://amzn.to/3XqF7zu ReedGeek Universal G4 reed tool https://amzn.to/3HnjWZC 400 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3H1oof6 600 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3j2hiyZ Vandoren V12 Reed Trimmer https://amzn.to/3H7K8r6 Vandoren V21 and 56 Rue Lepic https://amzn.to/3GLkC9I Vandoren Traditional https://amzn.to/3kjMQRi Vandoren Black Master/Black Master Traditional https://amzn.to/3HcErs1 Vandoren White Master https://amzn.to/3kl4hRz Ligatures: Bonade inverted silver plated https://amzn.to/3wlJdNy Vandoren M/O ligature https://amzn.to/3XPYNNg Vandoren Optimum Ligature https://amzn.to/3QYvOof Rovner Mark III https://amzn.to/3J6H7ZE  Links are affiliate links - a great way to support the channel!

Episode 3: Molly Gebrian – Learn Faster, Perform Better In this episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, I’m joined by Molly Gebrian, violist, neuroscientist, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better. She breaks down how the brain works and shares science-backed practice strategies to help you learn the clarinet more efficiently. If you’ve ever wondered how to practice smarter—not just harder—this episode is for you! James Danderfers music https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/ Dr. Gebrian's book: https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/ Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja  

Episode 1: Ricardo Morales – From Prodigy to Principal In the premiere episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Ricardo Morales. We dive into his journey to becoming principal clarinet of the MET Opera at just 21 years old, as well as my experience studying with him in the mid-1990s. Along the way, we share laughs, stories, and invaluable insights into the world of clarinet playing. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! James Danderfers music https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/ Dr. Gebrian's book: https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/ Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja