Support vs. Volume: The Key to Better Clarinet Playing with David Sapadin

About this episode

Jay Hassler interviews David Sapadin about the journey of becoming a clarinet player, focusing on the difference between support and volume in playing.

Welcome to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast! In this episode, Jay sits down with longtime friend and accomplished clarinetist Dave Sapadin for a deep dive into the journey of becoming your own player. Dave shares his equipment evolution - from Buffet R13 to LeBlanc Opus, Backun MOBAs, and finally to Uebel clarinets - and what he learned about compromise and personal sound along the way. But this conversation goes far beyond gear. As a highly successful teacher with students earning top honors (including first chair in New York State), Dave reveals his teaching philosophy: creating an open, judgment-free environment where students learn to identify and solve problems independently. He discusses the crucial difference between support and volume, why embouchure is often blamed incorrectly, and how to help students hear themselves objectively. Key topics include: The evolution of clarinet manufacturing and intonation Learning habits vs. unlearning them Teaching students to "not accept" mediocrity How sound changes with distance from the player The role of air, throat, and fingers (not just embouchure) Lessons learned from studying with Ricardo Morales and Yehuda Gilad Why dynamics are…

People in this episode

Guest: David Sapadin

Topics covered

• equipment evolution
• teaching philosophy
• support vs. volume
• embouchure
• sound perception
• clarinet manufacturing
• learning habits
• dynamics
• impact of the pandemic

Keywords

• clarinet
• music education
• student development
• musician growth

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Buffet R13, LeBlanc Opus, Backun, MOBAs, Uebel, Backun MOBAs, Uebel clarinets

Places: New York State

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