(Part 2) Best books about woodwind instruments according to redditors

You can bend with a tongue block just fine. It takes a bit of practice to learn, but once you get the hang of it, it's completely natural.

Tongue blocking has so many cool techniques and effects that you can't get any other way that it's worth learning how to bend with a tongue block.

Great players vary a lot. Pretty much all of them use a tongue tongue block at least part of the time. Some tongue block all the time. Almost none don't tongue block at all.

My own history started with being puzzled by the advice on the slip of paper that came with my first harmonica, that showed putting three holes in your mouth and then using you tongue to block out two of them. I found I could just get a single note by puckering my lips. And pretty soon I could bend notes as well.

But then I started to notice all the cool things that great players were doing with a tongue block. So I learned to incorporate it. But I could still only bend with a pucker and sometimes I would have to switch back and forth real fast to incorporate a bent note into a line that was mostly tongue blocked. You'd see the harp bobbing in and out of my lips as I switched back and forth - way in for the tongue-blocked splits, then back out for the single note bend.

Eventually I got curious about bending with a tongue block and decided to figure it out. At first it seemed hard and awkward, but after awhile I got the hang of it and didn't ned to make a lot of awkward switches just to bend notes.

So, over the course of a long time, I went from being 90 percent pucker to 90 percent tongue block.

Don't give up. Tongue blocking has too much to offer and it's already your embouchure of choice.

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Winslow Yerxa - Take a lesson with one of the world’s foremost experts and teachers

Author, Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition

Blues Harmonica For Dummies

Really, the only way to do it is to practice your scales and arpeggios! The Baermann scale book (division 3) is what almost every clarinet player uses. It has every way to play a scale that you could ever imagine.

When I have fast scales and arpeggios, I don't look at every note; I've practiced them enough to know what comes next. If there's a note in the passage that isn't in the normal scale/arpeggio, I circle it to make sure I actually look at that specific note.

Edit: [here's the Baermann on IMSLP](http://imslp.org/wiki/Vollst%C3%A4ndige_Clarinett_Schule,_Opp.63,_64_(Baermann,_Carl)! Again, division 3 is the one you're looking for. You can also buy your own, easier-to-read copy on Amazon. You'll most likely be playing out of that book for the rest of the time you play clarinet; I think it's worth it to spend a little on it!

Oboe Art & Method

Martin Schuring’s book is the best out there, and the second half of it is all about reedmaking.

At that stage in the game I would really recommend this book https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00L7VLV3Q/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

> are there any flute books aimed at a player who is excellent at the theory (so sight reading is a non issue) but wants to build finger dexterity? or is it just scales, scales, scales ?

See Trevor Wye's Practice Books For The Flute.

I think that's an Orchestra geek, if the book is any indication.

Reed strength is actually more dependent on the mouthpiece than on you. If you have a close mouthpiece(orchestral), you need a higher reed strength. If you have an open mouthpiece(jazz) you need a low reed strength.

It's harder to play the really high notes with a low reed strength.

Also, if you're going for an orchestral tone, try Gonzalez reeds. And bump up the strength to a three at least - you can get singlets if you go to good(not chain) music store.

Arbans is recommended for clarinet students as well, but it doesn't cover the highest and lowest registers - you should grab Baermann's III as well.

Art of Clarinet Playing talks a lot about the mechanics and embrochure without treating you like a five year old who can't tell a treble clef from a curlicue.

Take a look at the sidebar. There are pointers to web sites that can get you started. Or you could go old school and pick up a book like Jon Gindick's Country and Blues Harmonica or Harmonica for Dummies. The dummies author, Winslow Yerxa, also has a good Blues Harmonica for Dummies. Or you could just start playing with it. Good luck! Have fun!

Congrats on your first win Paladins of the bumblebee but do you go to band camp? https://www.amazon.com/W22FL-Standard-Excellence-Comprehensive-Method/dp/084975951X 8 and 9?

~ /r/PictureGame

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^^Info ^^| ^^Subreddit

This by far was the best starter book for songs that I found -

https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Pop-Melodies-Alto-Sax/dp/1480384305

Incredibly well done AND easy to play.

This books works well for learning -

https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Elements-2000-Alto-Saxophone/dp/0634003178/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=alto+essentials&qid=1562175637&s=books&sr=1-1

Gives you the next "challenge" to work on great from a complete beginner's perspective. If you do every exercise in that correctly until at least half way through you'll be playing the previous book easily and the music is written so well for it you could play it on the street if you wanted to. Also lets you log in to hear how it's played and so you can play along.

I would recommend using this random sheet music generator to practice playing playing notes faster the first time you read them -

http://www.randomsheetmusic.com/

An instructor will be needed to make sure you are doing things correctly like getting notes out etc. I would recommend getting also 1.5 reeds because it's almost impossible to not get the note out with them.

To start off, don't expect yourself to sound like Kenny G right off the bat. You're gonna sound like a broken glass trying to grind itself across the chock board. But that's OK!
So to answer your question...

1. Tenor Sax is great instrument to start off with. In fact, any instrument that uses reed is essentially a million time easier than the brass instrument such as the trumpet.
   
2. For beginner, quality of the instrument doesn't really matter. But for a decent instrument I recommend purchasing Yamaha. On a personal note, I also recommend purchasing a better quality mouth piece than the one Yamaha provides. Also, please be aware that there are different quality reed. Buy the one that is branded "Rico" - level 2.
   The number on the reed indicate how stiff it is.
   
   
3. this is the book that i started off with. https://www.amazon.com/W21XB-Standard-Excellence-Tenor-Saxophone/dp/0849759331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498639037&sr=8-1&keywords=Standard+of+Excellence+Book+tenor
   It'll go over some of the basic of reading notes as well identifying the 'rest'. Though granted, this book is written for children so don't be dishearten or disgruntle about the level of music they have.
   
   
4. In honesty, i recommend playing 30 min a day. Just keep in mind, there are no better way of learning than to play the music you enjoy. SO likewise, look for beginner music from your general music store. Just be sure you get some of the fundamental first before searching around.
   
   
5. I actually started off in middle school playing the Clarinet. Within my high school life, my teacher had me balance between the clarinet, bass clarinet as well as the tenor sax.
   Between the three instruments, I missed playing the tenor sax the most. Its a "beast" to say the least.
   
   
   

It is also 100% worth buying in paper form. Available on Amazon, Sheet Music Plus, JW Pepper. It is almost impossible to ever outgrow this book. Mine's been repaired with duct tape a couple times now.

I know that you may not want to hear this, but Sheet Music is pretty much bread and butter imo. If you don't know how to read notes, try Essential Elements. I know it's a very basic book, but it teaches you the exact fingerings of each note and how it appears on the page. I used that book on my first year of learning Tenor Sax, and it actually helped out a lot. I didn't need this book after my first year, but man is it informative. It also has some very, very basic beginner tunes imo (yet, I'm not sure what your definition of a beginner tune is).

Edit: You can also find a Tenor Sax version on Amazon as well. The link I provided is alto.

Hmmm. yeah names of classical pieces can be so ambiguous too. I wonder if you were to look into finding that book or one similar, (if you haven't already) you could then have a source of songs to look through as a starting point. Here's a book I just found- https://www.amazon.com/Classical-Sheet-Music-Flute-Piano-ebook/dp/B00RY5JSFW

-- if you look inside, and scroll down to the table contents it has a list of songs. Not as helpful (or fun) as knowing what it is, but might help you find it! :)

Seconded! I learned using the Clarke Tin Whistle Book and a whistle in the key of "C". There's a plethora of whistles available in various keys for under $20 each. See Dale Wisely's Chiff and Fipple Guide to Inexpensive Whistles for more information. A set of whistles in various keys, especially C, D, and E, will provide access to most of the comfortable "guitar" keys -- a D whistle can play easily in D, Bm, G, and Em with minimal cross-fingering. I have played Clarke's, Sweetone's, Generation's, Shaw's, and Susato's among others, and while all of them have their own character, I think I prefer the playability and tone of the Susato line best.

I've been learning flute for the past year, and here's what I've found useful:

• cyberflute.com
  
  
• Nina Perlove on YouTube
  
  
• etudes by Anderson (24 Progressive Studies) and Gariboldi (here's the collection I have)
  
  
• The Wye Practice Books for the Flute in one volume - This is absolutely wonderful for learning how to play well. He talks about tone, intonation, technique, vibrato, double tonguing, etc. Definitely worth the price.
  
  My practice is oriented in two directions: Celtic-style songs and techniques, and general classical style. I'm currently working on the Am Partita by Bach. The hardest thing for me about learning flute (I'm also a clarinet/sax player!) is the subtleties of embouchure, and playing in tune (which are related, I suppose).

Thank you for all the advice!

I started in elementary school band, where I picked up a bunch of crappy playing habits, and stopped playing when the music teacher left for a better salary elsewhere. It's been some years and jazz has rekindled my interest in playing. (Especially Lee Morgan, Clifford Brown and Dizzy!)

Anyway, I'm about two months into playing, and I've taken great care to avoid bad habits: posture, breathing, mouthpiece pressure, et. al.

I'm using a couple of method books right now: The Jazz Method For Trumpet, Mitchell on Trumpet, and the Rubank Elementary Method. I use the Mitchell book to build technique, supplemented with some exercises from the Rubank book. I'm using the Jazz Method to incorporate musicality into my practice. I've been putting off buying Arban's and Clarke's since I'm still a beginner, but I guess you just took care of that for me. (ha!)

My only issue right now is practicing intonation and ear training in general. I do long tones with a tuner, but I have heard mixed opinions on practicing musical passages with one. Certain situations may require playing with just intonation, such as with other wind instruments or fretless stringed instruments, but playing along with a piano will require equal temperament. How do I practice either of these?

My routine is about 45-60 minutes long. I do long tones, lip slurs, some tonguing exercises, and then I try to squeeze in some actual music, all with a metronome. I'll try out your suggested breathing exercises and look into keeping a practice log.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply!

One hint: Clarinet music is written in C, so it's a good source of single note sight reading material. I use this book: http://www.amazon.com/O304-Celebrated-Clarinet-Complete-Edition/dp/082580051X

It's a intro method book, so it starts out slow and works up.

https://www.amazon.com/W22FL-Standard-Excellence-Comprehensive-Method/dp/084975951X

8 and 9?

You're new to playing it, yeah? In which case, get what I list or other reputable brands (which I also list) in the same price range. If you really get into it, you can look at more expensive super-deluxe models later.

Just get a Clarke D whistle, they're @$10-15
https://www.amazon.com/Clarke-CWD-Celtic-Tin-Whistle/dp/B0002I8Y6W

Clarke's what I play on, they play fine. Any D whistle made by a reputable manufacturer (Generation, Feadog, etc) will do, though. Some play a bit easier than others though and you may find you have a preference.

Get the Clarke book too @$15
https://www.amazon.com/Clarke-Tin-Whistle-Deluxe-Book/dp/0962345679

There's also the Geraldine Cotter books and a few others which are quite good, but if it's just the one, I'd just get the Clarke, it's fine.

• Rent a trumpet from a nearby music store (I see you live in Sweden, do they offer instrument rental programs there?): cheap, and you can ensure it works (instead of buying a possible dud from ebay). Most shops will ask for a minimum of 3 months- this will give you some time to figure out if this is something you'd like to continue with.
  
  
• The trumpet is a very physical instrument and it's easy to develop lasting bad habits that will really hurt you down the road. Try to take at least 1 lesson with a teacher so you can get the ball rolling. If that's REALLY not possible (a 30min lesson is $20-45 usually so it's not much!) search for Charlie Porter on Youtube and check out his vids.
  
  
• You will improve fastest if you can play everyday: even if it's only 5 min. Rest often! The goal is to reinforce good habits.
  
  
• Get a method book that will inspire you to continue playing. If you have not played an instrument before, I wouldn't recommend Clarke/Arban like another poster suggested- those are extremely technical and Arban is frankly probably out of your range right now. Try The Jazz Method for Trumpet. It has a playalong CD and tunes that are much closer to the type of music you like (rock) than most other method books. Other good beginner books: Embouchure Builder, or Getchell (might be a little out of your range for the 1st few weeks).
  
  
• Lastly, please do not get discouraged! Most people sounded awful when they first started out- that will probably include you. Don't judge yourself too hard- just be patient and practice consistently and I promise you that the improvement will come.

I'm working through this book. I'm not sure if other members will have a better recommendation.

Is this the sort of thing you're looking for?

There's tons out there, Mel Bay and Hal Leonard have published all sorts of "Giant Collection of Type of Music X Arranged for Instrument Y" --

what kind of music does your family like? Make a list of 4-6 categories (Broadway? Vintage 70s album rock?) and email the band teacher see, what s/he thinks.

You need an oboist who can look at the instrument, the reeds, and the kid and give pointers with better info than we have online. See if you can bring in someone from a nearby university for masterclasses.

Also, high F is a pretty awful note to start with. I'd have her work through an actual oboe beginner book (NOT the oboe version of a band book) like this one : https://www.amazon.com/Student-Instrumental-Course-Oboe-Level/dp/0757982891/ref=pd_aw_fbt_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DX114R6SZ9MCBAZTDY5E with the help of a book about oboe playing like https://www.amazon.com/Oboe-Art-Method-Martin-Schuring/dp/0195374576/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539131437&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Martin+schuring+oboe&dpPl=1&dpID=51x7aICx6yL&ref=plSrch

Edit : so far from your description, I suspect e and its secondary key are MASSIVELY out of adjustment, and D and its secondary are somewhat, too. Another reason to bring in a professional (check the local colleges; you might even get a professor for free, if they can get paid as college recruitment, or you might get a cheap grad student). A professional oboist should be able to adjust things and better narrow down any issues that will require a repair shop, whereas many repair shops are terrifyingly poor at diagnosing and adjusting oboes. Of course, the kid might just not have all the holes fully covered, or might be letting the F# key up.

I've used the Complete.Woodwind Repair Manual as my guide for all my repairs. It's very well written and comprehensive.

Here’s what I’d recommend:
-Opperman Elementary Velocity Studies https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825833337/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WEKBCbVBNYPNY

-Rose 32 etudes https://imslp.org/wiki/32_Etudes_for_Clarinet_(Rose,_Cyrille)

-Rose 40 studies https://imslp.org/wiki/40_Studies_for_Clarinet_Solo_(Rose,_Cyrille)

-Baerman Complete method for clarinet https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825801702/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cEKBCbHPQ40J3

One more thing,
Especially when you are starting out, try different reeds.
These are a great thing to buy.

Good luck!

1. https://www.amazon.com/II-V-I-Book-All-Instruments/dp/0976914883
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Ii-V-I-Progression-Play-Along-Lesson-Online/dp/1458432025
   
   
3. https://www.amazon.com/Fundamental-Changes-Soloing-Saxophone-Master-ebook/dp/B00MF92IZ4
   
   
4. Aebersold vol. 3 ii-V-I Progressions for Guitar
   
   
5. Joseph Alexander: Minor ii V i Mastery for Jazz Guitar with 170 Notated Audio Examples: The Definitive Study Guide to Jazz Guitar Soloing (Fundamental Changes in Jazz..
   
   There are many, many, more.

https://www.amazon.com/Young-Flutists-Recital-Book-Collection/dp/079355103X/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502217309&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=Pieces+for+young+flutist

I really liked this book.

Also:

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Pieces-Progressive-Order-Collection/dp/0793525527/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0793525527&pd_rd_r=JHT28M4FH26YC1CBT2VZ&pd_rd_w=U2Pa5&pd_rd_wg=2rPLG&psc=1&refRID=JHT28M4FH26YC1CBT2VZ

Though the last song in this book appears in the other one.

I think I understand you to be asking how to work on your Clarinet skills, am I right? I'll just run with that...

If you're looking for style interpretations the Wicked soundtrack has a fantastic pit orchestra Clarinetist who plays with an excellent "Broadway" sound. If you do your best to mimic that, you should be okay even if you only get it a little bit.

If it's a fingering issue, I'd say that you should find an etude or piece that you know cold on your saxophone and play it on the Clarinet. It will be weird hearing it in Bb instead of Eb pitch center, but since you already know the rhythms and notational markings it will help you "smooth out" your Clarinet.

Granted, these are just quick fixes... if you've got time I recommend the Klosé Method as this should help with a more Clarinet centric pedagogy.

Break a leg!

EDIT: Added link

This is one of my most favorite pastimes haha!

Hohner Special 20 harmonica in C
[Set of harmonicas in different keys] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A2HDXA?colid=1SQ1CCJDQASEJ&coliid=I37C0F3ZI7ZBL3)
Harmonica book
(I really want to learn, half the reeds are busted up on my current one)

PowerSaves for Pokemon
Cigarette case
Window crystal thingies (blue and clear)

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0849759331/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Embouchure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0QTEEQi3g4

​

Sorry this took so long to send back!