How can I smoothly slur to the altissimo register without my high note popping out too loud?
This problem comes from the fact that the second register vent (the first left‐hand finger hole)
is way too big to ideally serve as a register vent – just compare its size to the hole of your
register key. Thus, most clarinetists use a technique called “half‐holing” to connect up to the
altissimo register, especially when the tempo is moderate to slow. While playing the lower
note, simply slide your left‐hand first finger down and off in a smooth motion while using lots of
air. It should result in a much better connection without the “pop” that typically comes with
not half‐holing – as conductor Richard Clary always says, “Pet the kitty, don’t kick the kitty!” If
you practice this technique every day for a few minutes, the slurs you have in music going up to
the altissimo register will eventually become easier to do and consistently sound more
connected.
