by Stefanie Harger Gardner and the ICA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Committee

As educators and performers, it is vital that we ensure music-making is accessible to all—regardless of age, hand size, mobility, or physical ability. In recent years, growing attention to inclusive design in the music world has led to significant developments in instrument modification, particularly for the clarinet. These adaptations make it possible for a wider range of players to participate fully and comfortably in music performance.

Common accessibility-focused modifications include plateau (closed-hole) key systems, custom thumbrests, key extensions, and mechanical alterations tailored to specific mobility needs. Whether supporting a young student with small hands, a professional musician with arthritis, or a player navigating limb difference, these adjustments play a vital role in fostering lifelong engagement with the clarinet.

The ICA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Committee is thrilled to feature a number of skilled technicians and workshops around the world that are leading the way in this important work. From custom-fabricated solutions to full instrument redesigns, these specialists bring innovation, care, and deep understanding of the clarinet’s mechanics to support players at every level. The following technicians shared their work in response to a call for submissions in the ICA Newsletter.

Technician: Andrew Roberts

ARCS

Technician: Andrew Roberts

Website: theclarinet.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom

ARCS provides services such as custom thumbrests, keywork modifications, and thumb plate additions.

KEYSTONE MUSIC AND REPAIR

Technician: John Kirkner

Technician: John Kirkner

Website: keystonemusicrepair.com

Email: [email protected]

Location: Pottstown, Pennsylvania (USA)

John Kirkner has created several innovative adaptations, including modifications to a bass clarinet for a musician with limited mobility in the left hand (third and fourth fingers), allowing certain notes to be played with the right thumb. He has also developed left-hand-only adaptations for saxophones.

Technician: Kristin Bertrand

Technician: Kristin Bertrand

KRISTIN BERTRAND’S WOODWIND WORKSHOP

Technician: Kristin Bertrand

Website: woodwindworkshop.com

Email: [email protected]

Location: Floral Park, New York (USA)

Kristin Bertrand’s workshop specializes in full instrument fabrications, modifications, and customizations to meet the unique needs of individual musicians.

LOHFF & PFEIFFER

Technician: Wolfgang Lohff

Technician: Wolfgang Lohff

Website: www.clarinet.dk

Email: [email protected]

Locations: Riverdale, Maryland (USA) and Vallensbæk, Denmark

Lohff & Pfeiffer offers a wide range of accessibility-focused modifications, including the conversion of ring key systems to plateau systems for E-flat, D, C, B-flat, A, G, and alto clarinets. They also provide key extensions for smaller hands and customized key mechanisms for players with missing fingers or partial finger use.

LUTHIERS MARVENT

Technician: Martín Ventura

Technician: Martín Ventura

Technician: Martín Ventura

Email: [email protected]

Location: Valencia, Spain

Luthiers Marvent supports musicians with disabilities by adapting keywork and mechanisms to help them regain their playing ability and continue their musical training.

PEREIRA 3D CLARINET SERVICES

Technician: Ryan Pereira

Technician: Ryan Pereira

Technician: Ryan Pereira

Website: www.pereira3d.com

Email: [email protected]

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA)

The plateau-key version of the Pereira Custom B-flat clarinet is designed specifically for players who find it difficult to cover open holes with their fingers. It is especially beneficial for those with arthritis or for younger players with smaller hands, thanks to its closed-hole system. Both the upper and lower joints are made from a proprietary hard rubber, featuring a polycylindrical bore and undercut tone holes. This model offers a more affordable option suitable for a wide range of performance settings, and its durable material is resistant to cracking and long-term wear.

We deeply appreciate the expertise and dedication of these technicians who make it possible for more people to experience the joy of playing the clarinet. If you are interested in having your business featured in the ICA Newsletter, please contact [email protected].