Fingering Diagram Builder, version 0.7

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I have released version 0.7 of the Fingering Diagram Builder. Mostly it supports some new instruments. Let me know if you run into bugs or have suggestions or feature requests.

Here’s what’s new:

  • I fixed a bug that was preventing saving custom presets. Not sure if anybody noticed.
  • Viennese oboe diagrams.
  • German clarinet diagrams, in Oehler and Albert variants.
  • French bassoon diagrams, in Jancourt and modern Buffet variants.
  • The (Conservatory) oboe diagram now (optionally) has a thumb low B key.
  • The (German/Heckel) bassoon diagram now (optionally) has an offset C-sharp trill (hat tip to Trent Jacobs).
European woodwindy goodness. L-R: Viennese oboe, Oehler clarinet, Buffet bassoon
European woodwindy goodness. L-R: Viennese oboe, Oehler clarinet, Buffet bassoon

Note that I do not play or own a Viennese oboe, an Oehler- or Albert-system clarinet, or a French bassoon, nor am I suitably fluent in European languages to 100% understand the related pedagogical literature, so I could really use some assistance on making sure these new diagrams look right and things are named properly. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have suggestions/improvements.

As always, I’m glad to hear from folks who are using the FDB, and to see the cool things you are making (websites, blog posts, books, posters, handouts…). The FDB generates thousands of images every month, which I think is pretty cool.

Review: D’Addario Select Jazz alto saxophone mouthpieces

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I like mouthpieces that are easy to play, especially in terms of response and tuning. But I also really like something easy to replace; I don’t like the idea of a mouthpiece that is so expensive, variable, or rare that if I drop it I can’t just order a new one, have it in a … Read more

Favorite blog posts, May 2015

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Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, May 2015 edition.

Clarinet and saxophone embouchures and the “chin”

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The chin is much-discussed in clarinet pedagogy. Keith Stein suggests a “stretching” of the chin, making it feel “long and pointed” and “rather hard.” David Pino, a student of Stein’s, echoes this. Jane Ellsworth describes a chin that is “drawn downward” (while the jaw provides a “controlled” “upward pressure.” Michele Gingras advocates a “flat” chin. … Read more

Subdivision, long notes, and slowing the tempo

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As my students get better at reading more complicated rhythms, often it is the “easy” notes that emerge as the ones still lacking in precision. Master the technique of subdivision for greater precision and control of tempo.

“Next” steps in preparing repertoire

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I think many aspiring musicians pass through a phase in their development where they have “learned” fingerings, music reading skills, and other fundamentals at a basic degree of mastery, and turn their attention to developing sufficiently fluent technique (mostly finger technique) to tackle the instrument’s standard literature. Once they acquire that fluency and tackle that … Read more

Favorite blog posts, April 2015

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Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, April 2015 edition.

Sparking creative inspiration

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It’s tempting sometimes to see my students as either left-brained or right-brained players—either the precise, technically-oriented type or the creative, intuitive type. The reality, of course, is that they are all some of each, but may have greater strengths in one area or the other. And good musicians need both. Trying to get the more … Read more

Handout: Blogging to build your woodwind career

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I gave a presentation at last week’s Mid-South Flute Festival on blogging as a means for enhancing a performing/teaching career. The handout says “flute” on it, but I think the advice really is pretty generally applicable. Blogging to Build Your Flute Career (PDF)

Introducing ReedCast™: scientific woodwind reed quality forecasting

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Woodwind players know that the way a reed plays is subject to factors like elevation, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. My new web application, ReedCast™, helps to eliminate some of the guesswork. (Or does it?)