Crossing The Break – Embrace The Challenge of Teaching Clarinet

The Crossing The Break Podcast discusses the nuts and bolts of teaching clarinet at the beginning and intermediate levels. We will cover aspects of playing clarinet including tone, embouchure, hand position, tonguing, technique, range, fingerings, tuning and other clarinet-specific items. These ideas can be applied to beginning clarinet class, beginning band, intermediate or advanced clarinetists, and in an individual or group setting. The host of this podcast is Tamarie Sayger. A 1999 music education graduate of WTAMU, Mrs. Sayger held band director positions in Plano and Odessa, TX for 5 years. As a private clarinet instructor in Texas for 16 years, she has taught hundreds of students from grade 6-12 in classes, sectionals, and individual lessons. She has presented at district in-services and co-presented at the Texas Bandmasters Association convention. Her website, CrossingTheBreak.com, provides resources for clarinet teachers around the country. Tamarie Sayger is also a core contributor for BandDirectorsTalkShop.com, primarily on the subjects of clarinet and private lessons. Her podcast, Crossing The Break, can be found on iTunes. Keywords: Teaching clarinet, clarinet, band director, band, music education, music ed, music, teaching music, music teacher, playing clarinet, clarinet pedagogy, band pedagogy, music pedagogy