Episodes

  • 🎶 In Part 2 of our conversation with master craftsman Brad Behn, we dive deep into how he actually creates his legendary clarinet mouthpieces. From material selection to design philosophy and precision hand-finishing, Brad shares insider secrets behind the mouthpieces trusted by top clarinetists worldwide.

     

    Brad Behn: https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/

    Find me: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

    https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

    Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.com/

    Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.bandcamp.com/music

    🔥 Topics we cover:

    How Brad Behn designs and makes clarinet mouthpieces

    What makes a mouthpiece truly special

    Common myths about clarinet mouthpiece manufacturing

    🎧 Whether you're a clarinet enthusiast, professional player, or gear nerd, you’ll love this behind-the-scenes look into the world of premium clarinet craftsmanship. Subscribe to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast for more clarinet inspiration!

    #Clarinet #BradBehn #ClarinetMouthpiece #ClarinetCraftsmanship #ClarinetNinja #ClarinetGear #WoodwindLife

    Clarinet Ninja approved products

    Links are affiliate links - a great (no cost to you) way to support the channel!

    Mouthpieces:

    Affordable professional Bb clarinet mouthpiece:

    Vandoren BD 4 https://amzn.to/3iSEmAc

    Vandoren 5RV LYRE https://amzn.to/3H1mECA

    Vandoren M30 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs

    Student mouthpiece:

    Fobes Debut Student debut mouthpiece https://www.clarkwfobes.com/products/debut-clarinet-mouthpiece?variant=39983864774790

    Brad Behn Overture mouthpiece https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/overture-student-clarinetmouthpiece

    Vandoren V12 reeds:

    #3 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs

    #3.5 https://amzn.to/3WvJHLD

    #4 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY

    Vandoren Traditional (Blue box)

    #3 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY

    #3.5 https://amzn.to/3ZKTGPY

    #4 https://amzn.to/3QTusLm

    Reed cases:

    Vandoren Hygro case Bb and Eb reeds https://amzn.to/3koZmPo

    D'Addario Woodwinds Multi-Instrument Reed case https://amzn.to/3XubIVg

    Rico Reed Guard Bb clarinet https://amzn.to/3J1h06d

    Brad Behn Reed Cases https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/product-page/behn-reed-case

    Books all clarinetists should have:

    Baermann third division https://amzn.to/3j2fTsd

    Kell Staccato studies https://amzn.to/3wkLisZ

    Jean Jean Vade Mecum https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO

    Rose 32 etudes https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO

    Rose 40 etudes https://amzn.to/3GWDwdW

    Kroepsch 416 progressive studies https://amzn.to/3wj48kb

    Reed equipment:

    Ridenour ATG reed finishing system https://amzn.to/3XqF7zu

    ReedGeek Universal G4 reed tool https://amzn.to/3HnjWZC

    400 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3H1oof6 600 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3j2hiyZ

    Vandoren V12 Reed Trimmer https://amzn.to/3H7K8r6

    Vandoren V21 and 56 Rue Lepic https://amzn.to/3GLkC9I

    Vandoren Traditional https://amzn.to/3kjMQRi

    Vandoren Black Master/Black Master Traditional https://amzn.to/3HcErs1

    Vandoren White Master https://amzn.to/3kl4hRz

    Ligatures:

    Bonade inverted silver plated https://amzn.to/3wlJdNy

    Vandoren M/O ligature https://amzn.to/3XPYNNg

    Vandoren Optimum Ligature https://amzn.to/3QYvOof

    Rovner Mark III https://amzn.to/3J6H7ZE

     Links are affiliate links - a great way to support the channel!

  • 🎶 In this episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, we sit down with world-renowned mouthpiece, barrel, bell, reed, and reed case maker Brad Behn. Discover how Brad’s journey from professional clarinetist to master craftsman began — and what inspired him to revolutionize clarinet gear. If you've ever wondered how the best clarinet mouthpieces are made, or how passion and artistry shape great craftsmanship, this episode is for you!

    Brad Behn: https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/

    Find me: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

    https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja

    Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.com/

    Aaron Irwin: https://aaronirwin.bandcamp.com/music

    🔥 Topics we cover: Brad Behn’s journey from performance to mouthpiece design How top-quality clarinet mouthpieces are born Advice for clarinetists looking to upgrade their setup 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast for more clarinet insights, interviews, and gear deep-dives! #Clarinet #BradBehn #ClarinetMouthpiece #ClarinetPodcast #ClarinetNinja #ClarinetGear #woodwindquintet 

    Clarinet Ninja approved products

    Links are affiliate links - a great (no cost to you) way to support the channel!

    Mouthpieces:

    Affordable professional Bb clarinet mouthpiece:

    Vandoren BD 4 https://amzn.to/3iSEmAc

    Vandoren 5RV LYRE https://amzn.to/3H1mECA

    Vandoren M30 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs

    Student mouthpiece:

    Fobes Debut Student debut mouthpiece https://www.clarkwfobes.com/products/debut-clarinet-mouthpiece?variant=39983864774790

    Brad Behn Overture mouthpiece https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/overture-student-clarinetmouthpiece

    Vandoren V12 reeds:

    #3 https://amzn.to/3J6ExTs

    #3.5 https://amzn.to/3WvJHLD

    #4 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY

    Vandoren Traditional (Blue box)

    #3 https://amzn.to/3J7LJhY

    #3.5 https://amzn.to/3ZKTGPY

    #4 https://amzn.to/3QTusLm

    Reed cases:

    Vandoren Hygro case Bb and Eb reeds https://amzn.to/3koZmPo

    D'Addario Woodwinds Multi-Instrument Reed case https://amzn.to/3XubIVg

    Rico Reed Guard Bb clarinet https://amzn.to/3J1h06d

    Brad Behn Reed Cases https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/product-page/behn-reed-case

    Books all clarinetists should have:

    Baermann third division https://amzn.to/3j2fTsd

    Kell Staccato studies https://amzn.to/3wkLisZ

    Jean Jean Vade Mecum https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO

    Rose 32 etudes https://amzn.to/3J9U6cO

    Rose 40 etudes https://amzn.to/3GWDwdW

    Kroepsch 416 progressive studies https://amzn.to/3wj48kb

    Reed equipment:

    Ridenour ATG reed finishing system https://amzn.to/3XqF7zu

    ReedGeek Universal G4 reed tool https://amzn.to/3HnjWZC

    400 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3H1oof6 600 grit sandpaper https://amzn.to/3j2hiyZ

    Vandoren V12 Reed Trimmer https://amzn.to/3H7K8r6

    Vandoren V21 and 56 Rue Lepic https://amzn.to/3GLkC9I

    Vandoren Traditional https://amzn.to/3kjMQRi

    Vandoren Black Master/Black Master Traditional https://amzn.to/3HcErs1

    Vandoren White Master https://amzn.to/3kl4hRz

    Ligatures:

    Bonade inverted silver plated https://amzn.to/3wlJdNy

    Vandoren M/O ligature https://amzn.to/3XPYNNg

    Vandoren Optimum Ligature https://amzn.to/3QYvOof

    Rovner Mark III https://amzn.to/3J6H7ZE

     Links are affiliate links - a great way to support the channel!

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  • In this episode, we dive into Writing the Vandoren Wave, a compelling collection of essays by acclaimed clarinetist and educator Mitchell Estrin. This book offers powerful insights into the art of clarinet playing, thoughtful reflections on music education, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential brands in the clarinet world—Vandoren.

    🎶 Why this book matters:
    Writing the Vandoren Wave isn't just for clarinetists—it’s for teachers, students, and anyone passionate about music education. Mitch brings decades of wisdom, humor, and real-world experience to every page.

    Check me out here: ClarinetNinja.com

    🛒 Grab your copy here:
    👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mitch-estrin-new-york-philharmonic-university-of/id1806592700?i=1000704401678

    📬 Stay in the loop with Vandoren:
    Get more tips, interviews, and inspiration straight to your inbox by subscribing to The Wave, Vandoren's official newsletter.
    👉https://www.dansr.com/vandoren/resources

    🎓 About Mitch Estrin

    Performed with the New York Philharmonic, working under legendary conductors like Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta.

    Professor of Clarinet at the University of Florida, where he mentors the next generation of clarinetists.

    Former president of the International Clarinet Association (ICA).

    A longtime Vandoren artist and passionate advocate for excellence in clarinet education.

    Whether you're a clarinetist, music educator, or lifelong learner, this conversation and Mitch's book will leave you feeling inspired and reconnected to your musical purpose.

  • Episode 4: Molly Gebrian – Science-Based Practice Techniques Molly Gebrian returns to the Clarinet Ninja Podcast to dive even deeper into the science of learning. In this episode, she shares specific, research-backed practice techniques to help you improve faster and retain what you learn more effectively. If you're looking to take your clarinet playing to the next level with smarter practice, you won’t want to miss this!

    Dr. Gebrian's book:  https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA

    James Danderer's music: https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

    Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

    Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

    Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus

    Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja

     

  • Episode 3: Molly Gebrian – Learn Faster, Perform Better In this episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, I’m joined by Molly Gebrian, violist, neuroscientist, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better. She breaks down how the brain works and shares science-backed practice strategies to help you learn the clarinet more efficiently. If you’ve ever wondered how to practice smarter—not just harder—this episode is for you!

    James Danderfers music https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

    Dr. Gebrian's book: https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA

    Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

    Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

    Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus

    Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja

     

  • Episode 2: Ricardo Morales – Mastering the Clarinet & Finding the Right Gear In this episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, Ricardo Morales returns to share his insights on teaching and learning the clarinet. We explore effective practice strategies, the mindset of a great musician, and the importance of finding the right clarinet equipment. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this episode is packed with valuable advice to elevate your playing!

    James Danderfers music https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

    Dr. Gebrian's book: https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA

    Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

    Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

    Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus

    Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja

     

  • Episode 1: Ricardo Morales – From Prodigy to Principal In the premiere episode of the Clarinet Ninja Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Ricardo Morales. We dive into his journey to becoming principal clarinet of the MET Opera at just 21 years old, as well as my experience studying with him in the mid-1990s. Along the way, we share laughs, stories, and invaluable insights into the world of clarinet playing. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

    James Danderfers music https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

    Dr. Gebrian's book: https://amzn.to/4iUUIlA

    Study clarinet with me - https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing

    Check out: https://www.clarinetninja.com/

    Enjoy our best free content https://www.clarinetninja.com/joinus

    Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/clarinetninja