We often think progress on the clarinet comes from focused effort—hours of practice, carefully chosen reeds, and targeted exercises. But sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs begin somewhere completely unexpected. On June 11, 2003, I had blood clots in my brain. I didn’t know it at the time, but that medical emergency would become one of the most defining moments of both my life and my clarinet playing. In this episode, I share how surviving that event forced me to rethink everything—from how I approached my career to how I understood discomfort, identity, and growth. And I draw direct lines between those lessons and the clarinet: how real improvement often starts with disruption. When you change your voicing, your tonguing reacts. When you focus on articulation, your tone may fall apart—at first. But within that mess is the seed of real transformation. Whether you’re navigating a personal challenge or just wrestling with your air support or articulation, this episode reframes discomfort as a necessary—and powerful—tool for musical growth. Sometimes the biggest changes in your playing start with the things you never asked for.

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https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/

Are you ready for the clarinet event of the year? 🎶 Join me for a fun and inspiring conversation with Dr. Cathy Wood, President of the International Clarinet Association (ICA), and Jessica Harrie, ICA Executive Director, as we dive into everything you need to know about ClarinetFest® 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas – July 9–13! We also talk about the special Pre-ClarinetFest Enthusiasts Event happening July 7–8, created just for adult clarinet lovers looking for connection, learning, and community before the convention kicks off. In this episode: ✅ Why ClarinetFest® is a life-changing experience for clarinetists of all levels ✅ What to expect this year in Fort Worth ✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from ICA leadership ✅ How YOU can be part of this unforgettable week ✅ And… how to register before it’s too late! Whether you're a performer, teacher, adult learner, or just love the clarinet — this is your invitation to join us in Texas this summer! 👇 Links + Info Below 👇 🔗 Register for ClarinetFest® 2025: https://clarinet.org/clarinetfest-registration-2025/ 🎧 Learn More About Clarinet Ninja:https://linktr.ee/theclarinetninja 🎶 Check Out James Danderfer: https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/ 📬 Contact Me: TheClarinetNinja@gmail.com

🎧 Ever feel like your progress is slower than it should be? In this inspiring episode, I reflect on my journey recovering from a broken foot and the surprising parallels it shares with learning the clarinet as an adult. Here is me: https://www.clarinetninja.com/ Here is the Dojo: https://www.clarinetninja.com/dojo-landing James Danderfer: https://www.jamesdanderfer.com/ 💥 From pain and patience to tiny wins and trust in the process, this story is a reminder that healing—and learning—aren’t linear. Whether you're nursing an injury or nurturing your skills, this episode is here to lift you up and remind you: you’re doing better than you think. 🛠️ Themes we explore: How rest IS progress Why setbacks don’t mean failure Trusting your teachers—and your body Celebrating the tiniest victories Staying motivated through frustration Building strength, one step at a time 🖤 For every adult clarinetist who’s ever wondered, “Is it supposed to be this hard?”—this one’s for you. 👉 Hit play and let’s reframe how we think about learning and growth!