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!

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.

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🛒 Grab your copy here:
👉 Buy Writing the Vandoren Wave

📬 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.
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• 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

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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