Scales
Play a chromatic scale as long tones. Set your metronome to mm=60, start at the bottom E, and play it for 4 counts. Play the scale in groups of 4 notes (16 seconds in total), followed by a 4-count break as you take a deep breath. Example: E, F, F#, G (breath); G#, A, B♭, B (breath), and so on.
Always play scales and arpeggios. This will warm up your fingers and they are also technique exercises that are crucial in all musical practice. Learn all 12 major scales, the related minors and the chromatic scale (full range from low E to altissimo C).
Register slurs
Practice register slurs. These are like long tones except that at the peak of volume you add the register key. For example, on low E you would go to middle line B.
Do altissimo slurs. These are challenging at first, so don't give up on them. Start on the E with the register key and then lift your top finger. If you are new to the altissimo register this is actually a half step higher than C with only the back hole down and the register key. Keep doing this until you get to A with the register key down. For the notes to respond, you need a fast air stream and pressure.
For Bb clarinets only: Start on the lowest note, and put the register key down, raising the note an octave. Play the chromatic scale slowly. Start on first line e, and go to the lowest note (very low E). After you get to the lowest E, put the register key down. Then stop for 1 2 beats, then play the second lowest note, (very low F) and put the register key down. Keep doing this until you get to the first line E again. Start on low G, and put the register key down. Then slide your left pointer (first key finger, of the finger that plays A) down just a little, so that you are just halfway covering the hole. do this little, and only do it if you are experienced.
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