Trusting the Process and Checking the Results: A Balanced Approach to Clarinet Practice

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I wish you joy, success, and fulfillment in all areas of your life. One area I hope to impact directly is your clarinet journey. My goal is to offer you ideas and approaches that not only improve your playing but also spark joy and elevate your trajectory.

When it comes to meaningful growth on the clarinet, finding the right balance between focusing on the process and assessing the outcomes is essential. These two perspectives, drawn from sports analogies, provide valuable insights for clarinetists seeking to improve.

The phrase “trust the process” gained popularity through the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers in 2013, when their general manager, Sam Hinkie, emphasized building a strong foundation through deliberate, long-term steps. This mindset champions faith in consistent effort. In contrast, NFL legend Bill Parcells’ famous quote, “You are what your record says you are,” highlights the importance of measurable results and the need to evaluate success based on outcomes.

Though these approaches might seem at odds, combining them creates a powerful strategy for clarinet practice.

Trusting the Process

The process is where transformation begins. It’s about showing up consistently and engaging deeply with the work—whether refining your embouchure, mastering technical passages, or practicing scales with intention. These small, consistent actions build the foundation for lasting success.

Trusting the process requires patience and faith in your daily efforts. Progress may not always feel immediate, but small wins—a smoother tone, clearer articulation, or improved dynamics—add up over time. Each deliberate step propels you closer to your goals.

Measuring Outcomes

While process-oriented thinking keeps you grounded, outcomes ensure your efforts are effective. Are your practice routines delivering the results you want? Can you play your pieces with confidence and clarity? Regular reflection on these questions ensures your process is aligned with your goals.

Outcomes provide clarity and accountability. If the results aren’t where you want them to be, it’s a sign to adjust your approach, not abandon it. With a slight tweak—a new exercise, a different focus, or guidance from an experienced mentor—you can get back on track.

The Best Place to Find Your Process

This is where the Clarinet Ninja Dojo stands apart. It is the ideal environment for adult learners to discover a process that is grounded in traditional clarinet pedagogy yet reimagined to meet the unique needs of adult students. The Dojo offers direct, real-time experiences with me to refine your process and assess your results. Through personalized instruction, I help you stay focused on the steps that matter most while guiding you to evaluate progress honestly and effectively.

At the Clarinet Ninja Dojo, you’ll benefit from a balance of innovative teaching methods and the kind of structured, goal-oriented practice that drives results. It’s not just about learning the clarinet; it’s about transforming how you approach the instrument and unlocking your potential.

Finding the Balance

As you move forward, ask yourself:

• Is my process intentional, enjoyable, and sustainable?

• Are my outcomes reflecting the effort I’ve invested?

By blending process-oriented dedication with outcome-driven accountability, you can create a joyful, sustainable path to improvement and musical fulfillment.

If you’re ready to experience this transformation, I invite you to join the Clarinet Ninja Dojo. Together, we’ll create a practice approach tailored to your goals, grounded in proven teaching methods, and designed to spark joy in every note. Schedule a time to talk (through the calendly link (but if those times don't work for you email me [email protected]) with me and discover how the Dojo can change your clarinet playing—and your musical life.

Here’s to making 2025 a year of breakthroughs, joy, and music!

With joy, love, and Clarinet

Jay