Clarinet: Tips For Beginners & Mastering Sound

The clarinet is a musical instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece. Embouchure control is crucial for producing a consistent sound on the clarinet. Many beginners find mastering the fingerings and coordinating breath support challenging. Intonation, or playing in tune, can also pose difficulties, especially for new clarinetists.

The Siren Song of the Clarinet: Why It’s Worth the Climb

So, you’re thinking about picking up the clarinet, huh? Excellent choice! This sleek, ebony beauty (or maybe it’s plastic, no judgment!) has a sound like no other – able to wail like a blues singer one minute and trill like a songbird the next. From the sultry solos of Benny Goodman to the high-flying melodies in orchestral masterpieces, the clarinet’s versatility is truly unmatched.

But let’s be real, the clarinet has a bit of a reputation. It’s often whispered about as being… difficult. And, well, there’s some truth to that. It’s not quite as simple as picking it up and instantly becoming a jazz virtuoso. (Sorry to burst your bubble!)

That’s precisely why we’re here. This blog post is your friendly guide to navigating the uncharted territory of clarinet mastery. We’re going to unpack the mysteries, debunk the myths, and give you the tools you need to conquer those initial hurdles.

We’ll be diving into everything from the clarinet’s anatomy – exploring the reed, mouthpiece, and all those shiny keys – to mastering the essential techniques that form the bedrock of your playing. We’ll also tackle the dreaded intonation challenges and arm you with strategies to keep those notes sounding sweet and in tune.

Think of this as your cheat sheet to clarinet success. It’s a roadmap to help you understand not just what to do, but why you’re doing it.

Yes, the clarinet can be a beast to learn. There will be squeaks, there will be frustration, and there may even be moments where you question your sanity. But trust me, the rewards are immense. The satisfaction of playing a beautiful melody, the joy of making music with others, and the sheer sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering this incredible instrument – it’s all worth the effort. So, take a deep breath, grab your clarinet, and let’s embark on this musical adventure together!

Unveiling the Mystery: Dissecting the Clarinet’s Anatomy

So, you’re thinking about taking on the clarinet? Awesome! Before you dive headfirst into scales and arpeggios, let’s get to know the instrument a little better. Think of it like getting acquainted with your new trusty steed before embarking on an epic quest. Knowing the clarinet’s ins and outs will not only help you understand how it produces that beautiful sound, but also give you a leg up when it comes to troubleshooting and maintenance.

The Body: Where the Magic Resonates

The clarinet body is the long, usually black, part of the instrument that you hold. It’s more than just a pretty tube with holes, though! It’s the resonating chamber where the sound vibrates and amplifies. Clarinet bodies come in a few different flavors:

• Wood: The classic choice. Wooden clarinets (usually made of African Blackwood, also known as Grenadilla) are known for their warm, rich, and complex tone. Think of it as the vintage wine of clarinet bodies. They’re a bit more sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, though, so they require a little extra TLC.

• Plastic: The practical option. Plastic clarinets are durable, less expensive, and require less maintenance than their wooden counterparts. They’re a great choice for beginners or for playing in environments where a wooden clarinet might be at risk (think marching band in the rain!). While they might not have the same tonal complexity as wood, modern plastic clarinets can still sound pretty darn good.

• Composite: The best of both worlds? Composite clarinets are made from a blend of wood and synthetic materials. They offer a balance of tonal qualities, durability, and affordability. They’re a good option for players who want a step up from plastic without the full commitment (and cost) of a wooden clarinet.

The body of the clarinet will usually come in two pieces with tenons that connect together; The upper joint and the lower joint, also with a barrel at the top where the mouth piece is inserted.

The Reed: The Soul of the Sound

The reed is a small, thin piece of cane that vibrates against the mouthpiece to create the initial sound. It’s like the engine of your clarinet. Without a reed, you’ve just got a fancy-looking stick. Reed selection is a highly personal thing, and finding the right reed strength and cut can be a lifelong quest. Experiment with different brands and strengths to find what works best for you. Proper reed care is also crucial: keep them clean, store them properly, and replace them when they start to wear out. Think of it as giving your engine regular tune-ups.

The Mouthpiece: Shaping Your Sound

The mouthpiece is the part of the clarinet you put in your mouth. It plays a crucial role in shaping your tone and influencing your embouchure (the way you position your mouth and facial muscles). Mouthpieces come in a variety of materials (hard rubber, crystal, metal) and facing lengths (the distance from the tip of the mouthpiece to where the reed sits). Different mouthpieces can produce wildly different sounds, so it’s worth experimenting to find one that suits your playing style.

Keys and Pads: The Pitch-Perfect Performers

The keys and pads are the mechanical wonders that allow you to change the pitch of the clarinet. When you press a key, it closes or opens a tone hole, effectively changing the length of the resonating air column inside the clarinet. The pads are the soft, usually leather, cushions that seal the tone holes when the keys are pressed. Making sure your keys and pads are in good working order is essential for playing in tune and avoiding frustrating air leaks.

A Clarinet Family Reunion: Meet the Relatives

The Bb clarinet is the most common and recognizable member of the clarinet family, but it’s not the only one! Here’s a quick rundown of some other notable clarinets:

• A Clarinet: Similar to the Bb clarinet, but pitched a half-step lower. Often used in orchestral music. It’s like the slightly moodier sibling of the Bb clarinet.
• Eb Clarinet: A smaller, higher-pitched clarinet often used in band music. Known for its bright, piercing sound. Think of it as the piccolo of the clarinet world.
• Bass Clarinet: A larger, lower-pitched clarinet with a rich, dark tone. Often used in orchestral, band, and jazz music. It’s the cool, laid-back uncle of the clarinet family. Learning the bass clarinet presents unique challenges due to its size, weight, and different fingering nuances.

The Core Techniques: Mastering the Fundamentals

Okay, future clarinet superstars, let’s talk shop! You’ve got your clarinet, you’ve maybe made a few questionable noises with it (we’ve all been there!), and now you’re ready to really dive in. There are four fundamental techniques to playing the clarinet, and if you nail these, you’re well on your way to clarinet greatness. Think of them as the four pillars holding up your musical temple. Let’s break down these cornerstones of clarinet mastery: embouchure, breath control, fingering, and tonguing.

Embouchure: The Foundation of Your Sound

Imagine trying to build a house on a shaky foundation – not gonna work, right? Your embouchure is your clarinet foundation. It’s how you form your mouth around the mouthpiece, and it directly impacts your tone.

So, what’s the ideal clarinet embouchure? Think of saying the word “oooo,” then gently close your mouth around the mouthpiece. Your bottom lip should be slightly cushioned over your bottom teeth, and your top teeth should rest gently on the mouthpiece. The corners of your mouth need to be firm, almost like you’re drawing a drawstring bag closed.

Now, let’s talk mistakes. Common embouchure fails include biting down too hard (hello, squeaks!), puffing out your cheeks (you’re not Dizzy Gillespie on the trumpet!), and having a loose or unstable embouchure (prepare for a wobbly sound).

Exercises for building embouchure strength:

• Long Tones: Play sustained notes, focusing on maintaining a consistent tone and embouchure. Start with comfortable notes in the middle register.
• Mouthpiece Exercises: Practice buzzing on just the mouthpiece (without the clarinet). This helps develop control and awareness of your embouchure.
• Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to observe your embouchure and ensure proper formation.

Safety Note: Remember, overdoing it with a bad embouchure can lead to muscle strain. Take breaks, focus on proper form, and don’t be afraid to ask a teacher for help!

Breath Control: Powering Your Tone

Think of your breath as the fuel for your clarinet engine. Without a steady, consistent air stream, your sound will sputter and die. We’re talking diaphragmatic breathing here, folks. That means breathing from your belly, not your chest. Imagine filling a balloon in your stomach as you inhale.

Exercises for breath support:

• Long Tones (again!): Seriously, they’re that important. Focus on maintaining a consistent tone and volume for as long as possible.
• Breathing Exercises Without the Clarinet: Practice inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, focusing on controlling the airflow.
• Wind Sprints: Okay, not actual sprints. Play a series of notes, gradually increasing in volume (crescendo) and then decreasing (decrescendo), all on one breath.

The way you breathe drastically affects the tone quality, its consistency, and dynamic control. More air generally means a louder sound (but don’t just blow – maintain control!), and less air means a softer sound. Learn to control that airflow, and you’ll unlock a whole new level of expression.

Fingering: Accuracy and Agility

Alright, let’s put those fingers to work! Accurate finger placement is absolutely crucial. Even a slightly off-center finger can throw off the pitch or create a squeak. We want clean, precise finger movements, like a ninja on a mission.

One of the biggest challenges for beginners is “crossing the break,” which is the transition between the lower and upper registers of the clarinet. This requires coordinating several fingers simultaneously, and it can feel awkward at first.

Exercises for improving finger dexterity:

• Scales and Arpeggios: These are your best friends. Practice them slowly and deliberately, focusing on accurate finger placement and smooth transitions.
• Chromatic Exercises: Play every half step on the clarinet, using all the different fingerings. This helps develop finger coordination and familiarity with the instrument.
• Slow Practice: Break down difficult passages into smaller chunks and practice them slowly, gradually increasing the tempo as you improve.

Tonguing: Articulating with Clarity

Tonguing is how you start and stop notes, creating different articulations. The most common technique is single tonguing, where you use the tip of your tongue to tap the reed, like saying “tah” or “dah.”

There are other techniques, like double tonguing (used for faster passages) and flutter tonguing (that cool, tremolo-like effect), but for now, focus on mastering the basics.

Tips for clear and consistent articulation:

• Use Light Pressure: Don’t slam your tongue against the reed. A gentle tap is all you need.
• Coordinate with Your Breath: Tonguing and breath control work together. Make sure you’re using a consistent air stream while tonguing.
• Practice Slowly: Start with slow tempos and gradually increase the speed as you improve.

The ultimate goal is to have your tonguing feel natural and effortless. It should be like a light switch, turning notes on and off with precision and clarity.

The Intonation Hurdle: Taming the Clarinet’s Pitch

Ah, intonation. The *bane of many a clarinetist’s existence*. Let’s face it: the clarinet can be a bit… temperamental when it comes to playing in tune. It’s like that friend who always shows up fashionably late (or early!) to the party. You love them, but you have to constantly adjust. So, what’s the deal? Why is the clarinet so ‘intonationally challenged,’ and why does it feel like you’re constantly wrestling with the pitch?

Well, partly it’s because the clarinet, bless its heart, is a complex beast. It’s not like a piano where, generally, pressing a key gives you a note that’s pretty darn close to being in tune. On the clarinet, there are so many variables at play that can send your pitch soaring or plummeting faster than you can say “flat accidental.” You should know that every player has encountered the intonation issue for a clarinet and knows how frustrating it is.

Several factors contribute to ‘pitchy-ness’. First off, let’s talk gear. Your instrument itself plays a huge role. A poorly made or damaged clarinet is going to fight you every step of the way. The mouthpiece you choose also impacts intonation drastically. Then you need to consider the reed. It’s shocking how the wrong reed can turn you into a one person band of out of tune melodies! Not to mention your embouchure and breath support. Those are key too!

So, how do we tame this beast? Fear not, aspiring clarinetists! There are techniques you can use to wrangle your intonation and bring those notes into sweet, sweet harmony. Here’s how to get a grip:

• Embouchure Adjustments (Voicing): Think of your mouth as a little pitch-bending machine. Subtle changes in your embouchure can make a big difference. Loosening slightly can lower the pitch, while firming up can raise it. It’s a fine art, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
• Breath Control: Your breath is the engine of your sound. A steady, consistent air stream is essential for stable intonation. Think warm air, like you’re trying to fog up a mirror.
• Using Alternate Fingerings: The clarinet is full of alternate fingerings for a reason! Some notes are naturally sharp or flat, and using a different fingering can help bring them into line. Consult a fingering chart or ask your teacher for guidance.

Finally, one of the most important tools in your intonation arsenal: a tuner. Don’t be afraid to use it! Practice with a tuner regularly to train your ear and develop aural awareness. It’s like having a little intonation coach whispering in your ear, “A little higher… a little lower… perfect!” When you get more experience, you will be able to adjust intonation with your ear.

Essential Skills: Building Blocks for Success

Alright, so you’ve got the clarinet basics down, you’re not squeaking every other note (congrats, that’s a win!), and you’re starting to sound, well, like a clarinetist! But now comes the fun part—building those skills that’ll take you from “okay” to “amazing.” These are the building blocks, the secret sauce, the… well, you get the idea. Without these, it’s like trying to build a house on sand, and nobody wants a sandy house when you’re trying to play a beautiful concerto.

Embouchure Development: Shaping Your Sound

Think of your embouchure as the sculptor of your sound. It’s the way you form your mouth around the mouthpiece, and it’s arguably the most important thing in playing the clarinet. Here’s a simple step-by-step to get you started:

1. Moisten your reed, not dripping wet but evenly damp.
2. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, resting the top teeth gently on the mouthpiece and support the reed with your bottom lip.
3. Imagine you’re saying “oo” but slightly more relaxed.
4. Seal the corners of your mouth to prevent air leaks.
5. Hold that position!

For embouchure muscle strengthening, try long tones. Play a note and hold it as steadily as possible, focusing on maintaining a consistent sound and resisting the urge to let your embouchure wander. This will do wonders for your endurance!

Breath Control: The Powerhouse

Breath control is the engine that drives your clarinet. It’s not just about blowing air; it’s about controlled, consistent airflow. Imagine you’re filling a balloon slowly and steadily, not with quick bursts. When you apply this thought, this creates the perfect breath control for clarinet.

Diaphragmatic breathing is key. Place your hand on your stomach and feel it expand as you inhale. This ensures you’re using your full lung capacity, not just puffing out your chest. Think of your breath as fuel – the better the fuel, the smoother the ride. Also, consistent breath control can help improve your tone. Focus on filling your lungs all the way without gasping or making noise and try to keep a straight posture.

Fingering Technique: Nimble Digits

Accurate and efficient fingerings are your shortcuts to musical fluency. If you’re fumbling around like you’re wearing mittens, you’ll never be able to play anything fast or complicated. Slow and steady wins the race here!

Common fingering challenges: Crossing the break (that jump between registers that sounds like a hiccup) is a big one. Practicing scales and arpeggios in that area will help smooth things out.

Tonguing: The Art of Articulation

Tonguing is how you separate notes and give them definition. It’s like the consonants in language; without them, everything just slurs together. Different tonguing techniques create different effects: single tonguing for clear, distinct notes, double tonguing for fast passages, and flutter tonguing for… well, fluttery sounds! Work up to a metronome gradually while maintaining your posture, embouchure and tone.

Intonation Control: Taming the Beast

Clarinets are notorious for having intonation quirks. Some notes are naturally sharp, others flat. Learning to control your intonation is like training a wild animal – it takes patience, skill, and a good tuner! Your tuner is your new best friend. Use it constantly to check your pitch and identify problem areas.

Embouchure adjustments (voicing) and breath control are your main weapons here. A slight adjustment to your embouchure can often bring a note into tune.

Coordination: The Grand Finale

Putting it all together – breath, embouchure, and fingers – is the ultimate challenge. It’s like juggling three balls at once, but with your face! Practice slowly and deliberately, focusing on each element individually before combining them.

Exercises for coordination: Scales and arpeggios are your friends! Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was a master clarinetist. Good luck!

Overcoming Common Challenges: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Okay, let’s be real. Learning the clarinet isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. You’re gonna hit some speed bumps. Everyone does! But don’t fret! This section is your handy dandy troubleshooting guide for those “uh oh” moments that every clarinet beginner inevitably faces. We’ll tackle the big three issues: squeaking, intonation nightmares, and the dreaded break.

Squeaking: The Bane of Every Beginner

Ah, the squeak. It’s like the clarinet’s way of saying, “Hey, I need attention!” and often at the most inopportune times. Let’s get to the bottom of this sonic mystery.

• Common Culprits:

  • Embouchure Issues: This is usually the prime suspect. Your embouchure might be too tight, too loose, or uneven. Think of it as trying to balance a see-saw – everything needs to be just right!
  • Reed Problems: Reeds are fickle creatures. A chipped, cracked, or too-soft reed is a squeak factory waiting to happen.
  • Air Leaks: Check your clarinet for leaks around the pads, especially if it’s an older instrument. Even a tiny leak can cause major squeakage.

• Troubleshooting Time:

  1. Embouchure Check: Relax your embouchure and focus on a firm, even seal around the mouthpiece. Avoid biting!
  2. Reed Rotation: Try a different reed. If you’re still squeaking, the reed might be the issue. Experiment with different strengths.
  3. Leak Detection: Visually inspect the pads. If you suspect a leak, take your clarinet to a qualified repair technician.
  4. The “O” Test: Play a note and gently say the syllable “O” inside your mouth without changing your embouchure. It can center and help relax.

Intonation Problems: Staying in Tune

So, you’re making a sound, but it sounds…off. Intonation is the art of playing in tune, and the clarinet, bless its heart, can be a bit of a challenge in this department.

• Diagnosis Time:

  • Tuner, Tuner, Tuner: Your best friend. Use a tuner to check the pitch of different notes. If you’re consistently sharp or flat, you’ve got an intonation issue.
  • Listen Carefully: Train your ear! Compare your playing to a recording or another instrument. Do you sound out of sync?

• Solutions for Flat Notes:

  • More Air: A steady, supported airstream is key. Think of it as giving the note a boost.
  • Firmer Embouchure: A slightly firmer embouchure can raise the pitch.
  • Mouthpiece Adjustment: You may need to push your mouthpiece in a little to raise the pitch if it is consistently flat. (But be careful to do so by loosening screws if there are any.)

• Solutions for Sharp Notes:

  • Relax Your Embouchure: Tension is the enemy. Loosen up!
  • Warmer Air: Direct air down in to the clarinet.
  • Mouthpiece Adjustment: You may need to pull your mouthpiece out a little to lower the pitch if it is consistently sharp. (But be careful to do so by loosening screws if there are any.)

Crossing the Break: Smooth Transitions

The “break” is that tricky area between the lower and upper registers of the clarinet. It’s where things can get, well, breaky.

• Understanding the Break: The break occurs because you’re essentially using a different set of fingerings and keys to produce notes in the upper register.

• Exercises for Smoothness:

  1. Slow and Steady: Practice scales and arpeggios that cross the break very slowly, focusing on smooth finger transitions.
  2. Octave Jumps: Practice jumping between notes that are an octave apart, focusing on a seamless connection.
  3. Chromatic Scales: Chromatic scales can help you become familiar with all the fingerings around the break.
  4. Half-Hole Technique: Using the half-hole technique can greatly reduce the break issues.

The Impact of External Factors: Practice, Teaching, and Equipment

Hey, you! Yes, you! Still battling those squeaks and struggling to hit those high notes? Let’s chat about some of the external factors that can seriously impact your clarinet journey. It’s not always about you; sometimes, the world around you needs a little tweaking too!

Practice Habits: Making the Most of Your Time

Okay, let’s be real: no one becomes a clarinet virtuoso overnight. Unless you’ve made a deal with some music demon at the crossroads, you will need consistent and focused practice. Think of it like watering a plant: a little bit regularly is way better than a downpour once in a blue moon.

• Structuring Effective Practice Sessions: Don’t just noodle aimlessly! A good practice session should be like a well-balanced meal:

  • Warm-ups: Get those chops ready! Long tones, scales – the clarinet equivalent of stretching before a marathon.
  • Scales: Yes, they’re boring. But scales are the *building blocks* of music. Treat it like your music medicine.
  • Etudes: Think of these as mini-challenges. They target specific skills and keep things interesting.
  • Repertoire: This is the fun stuff! Work on pieces you love! That will keep you motivated.

• Practice Pitfalls to Avoid: Let’s steer clear of these common traps!

  • Practicing Without a Plan: Wandering aimlessly is a waste of time. Have a goal for each session.
  • Playing Through Mistakes Repeatedly: Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Slow down, correct your errors, and then repeat.
  • Ignoring Breaks: Pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion is counterproductive. Take short breaks to stay fresh and focused.

Teacher Quality: Finding the Right Guidance

Think of your clarinet teacher as your Yoda. You want someone who can guide you on the path to musical enlightenment. A good teacher is worth their weight in gold-plated reeds.

• What to Look for in a Great Teacher:

  • Pedagogical Knowledge: They should know how to teach, not just how to play. Ask about their teaching experience.
  • Communication Skills: Can they explain things clearly and patiently? You want someone who can break down complex concepts.
  • Patience: This is HUGE. Learning takes time, and a good teacher will be understanding and encouraging.
  • Experience: Look for teachers who have a solid background in clarinet performance and/or music education.

Instrument Quality: Investing Wisely

Your instrument is your partner in crime. A good one can make learning easier and more enjoyable, while a bad one can be a constant source of frustration.

• How Instrument Quality Affects Your Playing:

  • Playability: A well-made clarinet will respond easily and feel comfortable in your hands.
  • Tone: A quality instrument will produce a richer, more resonant sound.
  • Intonation: Cheaper instruments often have intonation issues, making it harder to play in tune.
• Choosing a Clarinet for Beginners:
  • Budget: Set a realistic budget. You don’t need to break the bank, but avoid the absolute cheapest options. Renting is also a great way to start without committing to a big purchase.
  • Long-Term Goals: If you’re serious about playing, invest in a decent student model that will last you a few years.
• Basic Maintenance Tips:
  • Swab After Every Use: This removes moisture and prevents cracks in wooden clarinets.
  • Clean the Keys Regularly: Use a soft cloth to wipe away fingerprints and grime.
  • Replace Pads as Needed: Worn pads can cause air leaks and intonation problems.
  • Proper Storage: When not in use, store your clarinet in its case in a cool, dry place.

So, there you have it! Practice, a good teacher, and a decent instrument? You’re leveling up! Now go forth and conquer the clarinet world, one note at a time!

The Mental Game: Perseverance, Patience, and Motivation

Let’s be honest, learning the clarinet isn’t just about finger placement and embouchure. It’s a mental marathon, too! There will be days when your clarinet sounds more like a strangled cat than a beautiful instrument, and that’s okay. Acknowledging the mental side of learning is just as important as knowing your scales. It’s kinda like preparing for a test; you can know all the material, but if you’re stressed and anxious, it’s still going to be tough!

So, what mental tools do we need in our clarinet case?

Time Commitment: Setting Realistic Expectations

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a virtuoso clarinetist. It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t sound like Benny Goodman after a week of practice, but setting realistic expectations is key. Start small. Maybe 15-20 minutes of focused practice each day. Consistency trumps marathon sessions when you’re starting out. You will be like, “Man i have played the clarinet for so long, why do I still sound like that?”.

Frustration Tolerance: Developing Patience

Oh, the joys of squeaks and squawks! Every clarinetist, from beginner to professional, has been there. The trick is to develop a thick skin and a good sense of humor. Instead of getting angry, try to approach challenges like a detective. Is it your reed? Your embouchure? An air leak? Patience and persistence will pay off. Remember, every mistake is a learning opportunity.

Motivation: Maintaining Enthusiasm

This is where the fun comes in! Find ways to keep yourself excited about playing. Maybe it’s learning your favorite song, joining a community band, or setting a goal to perform for friends and family. Find a piece of music that you love, even if it’s a bit challenging. The desire to play that piece well will keep you going through the tough times. You want a motivation that keeps you playing.

Strategies for Staying Motivated

Okay, so how do we stay motivated when the going gets tough? Here are a few ideas:

• Join a Band or Ensemble: Playing with others is a blast! It’s a great way to make friends, learn new music, and stay accountable.
• Perform for Others: Even if it’s just for your family, performing is a great way to show off your progress and get positive feedback. The scariest thing is always the first one.
• Listen to Inspiring Clarinetists: Immerse yourself in the music you love! Listen to recordings of your favorite clarinetists. This can inspire you and give you new ideas for your own playing.
• Set Achievable Goals: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrate your successes along the way! The celebration can be having a nice meal!

The mental game is a crucial part of the clarinet journey. By setting realistic expectations, developing patience, maintaining motivation, and using effective strategies, you can overcome the mental challenges and reap the rewards of playing this beautiful instrument. Now go practice! And remember to smile (even when you’re squeaking!).

So, is the clarinet hard to play? Yeah, it definitely has its challenges, like any instrument. But don’t let that scare you off! With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be making music in no time. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite thing!