Study of the clarinet can begin as early as age eleven or twelve, as soon as the second teeth are well established. Prior experience with music basics such as notation and rhythm, and basic coordination and concentration will, of course, greatly enhance early progress with the instrument. Study of the recorder or piano is highly recommended.

In order to develop good initial playing habits, learning where to put fingers, how to shape and control mouth muscles, and how to put the reed on the mouthpiece are very important. Private lessons for individual attention are recommended in addition to class lessons at school for ensemble experience. These two learning environments complement each other ideally. A minimum of thirty minutes a day should be devoted to individual practice. In the beginning two or three fifteen minute sessions are best. (Note: Excessive practice pushing beyond the capacity of the mouth muscles can lead to bad habits.)

It is extremely important to invest in a good mouthpiece for the beginner. Mouthpieces furnished with beginning instruments are not always ideal. A poorly designed or damaged mouthpiece can defeat every effort to play well.

Students should learn early on about proper care of their reeds, mouthpieces and instruments. The mouthpiece and reed should be cleaned, and the clarinet swabbed after every playing session before storage in the case.

There are many class and private study clarinet methods available for early study. Personal preference will vary. The class and band methods used by most schools are compatible with methods designed for private study when used simultaneously.

Technique study goals:

1. Know the chromatic fingerings from low E to high F including alternate fingerings (a total of 38 notes). Learn good finger position and movement.
2. Develop a full round tone that comes from a proper embouchure (mouth muscles), deep breathing, a good reed, and a good mouthpiece. Always listen carefully. Practice making small embouchure and breathing adjustments each day to make the sound better. Listen to good players.
3. Learn the proper use of the tongue. Start the tone by releasing the tongue from the tip of the reed. A common mistake is to strike the tongue to the reed. Instead, blow, then release. Learn both legato and staccato tonguing styles.
4. Practice to control all technical aspects in solid rhythmic contexts.

Theory study goals:

1. Know the G clef (the names of the notes on the spaces and lines), ledger lines and accidentals (sharps, flats and naturals).
2. Construct and perform the major scales and related tonic chords in the keys of C, F, G, Bb and D. Play the scales up and down in one octave in eighth notes at 60 beats per minute.
3. Understand time signatures and the related time values of notes and rests.
4. Learn all the terms and signs encountered in music at this level.

LEVEL 1 STUDY MATERIAL

Hovey, Nilo: Rubank Elementary Method
Skornika, J.E.: Rubank Intermediate Method
Herfurth, C. Paul: A Tune a Day, Books 1, 2 and 3
Haines/McEntyre: Division of Beat, Books 1A, 1B and 2

LEVEL 1 REPERTOIRE

FOR Bb CLARINET WITH PIANO

Amani-Hite: Ancient Menuet
Berlioz-Calvert: Villanelle
Bordner, Gerald: A Stately Theme
Bordner, Gerald: Essay
Bordner, Gerald: Three-Minute Waltz
Datshkovsky-Thurston: Lullaby for Alexandria
Haydn-Wienandt: Serenade
Solomon, Edward: Nocturne
Gee, Harry: 12 Progressive Pieces

SOLO COLLECTION FOR Bb CLARINET WITH PIANO

Bordner, Gerald: Clarinet Solos for the Young Player, Book 1

Contents:

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