Clarinet Music for Beginners
Whether you are a teacher looking for music for a student, a parent assisting a child or an adult who wants to learn a new instrument, finding the right music for a beginner can be daunting.
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Method Books
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Beginners should have a method book that gradually introduces the player to new notes. Most beginner books also stress reading music, dynamics and other musical notation. The "Rubank Elementary Method" is a well-preferred beginning method book.
Solo Repertoire
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Solo music should be pursued once the player develops a small range of known notes and is moderately comfortable with reading music. Solos are important for working on sight reading skills because they often involve music the instrumentalist does not know by heart. Start with a book such as "First Solos for the Clarinet Player" arranged by Eric Simon, which includes some lesser-known works by well-known composers like Beethoven and Brahms.
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Duets
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If you know another clarinet player, invest in a book of easy duets. The practice is good for both of you, and it is important to work on keeping time with other musicians. Rubank's "Selected Duets for Clarinet Volume 1" offers some easy to read duets for two beginners, or a beginner and teacher to play together.
Popular Music
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There are many music books from popular movies or musical groups, or even holiday tunes that everyone knows. Popular music books make a great addition to a beginning music collection, because selecting a song to play may be a reward after a tough practice or lesson. Try a book such as "Clarinets for Christmas" arranged by Barrie Carson Turner (solo or duet pieces) or "Play the Great Masters!" arranged by James Curnow (well-known classical music).
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Clarinette image by Franco DI MEO from Fotolia.com
