 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BGBG
Date: 2019-05-02 01:29
Now that I have decided to begin practicing scales as I should have been doing all along, I have another perhaps silly question. I guess the obvious way to use them would be simply to play them. But I thought there might be some special or accepted technique of daily use so I thought I would ask, and if not and it is really that simple I will just start to play through them.
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2019-05-02 01:47
I would suggest starting with a few of the easiest, C, F and G, and when you can play them well, no wrong notes for two octaves, add a Sharp and/or Flat and add the scales that way. As you learn a new scale, play the older scales through a few times faster than the previous day. I always taught, 1/3 of the practice time reviewing old work, 1/3 new work and 1/3 fun - find songs using the older scales and have fun playing them.
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Author: BethGraham
Date: 2019-05-02 03:17
I keep on searching for the like button to press after reading your posts, Ken. You always offer good advice.
I'm just starting to integrate scales into my daily practice, and your approach is a sensible one.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-05-02 03:25
I prefer the Baermann Complete Method for Clarinet Division III. It's not just a scale root to root, but extended scales (covering most of the clarinet range for every scale) in various forms such as scales in thirds, scales in sixths, arpeggios (two forms), interrupted scales and returning scales (plus dominant 7ths and diminished chords).
Even that is still just a start. I'd also suggest getting the Kroepsch exercises. You have two pages of one or two line "ditties" in all major and minor scales. Familiarity of scales and scale like exercises makes sight reading a piece of cake.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2019-05-02 06:12
The Baermann and Kroepsch books are standard and are well deserving of that designation, however they are not that suitable for most people just starting in on scale practice. Fortunately there are books that do work well for that purpose and directly prepare you for these.
Many folks here will be familiar with the Albert Scales book. It's much less comprehensive than Baermann but also much more approachable and it focuses on the core exercises that will prepare you to go deeper with Baermann after you've done well with Albert. Work SLOWLY to build comfort, relaxation, smoothness, and evenness and then gradually faster as skill builds. The edition with red cover opens well on the stand. The other one you'll have to break the binding.
A book that some might not know is the recent "Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch" by Kristen Denny-Chambers which is of high quality despite the cutesy title. Similar skills to what Kroepsch works are stressed but at a more 'entry level'. You can find it with a browser search.
Anders
Post Edited (2019-05-02 06:13)
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Author: BGBG
Date: 2019-05-04 06:27
Beth: Didn't get a book but did get some scales. Lots of work to do.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2019-05-04 16:52
Depending on how advanced a student was when they came to me I'd start them on the Albert scales, encourage them to memorize them, and then move them to the Baermann 3rd Div, which I referred to as my bible. Of course for the more advanced student that didn't need the foundation of the Albert I'd go right to the Baermann, for life. The Kroepsch daily studies were my favorite technique builder as well but I used several of the excersies for legato purposes as well.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
Post Edited (2019-05-04 16:53)
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Author: BethGraham
Date: 2019-05-04 19:38
Me, too, BGBG. I've been thinking about you: I just joined two beginner community bands last week (New Horizons), and quickly discovered that I didn't have Clarion Eb in my pocket. (Let's not talk about the fact that I haven't officially learned it in my private lessons; I need to to know that Eb NOW!)
So I've started to slowly learn to play Bb major scale (2 flats: Bb and Eb) to try to get that note in my fingers. I've incorporated that scale into my daily practice. At the moment, I'm just working on playing the scale itself smoothly. After I've nailed that, I'll move on to other patterns in that key. (Again, I'm using Galper's "Scales and Arpeggios" -- I've got Baermann III on order to grow into.)
Power to the clarinet novices!
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Author: BGBG
Date: 2019-05-05 01:01
Beth- Good luck with your lessons. I waited most of my life and always had wanted to play the clarinet. Not in a band or professionally but just to learn. I also had other instruments like Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, harmonica, pennywhistle, and keyboard. Then in May 2014 I rented a Yamaha Bb and took 16 lessons to get started. In September I sopped lessons and bought a Buffet Germany E-11 Bb clarinet which is what I now have. Mainly wanted to play songs and neglected all the technically stuff I now need. Like Scales. Now I see I need to do those things. Last year I got busy and stopped playing for 7 months and seemed to have forgotten a good bit. Fortunately it is coming back. I only play about half hour to an hour a day and maybe not every single day. I wish you luck. I do have a few beginner books but nothing elaborate. BGBG.
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Author: RKing
Date: 2019-05-05 18:22
"A book that some might not know is the recent "Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch" by Kristen Denny-Chambers which is of high quality despite the cutesy title. Similar skills to what Kroepsch works are stressed but at a more 'entry level'. You can find it with a browser search."
Thanks for the tip about this book. I found it for sale on eBay and ordered a copy.
I am slowly working my way back from wrist fusion surgery on my right hand and am finally able to use all of the fingers on my right hand. Scales are a great way to get back in shape, but I am not ready yet for a full work load.
I was able to practice with my left hand during my earlier recovery and that helped keep my embouchure and tongue up to speed - but I got a little tired of the same old C4-Bb4 routine after a few weeks. I have to admit that my left hand is now working quite well!
The doctors say I should make a good recovery in another month or two and the clarinet practice will help me regain all the motion in my fingers.
Cheers,
Ron
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