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Clarinet Books and Methods (RCM Exam Prep)

Author: MillerMile
Date: 2016-05-29 18:07

Hey there,

I want to know how I can drastically improve all of the following skills. My goal is to work on each skill independently so that I can be very strong with all aspects for my RCM exams when I take one. My favourite way is to use books meant for improving the skill at hand, but any apps, psychological tricks, exercises, tips, etc. are really appreciated!

- Sight Reading
- Playback (really need to work on this one!)
- Ear training involving cadences, intervals, chords/inversions, etc.
- Rhythm (more complex rhythm than what I might find on an exam though)

The rest of what is needed on the exams I already have methods for.

Thanks!

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Re: Clarinet Books and Methods (RCM Exam Prep)

Author: clariniano
Date: 2016-05-30 22:37

Hi, you can download the current RCM syllabus from the RCM. The most recent syllabus is 2014, and there are books from the RCM for the current syllabus for Repertoire, Studies, Orchestral Excerpts, and Technique. The repertoire books come with digital downloads for each piece with both the full solos and the piano part only and older versions may have the CD. Personally I find the books a rather poor value, especially the repertoire books, since anthologies than contain pieces at a number of levels (usually at least 3 or 4) are usually lower priced. The same for the studies. So depending on your level I'd only purchase the RCM clarinet Technique book, at least it's for every level. If you are comfortable with at least Level 5 in the new syllabus, I would strongly recommend the Orchestral excerpts book too, and listen to the pieces with the score, to build your awareness of the rhythmic subdivisions and to make sure you are playing them correctly by style and tempo. (I discovered that I was playing a very slow one somewhat too slowly and a fast one too fast) Note that there may still be printing errors in the technique (Level 8, scale in 3rds, four line below the staff low D doesn't exist, and yes, the people working on the syllabus didn't fix it despite being told about it) and at least the Beethoven 8 orchestral excerpt for Level 10, last line.

For ear training and sight reading, if you or your parents have a smartphone, you can download apps for it. My favorite one for Android is called Perfect Ear 2, and this is a rare app I recommend paying for the full version. (and I've used several programs and apps since my high school years about 20 years ago).

You can also get a piano playing friend to help you with the ear training, there are general ear training books that are common to all instruments, since all instruments have the same ear training requirements; they do not vary between instruments.

The more general anthologies that also contain non RCM pieces are good for sight reading practice, especially if you have a chance to work with a professional pianist. And playing in ensembles, duets, trios, quartets, quintets and such.

Meri

Please check out my website at: http://donmillsmusicstudio.weebly.com and my blog at: http://clariniano.wordpress.com

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