Intermediate Contemporary Scale Studies

Description

Clarinet in Bb — many traditional scale studies published both here in the United Statesand abroad, some dating as far back as the 1860s. This volume is primarilyconcerned with the more current—modern, if you will—scale patternscommonly found in the musical literature of contemporary clarinetists.To begin the study of the scale patterns early in the student’s career is amajor advantage. Falling upon a number of these patterns in a cold readingrehearsal is enough to jar your sanity.As with any in-depth studies, begin them very slowly (perhaps one beat pernote) and carefully work up the tempo from there. Listen intensely to theconnections between each note as you ascend and descend the scales. Tryto make each note sound as full, clear, round and in tune as the previousnote. Practice the scales at both mf and mp dynamics. After the scalesbecome playable at a modest tempo, begin to introduce the articulationpatterns found on p. 4. Once these patterns become comfortable, slowlybegin to increase the tempo.The Intermediately Contemporary Scale Studies for Clarinet could be themost important collection of scale studies for clarinetists of the twentyfirstcentury. Famed teacher and master clarinetist Kalmen Opperman has developed this scale method to focus on 21st century scale patterns commonly found in the musical literature of contemporary clarinetists. Each study focuses on a particular challenge, books are graded to move the student gradually to greater facility, and the series is designed to encourage students to achieve proper hand and body positions, strong finger technique, agility and proper breathing habits.