This daily arpeggio warmup is excerpted from the Eugène Gay Complete Method. It encompasses nine different chords in each of the twelve key centers while moving in a circle of 5ths sequence. The beauty of this exercise is that only one note changes from chord to chord while maintaining the same base note. The seven Continue reading →
Tag: Clarinet Warmups
I once asked Stanley Drucker during an interview if he played long tones during his practice sessions. Stanley’s reply was: “Life’s too short for long tones.” While his sense of humor is reflected in that statement, I believe that there is something to be learned from his response. It has been long understood that long Continue reading →
When studying with Eddie Daniels in the 1970s, I asked him how he had developed such astounding technique on all his instruments—saxophone/clarinet/flute. He said that he practiced minor 3rds and their inversion, major 6ths, up and down the full length of his horns. I took that to heart and have at various points over the Continue reading →
The clarinet warmups for March are concerned with developing greater speed and clarity with the use of the single-tongue approach. The exercises shown below are based on techniques referred to as “Stopped-Tongue” and/or “Fingers Ahead.” These approaches to tonguing were popularized by the great Daniel Bonade, master clarinetist and teacher of the finest American orchestral clarinetists in the Continue reading →
This month’s clarinet warmup is excerpted from Tone, Technique and Staccato by Avrham Galper. Mr. Galper was a well-respected Canadian orchestral clarinetist and teacher who had a long and fruitful career. This book was published 25 years ago as part of the Avrham Galper Series from Mel Bay. There are many wonderful and unique offerings Continue reading →
This warmup was designed by legendary clarinetist, Louis DeSantis (1893-1940), and is excerpted from his book, New Studies for the Clarinet. (https://azmusicmasters.com/products/new-studies-for-clarinet-by-louis-desantis) The book was originally published in 1920 and has been beautifully reconstructed by clarinetist Russell Harlowe. It is a wonderful compilation of etudes based on famous clarinet cadenzas from the orchestral repertoire in Continue reading →