Reference
Method Books
| Title | Author(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Elements | Lautzenheiser, Higgins, Rhodes | Industry standard. Comprehensive, well-sequenced. Recommended for beginning band. |
| Standard of Excellence | Pearson | Strong pedagogical sequence. Excellent fingering charts and exercises. |
| Tradition of Excellence | Pearson | Modern revision with contemporary repertoire and digital resources. |
| Sound Innovations | Sheldon, Boonshaft | Well-organized method with focus on musical development from day one. |
Supplemental Books
| Title | Author | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| The Clarinettist (Vols 1-3) | Weber | Classic progressive studies. Builds technique and musicality systematically. |
| Rubank Intermediate/Advanced Methods | Rubank | Comprehensive study books. Good for intermediate players developing technical fluency. |
| Belwin Elementary Band Method | Hovey | Solid beginner method. Good alternative to primary methods. |
| Melodious and Progressive Studies (Vols 1-2) | Hite | Musical etudes. Teaches music while building technique. |
| Scales for Clarinet | Pares | Dedicated scale book. Comprehensive fingering and scale patterns. |
| 24 Varied Scales and Exercises | Albert | Classic etude collection. Advanced players develop scale and technical mastery. |
| Method for Clarinet (Complete) | Baermann | Comprehensive method. Professional standard for complete clarinet pedagogy. |
| Method for Clarinet | Klosé | European clarinet method. Different pedagogical approach. Useful for comparative study. |
| Selected Studies | Voxman | Collection of etudes from major pedagogical traditions. Intermediate to advanced. |
Harmony & Auxiliary Clarinets
Bass Clarinet
| Brand/Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Buffet Prestige | Professional instrument. Excellent response and tone. Preferred for serious students. |
| Selmer | Professional option. Warm, rich tone. Good alternative to Buffet. |
Mouthpieces: Vandoren B45/B46 or Fobes CF+ Bass (professional-level response).
Ligatures: Same brands as Bb clarinet (Vandoren Optimum, BG Tradition, Bonade).
Eb Alto Clarinet
Recommendation: Avoid if possible. Eb alto clarinet has a difficult intonation profile and limited pedagogical benefit for beginning students. If required by ensemble arrangements, use only with advanced students.
If needed: Vito is a basic option but avoid cheap alternatives.
Eb Contra Alto Clarinet
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| Selmer | Professional instrument. Rare and expensive. For advanced/professional use only. |
| Buffet | Professional option. Less common than Selmer. |
Bb Contra Bass Clarinet
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| LeBlanc | Professional instrument. Excellent low register response. |
| Selmer | Professional option. Warm, rich tone in extended low register. |
A Clarinet
| Brand/Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Buffet R-13A | Professional instrument. Warmer tone than Bb. Used in orchestral and solo contexts. |
| Yamaha YCL-SEVA | Professional alternative. Japanese craftsmanship. |
Note: A clarinet is primarily for advanced/professional players and orchestral use. Not typical in beginning band.
Summary: All auxiliary clarinets mentioned here are professional-level instruments. Do not attempt these with beginning or intermediate students — stick to Bb clarinet and bass clarinet for educational use.
Benzer, Clarinet — Auxiliary InstrumentsMetronomes & Stands
Metronomes
Every student needs a metronome. Apps are acceptable:
- Pro Metronome: Free or paid versions. Reliable, flexible.
- Tonal Energy: Paid app. Excellent UI. Includes practice tools.
- Physical metronome: Wittner Taktell or similar. No battery dependency. Some teachers prefer for classroom use.
Using a metronome from Day 1 builds solid rhythmic sense and prevents the bad habit of wavering tempo.
Music Stands
Classroom: Heavy-duty wire music stands (Manhasset) withstand daily use and abuse. Worth the investment.
Home: Sturdy home stand acceptable if genuinely stable (not wobbly). Students often practice with inadequate stands — encourage families to invest in decent stands.
Important: Place a mirror on every stand during beginning band. Visual feedback on embouchure and hand position is invaluable.
EZO & Cigarette Paper
EZO Denture Cushions (For Students with Braces)
What they are: Small foam pads made of Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE). Originally designed for denture comfort but effective for clarinet players with braces.
Placement:
- Apply to the INNER surface of the BOTTOM TEETH (gum line area)
- Cut to size with scissors — roughly 1/4-inch wide by 1/2-inch long
- Place directly on the teeth, not on the reed or mouthpiece
- Never: Do NOT place EZO on the reed, mouthpiece, or upper teeth
Purpose: Cushions the lower lip against metal braces when the lower lip contacts the reed during playing. Prevents the braces from cutting into the lip.
Maintenance: EZO pads wear out quickly. Replace daily or every other day as needed. Students should carry spare pads in their reed case.
Alternative: Some students with braces find relief by placing the reed slightly higher or lower on the mouthpiece (adjust mouthpiece depth slightly). Experiment to find comfort.
Cigarette Paper (For Sticky Pads)
Purpose: Emergency moisture and residue removal from sticky pads (usually after heavy playing or in humid environments).
Method:
- Identify the sticky pad (usually a lower joint pad)
- Slip a small piece of cigarette paper under the pad while it's closed
- Press the pad down gently while the paper is underneath
- Gently pull the paper out — the motion removes moisture and residue
- Repeat if necessary
Caution: This is a temporary fix. If pads remain sticky, the instrument needs professional maintenance (pad dressing or replacement). Do not rely on cigarette paper as a substitute for proper maintenance.