December 10, 2004

Curious George: Learning clarinet. Can anyone recommend a good beginning music book for the clarinet?

I remember back in the 1970s when I was in band playing alto sax, we had some good music books that were multicolor and showed practice music scores and fingering. I want something like this, that will let me start out with ultra-simple songs and progress to harder ones (something that draws on classical or pop music would be great). The problem is I don't know what good selections are out there. I want to put something on my Amazon wish list. My skill with the clarinet? Hmm, well, I'm advanced enough to play "Wheels On The Bus" and "Place In France Where The Naked Ladies Dance". My intent is just to get better at playing in my spare time; I'm not interested in lessons or playing in a band at this point. Also I'm looking for something similar for the accordion. I have no affiliation with Yosh & Stan Shmenge.

posted by rolypolyman 20 years ago
  • Ah yes, I would recommend the book How to be Lame which has an extensive chapter on clarinet. Just kidding. Clarinet is sexy.
  • If you'd like, I can ask my sister. She just taught herself clarinet (after already knowing the oboe), and has become really quite good. After 4 months of self-lessoning (is that a word?), she made first chair in the regional band :)
  • That would be great, since I'm not getting much help yet.
  • My boyfriend taught himself the clarinet with this book: Klose-Lazarus Method for Clarinet by Harvey S. Whistler. It has scales and exercises and some songs, etudes, waltzes, traditional stuff. The boyfriend also played the sax first. It looks like a good book for technique and development. The beginning of the book is pretty easy low registers and the end of it is much more complex, higher register and more intricate note patterns. No pop tunes in there though. Is there a sheet music store in your town? Go by there and browse. I love those places. I taught myself the cajun accordion (well sort of...) with "You can play Cajun Accordion" by Larry Miller. It came with a tape. I got it at a local accordion shop. I don't know if that's the type of accordion you're into however. Good luck! And this reminds me that I need to practice.
  • Oh and I also saw this clarinet fingering chart around the house for a while.
  • Thanks much! Great ideas.