Clarinet

Course Content

Types of Clarinets – A Complete Guide

• B-flat (Bb) Clarinet: The standard soprano clarinet used in orchestras, wind ensembles, and chamber groups. Renowned for its warm, flexible tone and adaptability across genres.
• A Clarinet: Slightly lower pitch than Bb, favored in orchestral works in sharp keys, offering a darker timbre for late Romantic and early 20th-century repertoire.
• Bass Clarinet: Sounds one octave below the Bb clarinet with a large bore and extended range; essential for wind ensembles, orchestral bass lines, and jazz solos.
• E-flat (Eb) Clarinet: A smaller, higher-pitched instrument producing a bright, penetrating sound, often featured in orchestral fanfares and solo passages.
• Alto Clarinet: Tuned in E♭, larger than the Bb clarinet and smaller than the bass clarinet. Has a mellow tone and is used in clarinet choirs and wind ensembles.
• Contra-Alto Clarinet: Larger and lower-pitched than the bass clarinet, often doubling bass lines in large ensembles. Tuned in E♭, with a rich, sonorous tone.
• Contra-Bass Clarinet: The lowest-pitched member of the clarinet family, typically used in large concert bands and for contemporary or experimental works.
• C Clarinet: Rare and mostly historical, used occasionally in orchestral or folk settings. Pitched higher than Bb but with similar fingering.
• D Clarinet: Even rarer than the C clarinet, pitched a whole tone higher than the C clarinet. Sometimes used in classical or Baroque orchestral literature.
• Basset Horn: An F‑pitched clarinet with an extended lower range, used in some Mozart works and 18th/19th-century classical music.
• Basset Clarinet: A variation of the A clarinet with an extended lower range to low C; used in Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto (original version).

Each clarinet type serves specific musical contexts—from orchestral and chamber music to jazz, contemporary, and solo performances. The Bb clarinet remains the most common and versatile, while advanced players often explore other members of the clarinet family to broaden their tonal palette and repertoire.

Curriculum

Best Institutes for Graded Clarinet ExamsIf you want to take graded clarinet exams and earn internationally recognized certifications, the following institutes offer structured programs—from beginner levels to diplomas—for classical and contemporary clarinet performance.

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) – UK

Location: Global (Exams in 90+ countries)

Grades: Initial/Grade 1 to Grade 8 + Diplomas (DipABRSM, ARSM, LRSM, FRSM)

Why Choose ABRSM?

• The world’s most widely recognized clarinet exam board.
• Emphasizes classical technique, repertoire, sight‑reading, aural tests, and theory.
• Offers in‑person and remote exam options.

Website: www.abrsm.org

Trinity College London (TCL) – UK

Location: Global (Exams in 60+ countries)

Grades: Initial to Grade 8 + Diplomas (ATCL, LTCL, FTCL)

Why Choose Trinity?

• Flexible repertoire including classical and contemporary works.
• Performance‑based assessments with improvisation and expressive playing.
• Allows candidates to select pieces best suited to their style.

Website: www.trinitycollege.com

Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) – Canada

Location: Canada, USA, Online

Grades: Preparatory to Level 10 + ARCT Diploma

Why Choose RCM?

• Highly regarded in North America for a comprehensive syllabus integrating technique, theory, aural, and sight‑reading.
• Structured repertoire that builds a strong technical and musical foundation.

Website: www.rcmusic.com

London College of Music (LCM) – UK

Location: UK & International Exam Centers

Grades: Step 1 to Grade 8 + Diplomas (DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM, FLCM)

Why Choose LCM?

• Offers distinct classical and contemporary clarinet syllabi.
• Focuses on technical mastery, musical expression, and interpretative skills.
• Provides flexible pathways suitable for self‑taught learners.

Website: www.uwl.ac.uk/lcm

Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) – Australia

Location: Australia, Online

Grades: Preliminary to Grade 8 + Diploma (AMusA, LMusA, FMusA)

Why Choose AMEB?

• Emphasizes technical precision, musicianship, and interpretative skills specific to clarinet.
• Widely recognized in Australia and New Zealand for professional, academic, and tertiary pathways.

Website: www.ameb.edu.au

If you’re seeking internationally recognized graded clarinet certifications, these institutes provide the most authoritative and comprehensive exams. Book a free trial with WinQuest Online to begin your tailored exam preparation today.

1. ABRSM Clarinet Curriculum

(Designed for classical clarinet students)

Level 1 (Beginner – Prepares for ABRSM Initial/Grade 1)
Prerequisites:

• Musical interest; no prior clarinet experience; age 8+
  Requirements:
• 15–20 minutes daily practice
• Own a B♭ clarinet, starter reed and tuner
  Course Modules:

1. Instrument Care & Posture
   • Assembly/disassembly, reed maintenance, correct seating and hand position
2. Tone Production Fundamentals
   • Long-tone exercises on open B, A, G for consistent sound
3. Articulation Basics
   • Single tonguing patterns in 2/4 & 4/4 at slow tempi
4. Scale Introduction
   • One-octave C & G major scales in whole- and half-note rhythms
5. Beginner Repertoire
   • Four graded pieces emphasizing basic dynamics and simple phrasing

Learning Outcomes:

• Produce a steady, centered tone in the middle register
• Execute simple scales with correct fingering and rhythm
• Perform elementary pieces with clear articulation

Sample Repertoire:

• “Folk Tune” (anonymous)
• “Minuet” (simplified)
• Klosé Etude No. 1

Level 2 (Intermediate – Prepares for ABRSM Grades 2–4)

Prerequisites:

• Level 1 proficiency
  Requirements:
• 20–30 minutes daily
• Intermediate etude collection, quality reeds
  

  Course Modules:

1. Articulation Contrast
   • Legato vs. staccato at various tempi
2. Scale & Arpeggio Extension
   • Two-octave scales (D, B♭, A), major/seventh arpeggios with slur-tongue patterns
3. Rhythmic Complexity
   • Syncopations, dotted rhythms, 3/4 & 6/8 time signatures
4. Repertoire Development
   • Five pieces spanning Baroque→Romantic, focusing on dynamic shading
5. Aural Training
   • Interval recognition (m2–M6), melodic recall exercises

Learning Outcomes:

• Play two-octave scales and arpeggios fluently
• Interpret repertoire with stylistic flair and dynamic nuance
• Apply aural skills for melodic and harmonic identification

Sample Repertoire:

• Handel “Air” (arr.)
• Klosé Etude No. 8
• Simple jazz-inspired melody

Level 3 (Advanced – Prepares for ABRSM Grades 5–8 & DipABRSM)
Prerequisites:

• Level 2 mastery
  Requirements:
• 30–45 minutes daily
• Advanced etude volumes, premium reeds
  

  Course Modules:

1. Advanced Technique
   • Three-octave scales, chromatic patterns, altissimo introduction
2. Articulation Mastery
   • Double tonguing, trills, period ornamentation
3. Concerto Repertoire
   • Excerpts from Mozart K.622, Weber Concertino Op.26
4. Performance Practice
   • Mock recitals with piano accompaniment; stage presence coaching
5. Exam Simulation
   • Full timed run-through: performance + sight-reading + aural + theory

Learning Outcomes:

• Navigate full clarinet range including altissimo with control
• Deliver concerto movements with authentic style and expression
• Demonstrate exam-ready confidence under timed conditions

Sample Repertoire:

• Mozart Clarinet Concerto K.622 (1st mov. excerpt)
• Weber Concertino Op.26 (complete)

Summary Table – ABRSM Clarinet Curriculum

2. Trinity College London Clarinet Curriculum

(Designed for classical & contemporary flexibility)

Level 1 (Beginner – Prepares for Trinity Initial/Grade 1)
Prerequisites: None
Requirements: Bb clarinet; 15–20 min daily
Modules: Embouchure setup; long-tone dynamics; single/double-tonguing intro; one-octave Bb & F scales; three graded pieces
Outcomes: Consistent tone, basic articulation, accurate phrasing
Sample: “Ode to Joy” arr., elementary étude

Level 2 (Intermediate – Prepares for Trinity Grades 2–4)
Prerequisites: Level 1 completion
Requirements: 20–30 min daily; intermediate études
Modules: Dynamic gradations; two-octave scales; mixed-meter sight-reading; classical→jazz rep with improvisation; chord quality & rhythmic echo aural tasks
Outcomes: Tonal shading, rhythmic flexibility, basic improvisation
Sample: Bach Sonata mvt., jazz riff

Level 3 (Advanced – Prepares for Trinity Grades 5–8 & LTCL)
Prerequisites: Solid intermediate technique
Requirements: 30–45 min daily; advanced repertoire
Modules: Chromatic scales; ornamentation (Baroque→Romantic); jazz ii–V–I improvisation; full concerto/sonata; mock exam (all components)
Outcomes: Professional-level performance, stylistic breadth, creative improvisation
Sample: Mozart K.622 excerpt, Dixieland solo

Summary Table – Trinity Clarinet Curriculum

3. RCM Clarinet Curriculum

(Theory-driven, North American standard)

Level 1 (Preparatory/Level 1)

• Modules: Assembly/posture; breath-control long-tones; single-tonguing drills; one-octave C & G scales; two beginner pieces
• Outcomes: Foundational technique, note reading
• Sample: Simple Baroque air

Level 2 (Grades 2–4)

• Modules: Legato/staccato shifts; two-octave scales & arpeggios; syncopations; four classical pieces; melodic & harmonic dictation
• Outcomes: Intermediate proficiency, theoretical integration
• Sample: Mozart Divertimento, Weber étude

Level 3 (Grades 5–8 & ARCT)

• Modules: Altissimo & advanced chromatics; period style ornamentation; concerto & chamber workshops; full exam with theory paper
• Outcomes: Diploma readiness, theoretical mastery
• Sample: Debussy Rapsodie excerpt, contemporary concerto movt.

Summary Table – RCM Clarinet Curriculum

4. Rockschool (RSL) Contemporary Clarinet Curriculum

(Modern styles & improvisation focus)

Level 1 (Debut/Grade 1)

• Modules: Instrument setup; basic tone on Bb clarinet with simple registers; one-octave scales; digital effects overview (if using E♭-alto & bass); simple pop/jazz melodies
• Outcomes: Basic contemporary technique, sight-reading
• Sample: Simplified pop tune, elementary jazz blues

Level 2 (Grades 2–4)

• Modules: Two-octave scales; syncopated rhythms; introduction to clarinet–electronic effects; repertoire with improvisational sections; digital sight-reading apps
• Outcomes: Intermediate fluency, creative expression
• Sample: Contemporary ballad, pop-rock arrangement

Level 3 (Grades 5–8 / Diploma)

• Modules: Three-octave scales & altissimo; advanced improvisation (modal & blues scales); tone colouring with mutes/effects; live performance prep; composition basics
• Outcomes: Professional contemporary performance, advanced improvisation
• Sample: Extended jazz standard solo, original composition

Summary Table – RSL Clarinet Curriculum

5. LCM Clarinet Curriculum

(Dual pathways: Classical & Contemporary)

(A) Classical Pathway

• Level 1 (Step 1/Initial): Fundamentals, one-octave C/G scales, simple études
• Level 2 (Grades 2–4): Two-octave scales, staccato/legato contrast, classical rep
• Level 3 (Grades 5–8 / DipLCM): Altissimo, concerto movements, recital workshops

(B) Contemporary Pathway

• Level 1 (Step 1/Initial): Basic modern technique, simple pop/jazz tunes
• Level 2 (Grades 2–4): Extended scales, basic electronic effects, improvisation
• Level 3 (Grades 5–8 / Diploma): Advanced altissimo, creative sound design, composition

(Full module lists mirror those given above under ABRSM/Trinity but with LCM syllabus references.)

6. AMEB Clarinet Curriculum

(Australian standard with classical & contemporary streams)

(A) Classical Stream

• Level 1 (Preliminary): Basic tone, one-octave scales, two simple pieces
• Level 2 (Grades 2–4): Two-octave scales, classical rep, aural tests
• Level 3 (Grades 5–8 / AMusA): Altissimo study, concerto excerpts, exam simulation

(B) Contemporary Stream

• Level 1 (Preliminary): Modern tunes, simple improvisation
• Level 2 (Grades 2–4): Extended scales, digital effects introduction
• Level 3 (Grades 5–8 / LMusA): Advanced improv, original composition, live performance prep

Comparison Table – Key Differences Between Curricula