Clarinet Playground

Audio Available

Component

Delivery

Eprint Folders

Format

Instrument

Instrument Family

Instrument Type

Item Sequence

Large Print Edition

Marketed Status

Minimum Sell Quantity

MINTS Data Available

Product Line

Prop65

Score Available

Video Available

Uninspiring, endless finger drills got you down? Have a little fun with Finger Fitness Études for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets! This book contains 38 tuneful and original one-page études that each introduce two finger drills that are incorporated into fun and challenging music. You can play these on Eb, Bb, A, alto, bass, contra... any clarinet in the clarinet family!
 
Do you play bass clarinet OR any other clarinet with a range down to low C? There are 10 selected études specifically re-written for low C clarinets with additional low clarinet drills and exercises in the final section of the book.
 
Much of the melodic material is in the chalumeau range with purposeful occasions for connecting the middle register. Without exceeding high C#, the music is in a "friendly" range for all clarinets. Ideal for developing pre-college students, undergraduate players and clarinet enthusiasts, these études will get your fingers in shape while having fun making music in the process. Advanced and professional players will love them too. Pick up the tempo and they really become fun finger twisters!

Finger Fitness Etudes for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 1

Clarinet Book

This sequel contains 40 all-new études along with 18 additional études reimagined for low C clarinets. Hang on to your hats because this book is tougher, BUT you will still have fun with a ton of variety and new challenges to overcome with the mastery of each piece. In Book 2, you will find several light-hearted but challenging études in compound meter, a variety of waltzes, circus and cat-themed music, many deep and reflective melodies, broadway inspired tunes, dark and brooding pieces, études representing the four seasons, nods to Americana and plenty of feel-good music of celebration in a variety of styles. Additionally, there are three jazz-influenced tunes and one klezmer piece. For those new to jazz and klezmer, have no fear! Jazz and klezmer tips are included in a little mini-lesson in the appendix.
 
Aside from “Tom’s Skotshne,” the range never exceeds altissimo C#, making the book accessible to the entire clarinet family. Part 1 features mostly 3rds and 4ths and Part 2 contains tri-tones, perfect 5ths and minor 6ths. Part 3 includes revised études devoted specifically to low clarinets with the majority for low C clarinets.
 
Well-suited for advancing pre-college students, undergraduate and graduate level music students as well as devoted clarinet enthusiasts, this sequel is sure to technically challenge and musically satisfy those who aspire to solidify finger fundamentals.

Finger Fitness Etudes for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 2

Finger Fitness Foundations provides a fun way to tackle the most common clarinet finger obstacles. The 68 études feature the "68 Exercises in Mechanism" from the Celebrated Method for the Clarinet by H. Klosé. The études start very simply and progress - great for first and second year players and beyond - plus there are tons of practice tips and fingering guides included to help along the way.
 
An original Klosé finger drill appears at the top of each étude and is featured within the corresponding étude. Practice the drill with great attention to all details, and then dive into the étude to reinforce the drill. Aside from one étude that includes clarion Bb, the range never exceeds clarion A, making the book accessible to clarinetists of all abilities.
 
Finger Fitness Foundations is practical for all levels of clarinetists including pre-college students, university students, clarinet enthusiasts, as well as professional players. Simply allow your tempo choice to guide the difficulty level that suits you best. The goal of this book, as well as the other books in the “Finger Fitness” series, is to technically challenge and musically satisfy those who aspire to solidify finger fundamentals.

Finger Fitness Foundations for Clarinet

This continuation of the Finger Fitness Études series features 45 all-new études along with 24 additional études reimagined for low C clarinets. The intervals are even larger in this set, including various 6ths and 7ths, plus the range has been intentionally increased to altissimo G along with the optional altissimo G# in “Big City Glizzy.” You will also find a few mixed and odd meters, some modern techniques and ideas, and you will notice that these études require more expressive flexibility.
 
Similar to previous books, you will find several light-hearted but challenging études in compound meter, a variety of waltzes and minuets, childhood and bird-themed music, a theme and variations piece, tunes that inspire fearlessness, many deep and reflective melodies, and plenty of others that will help you musically connect with distinctive characters and imagery. Additionally, there are three jazz-influenced tunes, one samba, and one klezmer piece. For those new to jazz and klezmer, have no fear! Jazz and klezmer tips are included in a little mini-lesson in the appendix. Additionally, the modern techniques that are featured have their own "how to" pages.
 
Well-suited for advancing pre-college students, undergraduate and graduate level music students, devoted clarinet enthusiasts and professionals, this collection is sure to technically challenge and musically satisfy those who aspire to solidify finger fundamentals.

Finger Fitness Etudes for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 3

In solo works, ensemble literature, and études, shifts between major and minor tonalities are common and musically significant. These shifts are often found “connecting” a major key to its relative minor or parallel minor which enhances musical expression and structural depth. For example, in Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, the opening theme transitions from C major to C minor and then to E-flat major, demonstrating these interconnected tonal pathways.
Finger Fitness Scale Connections is designed to strengthen both the technical and theoretical understanding of fundamental music theory relationships with the goal of bridging the gap between music theory and applied technique. Through structured scale and pattern studies that connect major keys to minor keys, players will explore and internalize the musical logic of key changes while developing fluency that supports sight-reading, pattern recognition, and faster learning of new musical materials.
Finger Fitness Scale Connections includes the following:
<ul>
<li>A “First Things First” page offering guidance on how to approach the book along with technical considerations regarding breathing, simplifying the chromatic studies, addressing common fingering issues, and applying a variety of articulation patterns (5 pages).</li>
<li>A music theory introduction that covers the building blocks of the chromatic scale, major scales, and all three forms of minor scales (natural, harmonic, and melodic) - (2 pages).</li>
<li>Advanced music theory concepts that explore intervals, chord construction, harmonic functions, Roman numeral analysis, and essential terminology to deepen musical literacy (3 pages).</li>
<li>Part 1 (65 pages): Connects major to relative minor by focusing on traditional scale study materials (scales, thirds, arpeggios, chords) and includes chord progression studies. “Bonus” studies blend patterns together for comprehensive skill-building. Also included are two chromatic studies and three articulation studies that gradually increase in complexity (23 studies/5 pages per key set).</li>
<li>Part 2 (39 pages): Connects major to parallel minor and mirrors the structure of Part 1, offering similar scale and chord patterns, minus the bonus materials (14 studies/3 pages per key set).</li>
<li>Part 3 (32 pages): Selected studies adapted specifically for low C clarinets (23 studies per key set in Part 3A, 14 studies per key set in Part 3B).</li>
<li>Appendix A (9 pages): Long tone studies that build tone quality, breath control, and consistency (long tones introduction and 12 long tone studies).</li>
<li>Appendix B (13 pages): My own comprehensive daily warm-up routine for developing embouchure strength, finger agility, and musical focus (includes my daily long tone study, register connection exercises, chromatic scale, and scale and chord pattern routines).</li>
<li>Appendix C (5 pages): Supplemental materials including introductory chromatic scale studies, reed buzzing drills, and beginning staccato exercises.</li>
</ul>

Finger Fitness Scale Connections

Ensemble

FIRST PRIZE WINNER in the post collegiate category of the 2021 Clareidoscope Composition Competition, Cortejo de Aves, Spanish for “Courtship of Birds,” features grace notes and jumpy, bird-like gestures along with a variety of tempo shifts and characters—reminiscent of the style of Manuel de Falla. A beautiful, soaring melody is found in the middle of the piece, followed by a frenzied accelerando punctuated by a climactic flutter tongue gesture (the only extended technique featured in the otherwise tonal and tuneful phrases). With a modest range of the lowest E to Db just crossing into the altissimo register, the music is meant to be accessible to be performed using ANY clarinet in the clarinet family. Set in the key of Bb minor, Cortejo de Aves will challenge a developing player and will push advanced players in different ways

Cortejo de Aves

Clarinet Solo

It Feels Like... for solo clarinet (with optional bongo part) is intended to be performed using ANY clarinet in the clarinet family, with a few alternative low C options included. This music directly reflects emotions brought about during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation can trigger emotional turmoil, and we never know how we may react until we are faced with it.
 
The first movement, "Phoning it In," represents going through the motions of the day but feeling disconnected or stuck in a repetitive pattern. In compound meter and set in d minor, unexpected accented notes suggest frustration and could signify a factory whistle or alarm clock. Those who have experienced isolation will easily relate to the somber nature of the second movement titled "Loneliness," also set in d minor. The emotional climax is firmly marked by an unresolved low C-sharp that lingers before the main theme makes its closing appearance. Finally, the third and final movement, titled "Rounding the Corner," set in B-flat Major, is rhythmic and exciting. It is a celebration of hope for things to improve, but there is a touch of insanity as well. Imagine spinning around and around in circles, succumbing to the dizziness to the point of embracing the chaos. Pair the optional bongo part with the third movement for a very lively finish!

It Feels Like...

The expansion of this book includes two additional studies for each key, increasing each page from the original 8 to now 10 studies. The new exercises include a fundamental scale pattern in the major keys, a harmonic minor scale pattern in the minor keys, and a new study in each key based on octaves. Some of the original #1 scale patterns (now #2 in this edition) have also been altered, including expanding the range. I am very thankful for the friends and colleagues who provided feedback from earlier editions that inspired this more comprehensive edition.
 
As a student, I initially loathed and then craved the challenge of the Kroepsch 416 Studies - Books 1 2. At first, I was greatly overwhelmed and underprepared for many of the exercises - especially the lengthy ones. Now, as a teacher, I understand better that many progressing players require a relevant stepping stone before tackling the Kroepsch. Therein lies the rationale for this book.
 
Well-suited for advancing pre-college students and progressing undergraduate students, Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch is sure to technically challenge, musically satisfy and fully prepare those who aspire to master the Kroepsch 416 Studies.
 
The studies in this book are written in the order of the circle of fourths with the intention to complement 24 Varied Scales and Exercises for the Clarinet by J. B. Albert and, while ordered differently, can also be used with Foundation Studies from Baermann Book 3, Op. 63 Daily Studies for Clarinet.

Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch

Global Sections - CORE [DO NOT TOUCH]*

Favicon

Need Help? Contact Us or call 1-800-345-6296    Live Chat

Header

Don't have a business account? Create one

CartDrawer

Children

TrustPilotScript

Customer Service

Selection Made Easy

About J.W. Pepper

J.W. Pepper

CustomFooter

Product List Page - CORE [DO NOT TOUCH]*

Breadcrumb

CustomProductGallery

Products