The Hite Site
Clarinet playerA CLARINETIST'S STUDY GUIDE
by David Hite

LEVEL 6


Students on level six are generally in the final years of undergraduate work or are pursuing a Master's degree. At this juncture, commitment to continuous refinement of artistic style and tone should be made. Although basic skills have been well established, small refinements may be suggested by a particular chosen artist teacher. (Practical performance problems in orchestral repertoire are best studied with an orchestral principal clarinetist; the problems of solo careers are best pursued with the advice of a soloist.)

On this level it is important to broaden personal tastes in music - not only music for clarinet, but also music for other woodwinds, brass, strings, keyboard, voice and ensembles. General music education should encompass the study of both classical and jazz history, theory, conducting and education.

In metropolitan areas various professional playing opportunities can be obtained through local music contractors. The musicians' union paper announces auditions for open positions.


Technique basics
  • Continue to develop, refine and routine musicianship. The inspired, ambitious college student will want to give frequent recitals, not just the required one(s).
  • Participate in as many different performance groups as possible. Private practice is essential but ensemble skills can only develop by playing with other musicians.
  • Continue to search for the very best playing equipment (instrument, mouthpiece, reeds and ligatures).
  • Expand memorized repertoire.
Theory basics
  • Develop improvisational skills.
  • Extend harmonic vocabulary to include secondary chords and their relationship to key. Recognize them in performance music.
  • Recognize and understand modulation.
  • Continue to improve dictation and sightsinging abilities.

Recommended etudes for LEVEL 6
David Hite: Foundation Studies
Contents: Baermann Method, Part III

David Hite: Artistic Studies, Book 2 from the German School
    Contents:
  • Baermann Method, Part IV (select)
  • Baermann Method, Part V (complete)

David Hite: Artistic Studies, Book 3 from the Italian School
    Contents:
  • Cavallini 30 Caprices
  • Labanchi 4 Studies
  • Magnani 7 Etudes-Caprices
  • Gambaro 5 Caprices

Recommended solo for LEVEL 6
Rossini-Hite: Introduction, Theme and Variations

Study Guide:
Level 5
Hite editions: Etudes Hite editions: Solos The Hite Site
HOMEPAGE
Study Guide:
Level 7

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Revised: March 5, 1997    URL: http://www.jdhite.com/study/clarinet/level6.htm