I would like to know what would be the best beginning clarinet instruction book to work with. Right now I have 3 books:

Standard of Excellence, Book 1
Essential Elements 2000 Book 1
Paul Harris's Clarinet Basics

Are the above mentioned books all good to work with or is there another beginning clarinet book that would be better to work with? I will appreciate any help with this.

Carol K

of those 3 i only know of Clarinet basics, which is good. i know a lot of beginners who use Abracadabra clarinet as well.

I haven't used those three so can't comment, but I can recommend 'Learn As You Play Clarinet' by Peter Wastell, which I've been using to teach myself.

I'd go for Clarinet Basics as you already have it. I normally get my pupils to buy the Boosey Woodwind Method, but Clarinet Basics is good up until the "Over the Break" section - then you may want to dapple in lots of books!

reply to Appassionata re beginning instruction book

I looked at a Boosey Clarinet method book at a music store earlier today and almost bought it, but didn't. It looked like a good book.

Carol K

I wouldn't use Learn As You Play unless you play another instrument already, I think it goes a it too fast

Same here. Learn as you play rushes you in at the deep end. I hated using that book when I first started as you have to learn all the key numberings before you begin. I would stick to Clarinet basics unless you are above the age of about 16 because it can seem a bit too simple sometimes. If you are over the age of 16 I would recommend Abracadbra Clarinet. I know this book is good, I use it on some people I teach and they love it.

reply to purple dolphin re beginning instruction book

Do you know where I could get the book, Abracadbra Clarinet? I think I might like that one. I am an adult - well past the age of 16.

Carol K

Which country do you live in Carol?

reply to carys

I live in the United States.

Carol K

I don't know about getting it in the US, but you should be able to get it from the same place that you got the other books from. Other than that I can only advise to get it shipped from the UK. Although you will have to pay for shipping it will be well worth it.