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The Complete Guide to Getting a Superior at Solo & Ensemble
One of my most popular blog posts ever is my Complete Guide to Making All State, so I thought it’s about time I make a similar guide to help students prepare for Solo & Ensemble. Solo & Ensemble is a great opportunity for young musicians to perform solos and small chamber ensembles in front of judges to receive ratings and valuable feedback on their performances. Here’s my advice to receive a Superior rating this year at Solo & Ensemble: Prepare Practice Perform Repeat Just like learning a new piece of music, performing is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. The more you practice performing, the better musician…
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The Composer’s Guide to the Clarinet
If you’re a composer wanting to write for the clarinet, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been very fortunate to have collaborated with some wonderful composers throughout the years, and I wanted to create this post to help anyone who wants to write for the world’s best instrument. ;) I’ve put together this list to help anyone who wants to learn more about what the clarinet can (and can’t) do. Before we dive in, it’s important to mention that these are general guidelines. Each clarinetist has different skills, specialties, and abilities, so when in doubt, ask them! Please keep in mind that this list is specifically targeted towards soprano…
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Repertoire Recommendations Based on Standard Repertoire
You all know I love learning about new-to-me repertoire. I enjoy recommending pieces to students and colleagues, and I especially enjoy discovering lesser-known gems. If you’re looking for some new pieces to work on, check out these repertoire recommendations (#reprecs) based on standard clarinet repertoire. Each item includes a standard piece, paired with a lesser-known work I think you would enjoy. If you like… Then you should check out… Carl Stamitz Concerto No. 3 in B-Flat Major Franz Hoffmeister Concerto in B-Flat Carl Maria von Weber Concerti Julius Rietz Clarinet Concerto, Op. 29 Gioachino Rossini Introduction, Theme and Variations Louis Spohr Fantasy and Variations on a Theme of Danzi, Op. 81…