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When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Late starts accepted
  • Course Code W24CCLE01A
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Develop the clarinet playing skills to achieve your ambition of playing solo repertoire, chamber music or in band and orchestra. This course is designed to consolidate your intermediate-level skills through a combination of technical exercises, solo and ensemble playing. Suitable for players of grade 3-5 level and those of a higher standard who wish to work on specific aspects of basic technique. There will be performance opportunities during the year.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand the principles of developing good tone, articulation, breath support and finger technique throughout the range of the clarinet and have exercises to use in practice
  • Troubleshoot technical problems and practice efficiently and effectively
  • Feel confident performing solo pieces of Grade 3 standard and above, and have strategies to deal with performance nerves
  • Learn ensemble parts and have the opportunity to record them to put together by yourself or with classmates

Class format and activities

Working as a group on technical and rhythmic exercises Learning a series of set pieces of Grades 3-5 standard, tailored to the needs of the class. Bringing ‘own choice’ repertoire of any style or standard to work on in a ‘masterclass’ format in front of the class and observing your colleagues do the same. Participating in ensemble playing in small groups and as a whole class to develop the skills to play in chamber, band and orchestral groups. Asking and answering questions, participating in discussion, giving and receiving feedback from the tutor and to and from your peers. Keeping notes on what to practice and how to practice it. There will be opportunities for performance during the year. You will need to follow and contribute to discussions in English. Music Study can include the use of digital resources such as listening to recordings, watching videos online, using appropriate mobile applications and following Moodle -Morley's virtual learning environment- to enhance your learning inside and outside the classroom. Music study also offers a range of benefits including being an enjoyable way to enhance wellbeing. Music practice at Morley can also serve to enhance skills relevant for employment including developing creativity, developing high-concentration levels, building self-confidence, working to deadlines, being able to control nerves and working as part of a team.

Entry requirements

You should be a player of intermediate standard, able to read music and play pieces of at Grades 3-5 standard, or be relatively confident playing in all three registers of the instrument in keys of at least 4 sharps and flats. You should have the stamina to take part in a 2-hour session.

What you need to know before you enrol

You will need to be able to play for a one-and-a-half hour session with a short break in the middle. You will need to be able to practice regularly. Excellent attendance and punctuality is required from all students. This course requires study/completion of activities outside of class time.

What you need

A Bb clarinet, with a mouthpiece, ligature, reeds strength 2.5 or 3 Vandoren, a cleaning cloth (‘pull-through’), cork grease, a pencil and notebook, and a clarinet stand. Text: Studies for Clarinet by Eva Perenyi 20 Crucial Clarinet Studies by Helen Madden In addition, it is recommended that you use a music stand to practice at home.

What you can do next

You may be interested in joining the Morley Wind Ensemble or the Morley Jazz Orchestra. You may also be interested in a chamber music course, such as 'Intermediate Chamber Music: Duos Trios Quartets'. '.