UC San Diego

Following is the concept and content for a holistic clarinet method. Prior research of current in print and available in the United States clarinet methods revealed several gaps in the material taught. All of them had a focus on music literacy, while few had a focus on musical creativity, and none of them had a focus on aural skills. As a beginning student, I feel I would have greatly benefitted from my methods and teachers having a greater focus on the creative aspect of music making, and on the ability to play by ear. As a teacher, I want to offer my own students the opportunity to be creative and explore the sonic range of their instrument, both in the conventional western classical clarinet style, and in unconventional avant-garde styles. Students will be encouraged to listen to and play musical styles outside of western classical music. In my studies of contemporary music performance on the clarinet, I have found a great amount of cross over between "extended techniques" and interesting sounds that beginning students accidentally make when playing their instrument. Often, to achieve an unconventional sound on the clarinet, the clarinetist changes their technique in a way that goes against traditional teachings. Variations on air support, finger positions, and embouchure are a few ways to achieve unconventional sounds. These variations are quite similar to the way an untrained beginning clarinetist may approach playing the instrument. This method builds upon this brief prior knowledge of the student and unconventional sounds are explored as opportunities for students to develop a greater understanding of conventional sounds. Unconventional sounds are also used as a way for students to be creative on their instrument and playful with their approach to making music, giving them a sense of ownership and artistry. Through playful interaction, this method will lay the foundation for future deliberate practice through reflective journal entries and reminders to take a break when necessary to combat practice fatigue, and encourage focused practice between breaks