Benny Goodman's Clarinet Method

Written at the peak of his career, Benny teaches you how to practice to become like he was. Well, you may not be the King of Swing, because Swing doesn't rule the world anymore, but yes. You too can become a great clarinetist!

Solid fundamental book of scales and interval exercises. His etudes are melodically and harmonically interesting, really fun to play. A nice departure from the classical method books. Even his short articulation exercises are unusual and interesting to play.

While many books on the clarinet are out on the market, it is a rare opportunity to experience one from a clarinetist with the fame, renown and talent of Benny Goodman. This short method book presents brief articles discussing basic techniques, methodology and even a little clarinet history. Mr. Goodman's knowledge and encouragement to the student are presented in a straightforward, no-nonsense style. The method book presents listings of all of the major and minor scales as well as over three dozen separate exercises working with timing, intervals, syncopation and more advanced chromatic work. The book also includes several of Mr. Goodman's solo works, including the accompaniments for the other instruments in the piece. While the books is excellent in all respects, there are a couple of minor flaws. The first flaw is the lack of a fingering chart normally seen in most method books. This would indicate that Mr. Goodman and the subsequent editors felt the method was geared more towards intermediate and advanced students. This also leads to the second flaw, which is the focus on the more experienced student. The presentation of the material assumes the reader is familiar with the basics of music and is familiar with all of the basic fingerings of the clarinet's three major registers. The altissimo register and the upper clarion register are heavily emphasized and beginning students having issues with these registers would have difficulties without further technique development. These very minor flaws do not detract from the fact that this small volume is a great method book for intermediate and advanced students and offers a rare insight into one of the greatest clarinet players of the 20th Century. Any serious clarinetist should pick up this book as they will be richly rewarded.

This is a great book I keep returning too. I learned via the Rubank series. There is no substitute for that. Nonetheless, this book is more fun and helps me keep my playing skills sharp. It is a bit short on classical pieces and the Jazz pieces are complete, but a bit sketchy for practice. Still, I like having this book and playing the many exercises and short pieces it contains.

This is very good for intemediate players. Since I am relearning the clarinet after 52 years of not playing, I have found this very helpful as it keeps me reminded of the basics that I may be tempted to forget after such long time away from the clarinet. I do agree with the individual who wrote that it is not for the beginner. I hope this helpful to all who read it.

Excellent, not for beginners

This is a good book for practicing scales, thirds, fifths, sevenths, difficult passages. In fact, I wish I had bought this first rather than separate books with some of the same stuff. Although I wouldn't say this is for beginners. There are some songs at the end of the book, but I can't play them yet.

This is not a beginner's book - but I feel it is a good companion for those of us who learned through Rubank (or others). There is no fingering chart and you will have to learn how to assemble and set up your horn somewhere else. You will also be crossing the break in the very first lesson, so I agree that this book is probably of more value to those of us looking for a change of pace and is not for someone picking up the instrument for the very first time.

Just wonderful!

まったく、新品と変わらない、製品でした。満足しています。練習頑張ります。

Un libro consigliato sia per principianti fino a livelli intermedi. Gli esercizi sono più impegnativi e interessanti dei soliti "studi" presenti in altri metodi. I pochi assoli in fondo al libro sono l'ideale per avere un riscontro del proprio livello di precisione e musicalità con lo strumento. Ho trovato interessanti anche tutti i consigli: imboccatura, respiro, ecc. Consigliato!

Si tratta di un metodo scritto parecchi decenni fa, ma il suo valore rimane sempre importante per ogni clarinettista. Non mancate di comprarlo

Questo metodo mi ha aiutata moltissimo. Con esercizi piacevoli aiuta a superare le difficoltà caratteristiche di vari passaggi di posizione e suono. CONSIGLIO!!