Clarinet taster
- Course Code: ME917
- Dates: 24/07/24 - 24/07/24
- Time: 19:00 - 21:00
- Taught: Wed, Evening
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: George Sleightholme
Course Code: ME917
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course introduces you to the basic techiques of playing the clarinet and gives you an insight into what is involved in learning the instrument.This course is designed to lead to Clarinet 1A, starting in September.
What will we cover?
how to assemble and hold the clarinet correctly
the correct mouth shape (embouchure) to play with good tone and intonation
the principles of fingering and tonguing on the clarinet
playing simple tunes by ear and from music notation.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Assemble and hold the clarinet correctly, and play with the correct embouchure
Play and read the notes C D E F and G
Play and read some basic rhythms
Improvise with a few notes.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Suitable for absolute beginners.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
tutor demonstration and explanation
playing together as a group and in pairs or individually
listening and discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring your Bb clarinet and a pencil. All other materials will be provided by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course is designed to lead to Clarinet 1A starting in September.
You may also be interested in complementary classes from our wide range of Music theory and musicianship.
George is a freelance clarinet and bass clarinet player and teacher. Having graduated with Distinction from the Royal Academy of Music (MA, 2010), George regularly plays in Brandenburg Sinfonia in London with players from the top London orchestras. He is a member of Kidenza Orchestra, performing classical orchestral music to thousands of young audience members every year. George has given many premieres, including pieces for the LSO's Soundhub scheme and in various national festivals. He has recorded widely, including at Abbey Road Studios. George has released two albums with his group iyatraQuartet, to critical acclaim. They were awarded the Kennedy Award 2019 by violinist Nigel Kennedy. George has led music workshops for Music for Autism, Aldeburgh Participate! and Bristol Pre-Conservatoire, and performed several operas for Royal Opera House Education and Outreach. He also conducts Surbiton Royal British Legion Marching Band and Palace Band in Alexandra Palace and at Benslow Music.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
