Basics for Bass Clarinet explained…

I am a British bass clarinet specialist living in Brighton, on the South Coast. I had a slightly unusual education - I had the privilege of studying the bass clarinet as my principal study throughout both my undergraduate and masters degrees. This means I had 5 intensive years of studying a huge variety of solo and chamber bass clarinet repertoire, and have studied the bass clarinet under the guidance of many of the top players in the UK and Europe. I also play a lot of Bb clarinet, some Eb clarinet, alto saxophone and flute - so will be able to provide clear guidance, regardless of your previous instrumental background.

Since I graduated my masters degree I have been teaching extensively across London, Surrey, Sussex and online - pupils of all ages, across all woodwind instruments, living anywhere in the world!

I have created this resource so that regardless of where you are in the world, you can have access to clear and comprehensive guidance for playing the bass clarinet!

I don’t go into specific contemporary techniques or orchestral excerpts - I teach how you to play. This course will help you develop the technique needed for you to go on in your musical adventures with confidence to begin tackle whatever solo, chamber and orchestral repertoire you dream of.

Each section will cover basic principles, along with guidance, example videos and exercises to get your teeth stuck into! Please take my advice and tips - and use them in your own personal practice.

If you want to skip through my videos to specific bits - if you follow the link to YouTube, I have timestamps in the comments.

Lastly, if you wish to have any of the exercises as a downloaded pdf booklet - please drop me an email and I’ll send it over!

Course Contents:

• Set Up: Mouthpieces, Ligatures & More

• Understanding Reeds

• Chapter 1: Tone & Air

• Chapter 2: Fingering & Technical Exercises

• Chapter 3: Articulation

• Chapter 4: Low Notes (for those with bass clarinet to Low C)

• Chapter 5: How do you play high on the bass clarinet? part 1

• Chapter 6: How do you play high on the bass clarinet? part 2

• Chapter 7: Intonation

• Repertoire Ideas

• Creating A Warm-Up Routine

As ever - if you have any further questions or need help - drop me an email at hannah.shilvock@hotmail.co.uk

I will continue to edit and update this course - so if you want more of anything in particular, tell me!