Pop Hits for the Instrumental Soloist: Clarinet Book & CD

Fresh and accessible, without condescension. These melodies come from film soundtracks and contemporary pop ballads, so they carry real emotional weight. At level 2-3, the writing stays singable and idiomatic to the clarinet, letting you shine without technical overwhelm.

Intermediate clarinetists in grades 5-8 who want to perform contemporary pop and film music with legitimate accompaniment. This book works equally well for private studio students seeking engaging solo repertoire and for ensemble directors building recital programs with appealing variety.

• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock into the intended tempo and groove of each arrangement. Many of these pop songs rely on rhythmic precision, and the CD helps you internalize the pocket before performing live.
• Pay close attention to the edited articulations and dynamics marked in your part. The arranger has shaped these specifically for clarinet's strengths at this level, so honoring those markings will make the piece sit well.
• Rehearse the passages where your clarinet line intersects with memorable vocal or instrumental hooks from the original recording. These moments often define the arrangement, so clarity and confidence matter most here.

Feature individual students in a mixed-genre concert where pop and classical literature live side by side. These pieces also work beautifully as solo features during pops concerts or as part of a spring recital lineup where you want to showcase both technical growth and musical personality.

• Phrasing in a contemporary idiom with clear melodic shape
• Playing expressively at moderate tempos without losing rhythmic precision
• Matching articulation and stylistic details to pop and film genres
• Listening to accompaniment and staying coordinated with recorded backgrounds
• Building confidence with solo literature that features recognizable, singable material