Student Instrumental Course: Clarinet Student, Level I: Clarinet Book

The Belwin Student Instrumental Course has anchored clarinet instruction for generations because it balances systematic skill development with genuine musicality from page one. Porter and Weber built this method to work equally well in private lessons and full-class settings, so whether you're teaching one clarinetist or a section, the progression stays logical and engaging.

Patient and encouraging. The music unfolds gradually, building from the simplest single-note melodies into recognizable folk tunes and simple original compositions. Students feel genuine progress as they move through the pages.

Beginning clarinetists in elementary settings, whether in private study or group band classes. This book serves as the core text for students starting their first year on the instrument.

• Establish a consistent embouchure checkpoint at the start of each lesson; return to the basics in the opening exercises before moving into new material.
• Use the correlated exercises across the supplementary books to reinforce whatever technical concept you're introducing that week.
• Encourage students to play through complete pieces rather than drilling isolated passages; momentum builds confidence and reveals how technique serves musicality.

Use this as your primary clarinet method for students in their first year of study. The systematic approach means you can assign lesson-by-lesson and know students in both private and class settings will stay aligned. Keep the supplementary books on hand to deepen whatever area needs extra work.

• Single-note reading and tone production on clarinet
• Steady rhythm patterns in simple meters
• Proper hand position and embouchure development
• Basic articulation and breathing control
• Coordination between fingerings and air support