[fizzyorange]

Hey everyone.
I play clarinet, have been for almost 4 years now. I'm did my grade 3 last year (2% of a distinction, so close!) and now I'm a bit stuck. Doing my leaving cert, haven't attended clarinet lessons in a few months. I am going to go back to them during the summer but then I am off to Galway for university.

Anyway, I would like to try for a grade 5 now and I was wondering if any one has any advice for preparing for grades on your own, what sheet music should I look for, can you buy books specifically for doing grades?

Also, I'm looking at doing international jazz grades and if anyone knows anything about them it'd be a great help.

Thanks.

[clunked]

Hmm, it depends a little on whether you are doing RIAM or AB grades. Firstly make sure you have a decent mouthpiece, preferably a Vandoren one, as that will at least get you a decent sound.

Check and see if the James Rae 40 Modern Studies are still on the syllabus as they are fun to learn and introduce you to a jazzy style of playing. Beyond that and this may be the unpleasant bit(), ensure that you have a good scale book and start off your practice with loads of scales.

There are some Grade books available but you might end up trying to learn second-rate pieces of music you might not enjoy learning.

Finally I'd recommend at the very least an occasional lesson to check that you are okay as regards technique and are progressing on your pieces.

[fizzyorange]

If it helps, I am doing RIAM grades.

Thanks for the advice, I'd definitely look into getting a better mouth piece. I will be attending a lesson once a month as well. Might head out to McCoullough Piggots next week and have a look at some scale books.

Thanks again.

[andrewg82]

sounds like you have everything sorted! getting a lesson every now and again off a good teacher will keep you right.....good luck!