Clarinet Secrets: 52 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Clarinetist

Rating:
Summary: Can YOU keep 52 secrets?
Review: Looking for a quick fix to some really annoying clarinet problems? Now you can surely relax, because Michèle Gingras is here to save the day. In size, this book is smaller than your average method of study, but in content, look out! She has divided her book into 7 sections of 52 secrets for common technical and musical issues in clarinet practice and repertoire. Gingras' writing is very "to the point" without the life stories, personal experiences, and strongly directed opinions of many other current books on the market today. I believe that because she uses this particular style of writing, she is able to cover so much more in such a miniature book, perfect for having with you at all times.

Never does she state a method of instruction without also telling you exactly how to practice it. This book really uses nature as its primary example of what clarinetists, and really all musicians, should follow. Gingras feels that rather fighting and working against nature, we should use it to help us in every way possible. Although this book is intended for the advanced clarinetist, many of her explanations would be very helpful to intermediate and even beginning students; her book is that user friendly, and not intimidating in the least. I especially feel this way when she refers to tonguing and finger/hand positions, which are probably two of the biggest challenges younger students face when first approaching the instrument. Included at the end of her book is a CD that demonstrates with her own playing each musical excerpt inside "Clarinet Secrets." In my opinion, you'll never be without a clarinet teacher as long as you have this book. Anyone who knows this professor can see that inside "Clarinet Secrets" is one hundred percent Michèle Gingras. One more thing...these "secrets" really work. An alternate title for her book could be "No More Secrets!"