Finger Dexterity Challenge - Week One!

Welcome to July's Finger Dexterity Challenge!

I explain the challenge in the video above, but essentially we're going to be using the Kroepsch studies to work on our dexterity, and challenging ourselves to learn and record as many of them per week as possible. I'm suggesting you aim for 4 per week and I'll be giving you tips and tricks for four studies per week starting at the beginning! You can download all of volume one on IMSLP. 

Unless you've decided to work through a different section of the 417 studies (in case you've already learned the ones in C major), this week we're going to be working on Studies 1-4. 

 You should have received from me a downloadable PDF of all of Book 1, but if you didn't receive that (maybe you didn't sign up originally) just post below and I'll send it to you!

Objectives for the Week

1. Watch the lesson above (it's a bit long this week because there's a lot of general advice) and let us know your plan for the week: are you going to aim to learn all four studies? 

2. Practice your four studies using your metronome and maybe using a timer to work through drilled repetitions (set your timer for 5 minutes and do as many repetitions you can, then sit for 30 seconds in silence)

3. Upload a video to your favourite platform (i.e., YouTube or Vimeo) and post it here by Sunday to share your progress

4. Cheer on your fellow clarinetists as they learn their studies! 

33 replies

null
    • Marcelo_Rosa
    • 1 mth ago
    • Reported - view

    This is my take on the 4 first exercises.

    I didn't realize it would be much better to record with a metronome going on. I will make sure to do that on the next ones.

      • Marcelo_Rosa
      • 1 mth ago
      • Reported - view

       Do you have any recommended clarinet's solo repertoire pieces that I could work on?

      • Head of Clarinet
      • Heather
      • 1 mth ago
      • Reported - view

       Hi Marcelo, yes! So many. What kind of music do you like? Do you like classical music, or things from a certain period? Or maybe something more contemporary or with jazz influences?

      • Marcelo_Rosa
      • 1 mth ago
      • Reported - view

       I like Weber a lot, Brahms, Mozart, Baerman, Debussy.. I don't think I established a specific work stream yet. 

      • Head of Clarinet
      • Heather
      • 1 mth ago
      • Reported - view

       would you like a specific work stream? i.e., is the goal to have a series of pieces to improve over time?

       

      The goal could be (for example) to work up to something like Copland or Nielsen, the two main (and most challenging) repertoire concerti from the first half of the twentieth century. 

      But it seems like you like the classical/romantic/impressionistic vibes the most - in which case maybe some Françaix might be interesting? The concerto is fantastic (but so very hard!) but the Tema con Variazioni might be a fun challenge? Or the Rabaud Solo de Concours? I also really like the Cavallini Caprices for a challenge - quite difficult 'concert' etudes (people record them and perform them, unlike all the other etudes in the clarinet repertoire).

    • Sarah_M
    • 13 days ago
    • Reported - view

    Well, weeks after this started, I've finally watched your first video, Heather. Thanks, it's very helpful with useful tips. The upside is that I've now got a nice printed copy of the Kroepsch studies. I'm in awe of everone's capabilities and daunted by the thought of videoing myself! Anyway, it's too late! I'm so sorry; I've just been completely flatout for the past few weeks , so I feel like a naughty schoolchild who hasn't done their homework. Here's hoping life might calm down so that I can get some more practice in and watch the rest of the videos! Sarah.

      • Head of Clarinet
      • Heather
      • 13 days ago
      • Reported - view

       Hi Sarah, I'm pretty much in awe of anyone who manages to finish one of these challenges - I'm trying to actually take part in the one for this month since it's more of a "choose your own challenge" thing and making the time to practice for it on top of other things isn't easy!

       

      That said, I will still get notified if you post to these forum posts - so if you want to just take on the first week and try to get these first four done, go for it, I can still offer feedback. Totally here for your pace of practice while also encouraging you to GO FOR IT!! :)

       

      It's never too late for Kroepsch 😂

      • Sarah_M
      • 5 days ago
      • Reported - view

       Hurrah! First proper practice in forever! I'm liking the first few Kropsch exercises. It must be because they're at the beginning of the book! Also each one is short. I have been battling with a book of Baermann exercises and I'm still stuck on pages of exercises in F# minor..... enough said. Hope you get on OK with your own challenge!

      • Head of Clarinet
      • Heather
      • 4 days ago
      • Reported - view

       nice! I think Kroepsch are so good for busy people because they're so short. So you can do 10 minutes of practice and feel you're getting somewhere! 

Login to reply

Content aside

  • 1 Likes
  • 4 days agoLast active
  • 33Replies
  • 93Views
  • 7 Following