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AMAZING BUT TRUE!

 

The Educator's Guide to the Clarinet is the Clarinet's

first complete pedagogy in its' 250 year history!

 

Whether you want to teach the clarinet better or learn the clarinet, the Educator's Guide has the information you need to save you time and effort and the frustration of trial and error.

 

The Educator's Guide to the Clarinet has received high praise from some of

the world's finest clarinetists. Here's what only a few of them have to say:

 

Tom Ridenour's Educator's Guide to the Clarinet is a clarinet pedagogy for all ages. The Guide contains a wealth of information and handy tips on all aspects of playing and teaching the clarinet. There are tremendous nuggets of information for performers and teachers at all levels. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves the clarinet and wants to get better.

Prof. Howard Klug, Prof. of Clarinet, Indiana University School of Music

 

Finally, a comprehensive book that addresses every aspect of clarinet pedagogy, written by a master teacher, technician, acoustician, mouthpiece craftsman, and most importantly, accomplished musician.

Ricardo Morales, Principal Clarinet, Philadelphia Orchestra

 

I am writing you to congratulate you on your fantastic book, The Educator’s Guide to the Clarinet. It has enriched my teaching greatly, especially the parts about double lip playing. I alternatively use double lip since two years now… I think it has given my playing more resonance. I also think that double lip has a big pedagogic value, keeping students from using too much pressure with the lower lip.  I give my students topics from your books, and it is a good feeling to know, that there are people so far away who not only play and teach, but also think about clarinet a lot.

Reinhard Wieser, Principal Clarinet, Vienna Symphony Orchestra

 

Using Tom's teaching methods and equipment concepts have made an amazing difference in our student's performance...they simply produce better, more beautiful sounds, more easily than ever before. After years of searching, questioning and doubting I finally believe that I am offering my students the very best information.

Debra Haburay, Director of Bands, Forestwood Middle School,

Flower Mound, TX

 

After 30 years of teaching I can now recommend this recent publication by one of America's most highly respected clarinet acousticians/designers and educators. If you buy one book on how to play the clarinet, make it The Educator's Guide to the Clarinet.

Dr. John Scott, Prof. of Clarinet, University of North Texas, as reviewed in The Clarinet Magazine

 

I have to admit books about the clarinet can be terribly uninspiring. Tom's book is the exception. I found so much clear, logical thought and practical advise had gone into this book I could hardly put it down. For the first time in 40 years I found myself enthusiastic over printed material about the clarinet. I only regret this text was not available when I was a student; it would have saved me so much time.

Leslie Craven, Principal Clarinetist, Orchestra of Wales National Opera, as reviewed in CASS Magazine.

 

Review by Michael Chesher, Luther College
 

Hi Tom,

We had a short conversation a few years back (OU symposium or ICA in Nebraska)

about using your Educator's Guide to the Clarinet in a college level woodwind

methods class.

We configure the class that covers clarinet and saxophone as a 7-week unit.

Its not enough time.

Using your text improved student receptivity markedly. As the students attempt

to gain playing skills that enable them to demonstrate clarinet playing to

beginners, they make much better progress and have much less frustration with

the clarinet. You have articulated the basics of clarinet playing and have

written so persuasively. The students using your text come to know not only

how to play the clarinet well, but also why--why or what do we hope to

accomplish artistically, approaching the clarinet this way.

The attention I have had to pay to your text, now lecturing and demonstrating

from it, has strengthened my studio teaching as well. Its a real eye-opener

for my private students and for me as well when we try the many "experiments"

that you have distributed through the book that demonstrate and persuade

students to change and improve. These approaches really work!

The value of your effort goes far beyond the price of the book. Many playing

professionals know what you have elucidated in your writing. Few have worked

so hard to get it all down in print however, and so successfully.

As a late career clarinet teacher it has been energizing to make use of this

book, your Educator's Guide to the Clarinet. Thanks.

Best regards,

Mike Chesher

Luther College