Bridging the Gap: Introducing Extended Techniques and Contemporary Notation Through Newly Composed Etudes for Clarinet

Etudes have long been a vehicle through which instructors teach fundamental concepts and hone the technical facility of musicians. With each advancement in instrument technology, new method books and materials are created and adapted to meet new needs. However, despite a century of musical experimentation and rapid increase in overall technical prowess, there remains a lack of material introducing contemporary concepts to the developing clarinetist (advanced high school and early undergraduate) and those that are new to modern music. Through examining the most commonly used contemporary method and etude books for the clarinet, this document will provide a pedagogical basis for and present a newly composed collection of clarinet etudes introducing extended techniques and contemporary notation.