Clarinet Etude Practice Online Workshop: Lancelot 21 Etudes No. 7 & No. 9
- 23 hours ago
- 6 min read
Looking for effective clarinet etude practice tips? Fujiyama Clarinet Studio is a clarinet studio in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
We are holding an online workshop on Tuesday, August 11, a national holiday in Japan, focusing on clarinet etude practice, especially Lancelot: 21 Etudes, a collection suitable for late-beginner to intermediate players. Let’s take on this etude collection, which has also been selected as competition repertoire, with a musical approach.
When studying the clarinet, etudes are an essential part of learning.
However, many players may feel that etudes are “only finger exercises” or wonder how to play them musically.
In this online workshop, we will focus on No. 7 and No. 9 from Jacques Lancelot’s 21 Etudes.
These two etudes were selected as repertoire for the Junior A Division, age 13 and under, of the 15th Young Clarinetist Competition organized by the Japan Clarinet Association. However, this workshop is not intended only as preparation for a video audition or competition.
The goal is to become more familiar with etudes and learn how to use them effectively in daily practice and lessons.
Who Should Practice Lancelot's 21 Etudes? Level Guide for Clarinet Players
Lancelot’s 21 Etudes are suitable for late-beginner to intermediate clarinet players.
Rather than being for complete beginners, they are ideal for players who have become familiar with basic clarinet fingerings, sound production, and simple pieces, and who are ready to move to the next stage.
As a general guide, this workshop is suitable for players who can play basic scales and simple pieces, read music to some extent, understand slurs, tonguing, and simple dynamics, and are somewhat comfortable moving between the low register and the clarion register.
These etudes are not extremely difficult, but playing them beautifully is not easy. More than the number of notes or technical difficulty, what matters is the flow of sound, rhythm, direction of breath, and phrasing.
This workshop is especially recommended for students who want to move from simple pieces to more serious study, elementary and junior high school students who may consider entering competitions in the future, players who want to study fundamentals musically, those who want to refine not only their fingers but also phrasing and tone, and adult learners who wish to review the basics carefully.
In short, Lancelot’s 21 Etudes are etudes for players who have already developed basic skills and are ready to move toward more musical playing.
Lancelot 21 Etudes as Clarinet Competition Repertoire: Japan Clarinet Association
Jacques Lancelot’s 21 Etudes require both fundamental clarinet technique and musicality. These short etudes contain many important elements, including accurate finger movement, connected sound, breath direction, rhythmic stability, clear tonguing, and phrasing.
No. 7 and No. 9 were selected as repertoire for the Junior A Division, age 13 and under, of the 15th Young Clarinetist Competition organized by the Japan Clarinet Association. The fact that these pieces were chosen as competition repertoire means that, while the difficulty is appropriate for the age group, they also clearly reveal how well a player has developed the fundamentals of clarinet playing.
However, this workshop is not a “competition strategy course” focused on earning points. Using etudes that have been selected for a Japan Clarinet Association competition as a starting point, we will think together about how to use etudes in daily practice and how to connect them to musical performance rather than treating them as mechanical finger exercises.
This workshop will be useful not only for students who may want to enter competitions in the future, but also for general learners who want to review their fundamentals. Whether you are working on these pieces as competition repertoire or want to include them as regular lesson material, this workshop is designed to be an enjoyable and meaningful introduction to studying Lancelot’s etudes more deeply.
Workshop details
Participants are now being accepted.
Please prepare your instrument and music.
Please play on mute so other participants cannot hear you.
If you are not in an environment where you can play your instrument, please prepare the music and something for taking notes.
We are also looking for participants who would like to perform Etude No. 7 or No. 9 during the workshop.
Date: Tuesday, August 11, a national holiday in Japan
Time: 10:00–11:00 JST (UTC+9)
Format: online clarinet workshop via Zoom
Limited-time archive replay available
Participants will receive a link to a performance video by the instructor
Required/recommended material: J. Lancelot: 21 Etudes
Purchase is strongly recommended.
The relevant music link will be provided at registration.
Tomplay practice is also recommended.
Annotated music with the instructor’s markings will be provided.
Efficient Clarinet Etude Practice with Tomplay: Tips for Beginners & Intermediates
These etudes can also be practiced with Tomplay.
With Tomplay, you can slow down the tempo, repeat difficult sections, and record video or audio of your own playing to check your progress.
One feature to notice is the new Wait Mode. In Wait Mode, the accompaniment or score progression waits for the performer’s tempo, allowing you to practice at your own pace without rushing. It is useful when you want to check notes slowly or stop and work through difficult passages.
Since Lancelot’s etudes do not have accompaniment, you will not be playing together with accompaniment in this case. However, please try using the metronome, practicing in smaller sections, and using the recording function.
Participants who would like a score with the instructor’s notes and markings may receive one. You can use the subscription discount below or the 14-day free trial.
Tomplay special link:
Blog posts about Tomplay:
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can beginners join this workshop?
This workshop may feel a little difficult for complete beginners who have only just started the clarinet. It is recommended for players who are familiar with basic sound production, fingerings, and simple pieces, around the late-beginner to intermediate level. If you are unsure whether the level is right for you, please feel free to ask.
Q. Can I join even if I am not planning to enter a competition?
Yes. This workshop is not intended only as preparation for a specific competition. Using etudes that have also been selected as competition repertoire, we will study clarinet fundamentals and musical playing.
Q. Can adults join, or is it only for students?
Yes. Both students and general adult learners are welcome. It is also recommended for adults who want to review the basics or return to etude study after some time away.
Q. Can I join without performing during the workshop?
Yes. You may participate as an observer only. We are also looking for participants who would like to perform Etude No. 7 or No. 9 during the workshop, but performing is not required.
Q. Do I need the music?
It is recommended that you prepare J. Lancelot’s 21 Etudes. The relevant music link will be provided at registration. Participants using Tomplay may also use the score with the instructor’s annotations.
Q. Can I take the workshop if I cannot attend live?
Yes. A limited-time archive replay will be available. If you cannot attend live, you can watch the workshop later and use it for your practice.
Start Your Clarinet Etude Practice Today: Musical Approach with Lancelot's 21 Etudes
Lancelot’s 21 Etudes are excellent materials for studying clarinet fundamentals musically.
By carefully working on fingers, breath, tongue, rhythm, tone, and phrasing one by one, you can connect clarinet etude practice to your everyday playing.
Instead of treating etudes as “difficult exercises,” let’s use them as a workshop for developing your own musical expression.
About Fujiyama Clarinet Studio
Fujiyama Clarinet Studio is based in Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. We support clarinet learners through in-person lessons, online lessons, video feedback, and other learning options.
Lessons are tailored to each person’s goals and pace, from beginners and returning players to students who want to improve for school band or ensemble playing, as well as adult learners.
We value the fundamentals of clarinet playing, including tone, breath, tonguing, finger movement, and phrasing, while helping each player develop the ability to perform musically.
In addition to in-person lessons, online lessons and video-based learning are also available. If you live far away or would like ongoing support for reviewing your practice, please contact us through the online counseling/inquiry form.