Clarinet in the Bachelor of Music (BMus)

Laurier’s clarinet studio is a very close-knit community. You will benefit from personal attention from faculty members during lessons as well as access to a wealth of information from faculty involved in all areas of music.

With weekly lessons and masterclasses taught by your studio instructor you will create a bond that will last well after graduation.

Careers

orchestra positions
teaching opportunities (private studio or school settings)
music producing/recording
sound engineer

Alumni have successfully pursued law, medicine, business, music therapy and community music.

Auditions

Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Music is based on the collective results of your audition, academics, theory and ear training test, interview, reference and optional portfolio.

Audition repertoire should be performed at a Grade 8 RCM level or higher. RCM formal training and exams are not required.

Technique: Grade 8 RCM.
Select one study from: Rose, Forty Studies for Clarinet; or Rose, 32 Études.
Select two contrasting pieces or movements that demonstrate your current level of musical and technical maturity. Possible repertoire includes:
- Finzi, Five Bagatelles.
- Poulenc, Sonata.
- Mozart, Concerto.
- Tartini/Jacob, Concertino.
- Schumann, Fantasy Pieces.
- Weber, Concertino.
Sight-reading.

Works originally written for A clarinet may be played on B flat clarinet, if the edition used provides a transposed accompaniment.

Audition Advice

Play repertoire you feel comfortable with – we are looking for your potential. We have all been in your position and know how it feels. We want you to do your best.

Program Details

First-Year Courses

MU100: Music at its Contexts
MU181: Ensemble
MU136/137: Musical Skills
MU161/162: Music Theory
MU190A: Applied Study (lessons and masterclass)
three elective courses

Laurier Ensemble and Performance Opportunities

Symphony Orchestra
Wind Orchestra
chamber music ensembles
improvisation concert ensemble
student recitals
student composer concerts
concerto competitions
community outreach performances

Clarinet Instructor

Clarinet Guest Artists

James Campbell, former Professor of Music, Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University
The Ironwood Trio

Additional Clarinet Facts

Faculty

With small class sizes, faculty members can have additional time with students.
Faculty members are active performers and have been featured on several professional recordings.

Facilities and Equipment

The studio is equipped to provide a seamless transition to remote learning if needed. Students that may be unable to attend a lesson or studio class in person will have the option to participate in a live remote event or request a recording of the class.
Laurier owns various auxiliary clarinets, which you can use if needed, such as an Eb piccolo clarinet, A soprano clarinet, Eb alto clarinet, or Bb bass clarinet.

Health and Well-being

You will be a part of a small community of supportive peers and teachers. Your teacher will help you find an appropriate work-life balance during your studies and give you the tools necessary to make sustainable and healthy progress.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to form chamber music groups amongst their peers to perform on student recitals and in the community.
Students are encouraged to apply for summer music programs each year. These programs are located around Canada and throughout the world. Students will receive guidance in putting together their audition packages and applications for each program. Programs range from volunteer teaching to performance music festivals.
Many students are actively preparing for auditions. These auditions range from summer festivals to professional orchestra auditions. Many students also have projects such as arranging, composition, and other groups that they perform with.
Students will be able to take part in performances around the southern Ontario region, participate in masterclasses from industry professionals and have opportunities to play mock auditions to prepare them for professional audition taking.