Book excerpt: Being a student of the clarinet is exciting. If you invest time at the beginning learning the basics of clarinet playing, you will reap rewards for many years to come. Practicing the exercises in this book can help you master the clarinet. the exercises will help you refine your tone, improve your technique, and enhance your musical expression. These are the cornerstones of great clarinet playing. Time spent with these exercises will make you more able to handle difficult passages and concentrate on the music rather than the technique.