The appropriate method for you is unique to you; there is no one-size-fits-all clarinet method. I recommend method to my students only after working with them, and even then it changes occasionally as we progress.
However, I would love to share some of my favorite recommended materials with you. This is not a comprehensive list of clarinet material.
I do recommend this warm-up sheet to every clarinet student:
(Full disclosure; David Gresham taught me these warm-ups at Illinois State, and I wrote them into Sibelius to share).
And here is a scale sheet I wrote which includes every scale, but not every scale in sixteenth notes with three octaves. This is good for you if you’re in 6th-9th grade.
FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS: Rubank Elementary Method is usually a decent way to begin. I like how they introduce ‘The Break’ (dun dun DUNNNN). Your band book (Essential Elements, Standard of Excellence, etc) is okay, but it’s for the whole band to learn together, not for you to excel at your own clarinet playing.
FOR INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS: Now, things become a little more complicated.
All of these method books are okay for intermediate (8th-10th grade ish):
Rubank Intermediate Method
Albert Method for Clarinet
Klose Method is good if you’d like to live and breathe the clarinet (this is a huge method with tons of music)
The Rose Book of 32 Etudes is an excellent book for intermediate-advanced players. It helps teach musicality and technique, and is just plain good music.
FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS:
Scales, scales, and more scales: These are two great methods to truly train your fingers in the ways of every key.
Baermann Complete Method for Clarinet Third Division
Kell Staccato Studies – this will whip your articulation into shape! (With good fundamentals, of course)
At the advanced level, we will likely continue to work out of a technique book, but otherwise foray into the world of exciting clarinet repertoire.
Enjoy!
Lauren W. Murphy 