The clarinet is therapeutic, and I know we have similar perceptions about it. Playing this unique instrument undoubtedly adds pride to you. But, if you are a beginner, you may want to begin with some easy clarinet songs.
Can you believe how soon you can play these songs? Well, anywhere between 1 day and one week depending on your knowledge level and interest. When I initially began my journey, I always looked for easy songs to strengthen the foundation, and this strategy worked. So, it should work for you too!
Let’s begin playing some easy clarinet songs!
Easy Clarinet Songs To Learn
1. Adagio
Adagio is calm music filled with intense emotions performed for around 10 minutes. Released in 1958, Adagio lets you grip that classical tune and make you master it in a slow and calm tone.
Here’s what you can learn from this music –
- The way to play a melancholy melody
- Playing in eight bars
- String ensemble
All set to start playing? Here’s the sheet for you.
2. Ode To Joy
If you embrace the classical period and want the legacy to pass, it is time to learn Ode to Joy. Originally written as a poem by Friedrich Schiller, a renowned German poet, Beethoven has added the musical touch in the 9th symphony. The music lets you delve into romantic and classical periods.
When I began learning clarinet, I looked out for famous songs to learn and play to be recognized at ease. If that sounds like your story, Ode to Joy is for you. It is renowned, easy to learn and play.
Here’s what you can learn from this music –
- Playing top register sounds
- Transitioning between different tones and themes in the same instrument
Learn it here – https://youtu.be/epeXDybv7sE
3. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
It is a children’s rhyme that you and I would have learned back in our childhood times. Do you want to relive those nostalgic moments? The best way is to pick your clarinet and learn this song.
Why this song?
- It has already registered in your memory.
- It is a free-flowing small song ideal for beginners.
- It is likable.
Learn here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzZmyYVgeTI
4. Swan lake
Love ballet? Swan Lake is a standard rendition if you want to learn ballet. The exciting part about this music is the way melodies flow. It is simple to play and also makes you feel that magic.
Here’s what you will learn from this music –
- Playing melodies
- The ideal way to transition between high and low-end notes
Learn it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGLoYGY1ER4
5. I Don’t Wanna Live Forever
You can play almost all genres with your clarinet. Unbelievable, right? I don’t wanna live forever is an interesting song by Taylor Swift & Zayn and falls under the pop genre. It is absolutely an excellent choice for beginners.
It doesn’t always have to be a song with plain notes to add spice to the clarinet journey. I don’t wanna live forever adds professionalism to your performance.
Here’s what you will learn from this music –
- Playing in four chords
- Playing melody notes for a long period owing to song duration
Learn it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TLa3BTIGls
6. Kumbayah
Kumbayah is classical campfire music by Marvin V. Frey. It is ideally a spirituality song played by African Americans. While you learn rhymes and classical tunes on clarinet, you should also include songs like Kumbayah to improve knowledge and versatility.
The clarinet is known for its versatility. Although you are a beginner, it lets you play a wide range of genres without having to master them.
Learn it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xemjSIJaWU0
The next time you are off to a church, don’t forget to play this song on your clarinet.
7. Cool Blues
It’s fun to play the clarinet. You will realize it when you play this song – Cool Blues. It has a swing tune, and you can observe the notes bouncing in terms of notes.
As a player, you learn to set your pace and play this song. You can observe a visible change in the music each time you change the pace. Beginners need the freedom to explore this instrument. This music lets you accomplish the same.
Here’s what you will learn in this song –
- The association between notes, rhythm, and style
- Playing bouncy notes
- Exploring notes and customizing to your choice
Learn it here – https://www.8notes.com/scores/12121.asp
8. My Heart Will Go On
My Heart Will Go On is one amazing song that lets you grasp the tempo and play it on clarinet at ease. Sung by Celine Dion, a Canadian singer, the song has gained the attention of music enthusiasts from across the world. Even if you plan to play the clarinet at a show, this song should undoubtedly remain on the list.
Here’s what you will learn –
- The ideal way to handle moderate tempo on clarinet
- Flexibility to balance notes and tempo
Perhaps, you need the focus to learn this song. It is not easy as you think. However, ensure you try it out as it is worth it.
Learn it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CggsyiWINw
9. Silent Night
Silent Night is undeniably the most common Christmas carol you can hear on Christmas eve each year and one of my favorites of all time. Composed in 1818, Silent Night has notes that swing slowly. With reeds on clarinet, you can learn how to hit registers effectively.
It takes a couple of days to learn and master the song. Remember to play it continuously as you can grasp notes quickly. Be sure to play this song at the Christmas carol this year.
Learn it – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq7MmqN-jug
10. Auld Lang Syne
Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish folk melody composed by Robert Bruns. It is played as a farewell song and widely sung on New Year’s eve. Playing clarinet on the special eve is a blessing in disguise. You pay your respect to the Lord, and you also use this as an opportunity to explore this fantastic instrument, the clarinet.
The song contains simple notes and rhythms to learn quickly. As a beginner, you can start with rhymes and songs exclusively meant for occasions. Once you have made up your mind to improvise knowledge, go ahead with other genres. It’s good to be an all-rounder, isn’t it?
Learn it – https://youtu.be/HnCUalKWm10
11. Alphabet
How can we not miss this wonderful song made exclusively for beginners? Alphabet by Mozart was composed back in 1782, but it remains in our hearts. It is no short of a masterpiece.
The clarinet is a lively instrument. As you use it to learn new songs, you can get a chance to experience its flow and the ability to take you to a different level.
It would be best if you learn Alphabet because –
- You need to learn a masterpiece and add it to the list of “songs you know.”
- It contains 12 variations in melody tone (C major).
- It is a famous French original that can be recognized easily.
I learned this song just because it is beautiful. Some songs do not need a reason, and Alphabet is one of them.
Learn it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbKDpYk1_1A
12. You’ve Got A Friend In Me
Have you watched the movie – Toy Story? You must have probably known this song well. While this is not a song you can instantly grasp, it is a song that one shouldn’t miss either. The melody in this song enchants you.
You’ve got a friend in me was a song released in the 1995 version and written by Randy Newman. Once you learn this song, you may get comfortable with any other song. Though the melody in it is not complicated, it needs proper management of notes and rhythm.
I repeat, you can’t learn this in a few hours, but you can learn several other songs quickly by mastering this piece. Isn’t that what you want?
Give enough time to the instrument, and it will take care of you. That has quite been my experience as well.
Learn it here
13. Happy Birthday
Pick your clarinet and wish your kith and kin on their birthdays. This is probably the best gift you can give them.
One of the easiest and most familiar songs is Happy Birthday. The notes are simple and easy to learn. In general, it takes a couple of hours to learn this song. This song is a must whether you have a bass or jazz clarinet. It is beginner-friendly. Even if you have not learned many songs, you can still learn this quickly.
Learn it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwEm8EMhfyU
14. Love Yourself
Love Yourself is popular music by Justin Bieber in the pop genre released in 2016. You should know that the notes are quite easy to grasp if you have heard it. It can take a few hours to learn this song.
Perhaps, you can play with any clarinet you have.
Learn it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX6tnrcdqJ4
15. If You’re Happy And You Know It
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. This is a happy song you can’t miss learning. Containing simple and monotonous notes, the rhythm is the same as well.
Being beginner-friendly music, you can learn it in a couple of hours. The next time you meet your friends at a party, be sure to play this song and entice them!
Learn it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUc6QVLiBk8
Conclusion
The clarinet is a free-flowing instrument that listens to your mood and lets you play at ease. As a beginner, you need to begin with songs with similar rhythms, notes, and minimal lines. These factors let you learn more songs at a limited time. Many of the songs listed in this article contain minimal notes but build your knowledge of the subject.
Over the years, I have fallen in love with this fantastic instrument as it is versatile and produces impressive, melodious outputs. Just spend enough time learning and mastering the foundation. The rest will fall in place.
Happy playing!