Critical Acclaim
The Audition Method for Clarinet, Volume I
"This newest addition to the clarinet orchestral books available is a very welcome addition. It provides the original parts and then helps one understand how to work on them by providing edited parts that are extremely detailed and helpful. Students and professionals alike can take away much from it. The suggestions for how to approach each excerpt are practical, easy to understand, and based on extremely thoughtful musical and interpretative ideas. Mark's solutions for how to practice, what to beaware in a broader sense for each excerpt, are accessible and helpful. I hope Mark and Ben continue to write more of these books to include more and more of our important excerpts."
— Steve Cohen, Professor, Northwestern University; Former Principal Clarinet, New Orleans Symphony and Louisiana Philharmonic; Principal Clarinet, Brevard Music Center
"Comprehensive, concise, and a great tool for my students."
— Yehuda Gilad, Professor of Clarinet, Colburn School and USC Thornton School of Music; Music Director, Colburn Orchestra
"It is the most comprehensive orchestra audition book to come out in a long time and should be a wonderful asset to anyone looking to do well in auditions."
— Anthony McGill, Principal Clarinet, New York Philharmonic; Faculty, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Peabody Institute, and Bard College
"For those of us who help prepare advanced clarinetists for orchestral careers, this will surely be an extremely valuable resource. Very fine players often come away from an orchestral audition wondering why they did not get the job or did not advance. This book offers a step-by-step method that can help gifted clarinetists form their own checklist to answer those questions. In addition to providing some of the most important audition excerpts, this book offers tips to help 'decode' those excerpts and a very focused plan for success in the next audition. I will be recommending The Audition Method to my students at the Yale School of Music."
— David Shifrin, Professor of Clarinet, Yale University
"Insightful and, most importantly, practical, The Audition Method provides the essentials that every clarinetist surely needs to play the very best orchestral audition."
— Gregory Smith, Clarinetist, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
" . . . a wonderful resource for my students."
— Michael Wayne, Boston Symphony Orchestra; Professor of Clarinet, New England Conservatory
"The Audition Method by Ben Baron and my distinguished colleague Mark Nuccio is a must for all musicians who aspire to win major orchestral clarinet auditions! This unique compendium delves deeply into several of the most important works for our instrument, sure to appear on audition repertoire lists. Drawing on Mark's knowledge, sensitivity, and vast experience playing in several of America's greatest orchestras, every detail of musical structure and instrumental execution is addressed here, and valuable exercises are presented to hone our craft. Thank you, Ben and Mark, for creating this most valuable learning tool!"
— John Bruce Yeh, Assistant Principal and Solo E-flat Clarinet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Artist-Faculty, Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University
The Audition Method for Clarinet, Volume II
“Another great audition method book from Mark and Ben. In Audition Method, Volume 2, there are details within the details. Everything from the nuance of varieties of articulation to what to think of when matching the timbres of other instruments. There are great exercises throughout the book that give solutions to all potential issues one may come across in each excerpt. Along with the fingering chart, the notation in both the annotated and audition parts are very helpful. It’s a privilege to be able to have access, through this book, to Mark’s many years of experience playing and teaching.”
— Benjamin Adler: New York Philharmonic, Associate Principal Clarinet
“Mark Nuccio and Ben Baron have distilled their many decades of high-level orchestral performance experience into a superbly crafted, in-depth study guide of the essential core repertoire. It is technically informative, stylistically insightful and creatively presented. A must-have resource for the serious student or preprofessional clarinetist, as well as for working professionals who are continuing to climb the audition ladder.”
— Eli Eban: Indiana University, Professor of Clarinet
“Excellent, informative, and fantastic resource for all!!”
— Yehuda Gilad: Colburn School, Orchestra Music Director and Professor of Clarinet University of Southern California, Professor of Clarinet
“In this newest volume of selected orchestral excerpt practice techniques, the authors have taken a deep dive into how to meticulously prepare for audition success. They have created an effective approach to dissecting and rebuilding the excerpts in a polished and erudite manner that leaves no stone unturned. Written by a consummate professional, Mark Nuccio offers a wealth of information and personal insight. This book is a great resource and a must for serious clarinetists.”
— Dan Gilbert: University of Michigan, Professor of Clarinet
“The Audition Method Volume 2 by Ben Baron and Mark Nuccio is an absolutely fantastic resource for any clarinetist who is preparing orchestral excerpts and should be considered a “must-own” part of any library. The advice and suggestions are clear and concise and the recommended practice exercises are a bonus!”
— Jonathan Gunn: University of Texas, Associate Professor of Clarinet
“My compliments to Ben and Mark for the meticulous, hard work they’ve done. A service to clarinet students, young and old, everywhere!”
— Steven D. Hartman: New York City Ballet Orchestra, Principal Clarinet
“Congratulations to Mark and Ben. You did it again. Great book. All the suggestions are right on and the amount of detail explaining dynamics and expressions will definitely help to all the students to truly understand and prepare their future auditions.”
— Pascual Martinez-Forteza: New York Philharmonic, Second Clarinet
“The Audition Method for Clarinet by Mark Nuccio & Ben Baron is the new, essential tool for audition preparation. The explanations and markings show cleverly and clearly how to achieve a natural flow of phrasing and style. I also enjoy using it, as it has gentle reminders of the myriad details involved for success on stage, whether at a concert or audition.”
— Ricardo Morales: Philadelphia Orchestra, Principal Clarinet
“As with their Volume 1, Mark Nuccio and Ben Baron have created a meticulously detailed and informative book in Volume 2. I highly recommend this book as an essential resource for all clarinetists. Bravo gentlemen!”
— Greg Raden: Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Principal Clarinet
“One of the best perks playing second clarinet next to Mark Nuccio every day is getting to hear his compelling and absolutely beautifully crafted interpretations of the orchestral repertoire. This second volume of audition excerpts builds on the success of Mark and Ben’s first volume, again presenting Mark’s own thought processes and practice techniques that he uses himself when preparing to play these works in concert. Successfully digesting the content presented in this book will definitely improve one’s chances at winning an audition, winning tenure, or better yet, playing winning performances night after night like Mark does.”
— Chris Schubert: Houston Symphony, Second Clarinet
“As Principal Clarinet of the Houston Symphony and with his experience in the New York Philharmonic and Pittsburgh Symphony, Mark Nuccio is one of the leading clarinetists performing today. His knowledge and insights in the repertoire will be of great value and benefit for any serious musician.”
— Juraj Valčuha: Houston Symphony, Music Director
“I have known Mark Nuccio for many years, a longtime member of the New York Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony and the Houston Symphony, he is an exceptional clarinetist of great integrity and experience. His new audition method, in tandem with Ben Baron, is an important tool for any audition preparation and an extremely helpful supplement for educators.”
— Joaquin Valdepeñas: Toronto Symphony, Former Principal Clarinet
“The wealth of performance and audition wisdom throughout The Audition Method makes for an essential resource to all clarinetists. The work embodies the successful performing career of Mark Nuccio and I offer my highest praise and gratitude for sharing this carefully crafted compendium.”
—Michael Wayne: Eastman School of Music, Professor of Clarinet
“This is an essential book for all orchestral clarinetists. It’s a treasure trove of insightful ways to prepare orchestral standards. Bravo!”
— Steve Williamson: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Principal Clarinet
“This book provides the aspiring audition-taker every support and detail necessary to be successful in their musical endeavors. From favored fingerings to appropriate breathing opportunities to orchestral context, I wish this book had been available for me as a wonderful resource when I was preparing. Go out and buy this book, it is a treasure trove of great info!”
— Amy Zoloto: Cleveland Orchestra, Bass Clarinet
The Audition Method for Violin
"Audition excerpts can often seem dry and too technical. What makes an audition stand out is to feel that the player knows how the part is integrated into the bigger picture. To accomplish this, it helps to have advice from a leader like David Kim. We are so fortunate to have David as our concertmaster in Philadelphia, and I know his insights throughout this book will help countless musicians win jobs around the world!"
— Yannick Nézet-Séguin: Music Director, Orchestre Métropolitain; Music Director, The Metropolitan Opera; Music Director, The Philadelphia Orchestra
"The Audition Method for Violin is a must-have for all violinists on the audition circuit. Bowings, fingerings, and, most importantly, David Kim’s personal insights and detailed instructions for every passage—not to be missed!"
— Marin Alsop Chief: Conductor, Vienna Radio Orchestra, Ravinia Festival; Director, Graduate Conducting Studies, Peabody Institute, JHU; Music Director Laureate, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Conductor of Honor, Sao Paulo Symphony
"David has condensed a lifetime of concertmaster experience, as well as Philadelphia Orchestra tradition, into this volume. It’s a treasure trove for any violinist preparing an audition."
— Nathan Cole: First Associate Concertmaster, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Colburn School for the Performing Arts
"This book offers a wealth of true practical knowledge, gained through long experience and continual refinement by one of today’s leading concertmasters. Aspiring orchestral professionals—and I dare say even experienced ones—will gain much insight from this detailed journey through the core audition literature."
— David Chan: Concertmaster, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, The Juilliard School
"With this excerpt book, David Kim—universally admired for his equanimity and graciousness both professionally and personally—imparts decades’ worth of experience, collating ideas not just of his own but also of the myriad international artists and conductors with whom he has shared the stage as concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra, considered one of the finest orchestras in the world."
— Kimberly Fisher: Principal Second Violin, The Philadelphia Orchestra; Co-founder and Artistic Director, Philadelphia International Music Festival
"For years, I’ve been in awe of David Kim’s violin playing. Whether as a soloist or leading one of the greatest string sections in the world, the tone, precision, control, musical interpretation, and ease with which he navigates his instrument is truly inspiring. With this excerpt book, David now gives aspiring violinists a front row seat to how he achieves these very things consistently and at the highest levels possible. By breaking down each excerpt, explaining fingering choices, and communicating his ideas on how to approach each piece, he has created a definitive tool to help inspire the next generation of amazing violinists!"
— Nicole Jordan: Principal Librarian, The Philadelphia Orchestra
"The detailed instructions for each excerpt are like being in a master class, and it is given by one of the leading concertmasters of our time. This beautifully annotated volume is a must for anyone wanting to master excerpts."
— Cho-Liang Lin: Concert Violinist
"The Audition Method for Violin by David Kim, the legendary concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra is an invaluable guide for all violinists who dream of an orchestral career. David’s practicality and impeccable musical taste are front and center as he takes us on a journey of the great masterpieces seen from the perch of arguably the world’s greatest orchestral string section."
— Robert McDuffie: Concert Violinist; Founder, Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University
"David Kim is one of the finest violinists performing before the public today. How lucky we are that he has chosen to be a concertmaster, as well as soloist and chamber music performer, bringing his extraordinary knowledge and sensitivity to our orchestral world. To become a member of a professional orchestra is extremely difficult and competitive. One is required to play the most difficult orchestral repertoire, both musically and technically, for a committee under a very unusual and pressure-filled environment. If one is successful, the rewards of playing great orchestral music are fantastic. What David has done in The Audition Method for Violin is to identify more than twenty standard works that are the basis for most auditions, adding bowings and fingerings, and, in some ways most importantly, great thoughts and suggestions regarding the performance of these works. To have a musician of his accomplishments help the next generation of violinists in this way is wonderful. An extraordinary book by an extraordinary musician."
— Gerard Schwarz: Conductor Laureate, Seattle Symphony; Conductor Emeritus, Mostly Mozart Festival; Music Director, Eastern Music Festival; The All-Star Orchestra
"This meticulously thought-out book is the product of one of the world’s preeminent concertmasters. In these pages, David Kim gives us an insight into the literally thousands of calculations that go into each one of his performances. It is a must-have for any young musician looking to improve their musicianship and artistry."
— Scott Yoo: Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Mexico City Philharmonic; Music Director, Festival Mozaic; Host and Executive Producer of PBS series Now Hear This
The Audition Method for Flute
“Joshua Smith’s excerpt book is an amazing resource that offers the opportunity to learn from his creative musicianship, years of experience, and unique perspectives on these orchestral flute solos. Whether you are preparing for an audition or developing your musical voice in an orchestra, there are a myriad of new ideas on every page that are sure to inspire, inform, and invigorate your flute playing. This book is a treasured gift to the flute world.”
— Hannah Hammel Maser: Principal Flute, The Detroit Symphony; Professor, The Cleveland Institute of Music
“Joshua Smith has masterfully and clearly offered exceptional guidance on interpreting these timeless excerpts. This book holds particular significance for artists and students like myself, who thrive on imagery and visualization. Joshua’s vivid expressions not only engage the imagination but also provide concrete, detailed
direction that is invaluable for learning and executing a high level of both technical and musical performance.”
— Allison Loggins-Hull: Flutist, Composer, Producer, co-founder of Flutronix
“Joshua Smith’s book is a fresh and creative interpretation of excerpts for all flutists – those preparing for auditions as well as those who have orchestral jobs. I have enjoyed adding his unique and imaginative approaches to my practice. His ideas can be translated to solo repertoire just as well. I highly recommend this book to flutists who are eager to approach their excerpts through a different lens!”
— Jessica Sindell: Assistant Principal Flute, The Cleveland Orchestra; Professor, The Cleveland Institute of Music
“Whether you’re preparing for auditions, refining your technique, or simply exploring the rich repertoire of the flute, this book is an indispensable resource for every aspiring and professional flutist. With Joshua Smith’s distinctive approach, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the musical context and artistic demands of each
excerpt, empowering you to deliver your best performance.”
— Saeran St. Christopher: Second Flute, The Cleveland Orchestra
“In this volume, flutists will find focused, tactical solutions to some of the most daunting challenges in the repertoire. Applying Joshua Smith’s exercises and annotations has a remarkably freeing impact on the performer, allowing them to compartmentalize and achieve the technical challenges with little effort and prioritize the meaning of the music and their own artistic vision for it.”
— Madeline Lucas Tolliver: Dean of Performance and Production Operations, Manhattan School of Music
“A wonderful insight into the mind of one of the world’s great orchestral flutists. This is inspired guidance for working on flute excerpts.”
— Charles Bernard: Assistant Principal Cello, The Cleveland Orchestra; Professor, Cleveland State University