Avrahm Galper’s Influence on Clarinet Pedagogy

The purpose of this study is to explore the pedagogical method and approach of clarinetist Avrahm Galper (1921-2004), the former principal clarinetist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and author of clarinet method and study books. Galper was an esteemed pedagogue with numerous students who are members of professional orchestras, faculty members at distinguished institutions across Canada and the United States of America, and innovators in the music field. This study strives to answer this question: How has Avrahm Galper influenced and contributed to the field of clarinet pedagogy as a teacher? An examination of his teaching provides insight on the impact private instructors can have on students as individuals and on his impact on the clarinet community. This is a case study of the individual practice of a significant figure in the development of music education in Canada. The study includes an overview of Avrahm Galper’s pedagogical methods based on his own published materials in conjunction with the interviews with his students. A literature review of standard clarinet repertoire and pedagogical materials provides the foundation to this study. Through the transcription and analysis of semi-structured interviews, the documentation reveals the unique personal relationship between teacher and student. Nine former students were interviewed for this study. Interviewees represented students who studied with Galper over the span of four decades from the 1960s to the 2000s, thus providing an overview of Avrahm Galper’s teaching career. At the core of Avrahm Galper’s teaching philosophy was the need to develop and maintain a strong foundation stemming from the mastery of the low register of the clarinet. Significant attributes of Avrahm Galper’s teaching include his concern for the development of the whole person in his students, his adherence to core principles of pedagogy with flexibility within structure to best respond to the needs of the students, and the fact that Galper was constantly learning, evolving as a teacher, and adapting his approach to teaching. Galper’s students have been deeply influenced by their time with him and have adapted aspects of Galper’s teaching in their own teaching.D.M.A