Do you feel like your piccolo playing needs some work? Consider studying some original piccolo etudes and what to look for when choosing them.
A lot goes into writing a good piccolo part. Keep reading to learn what makes a good solo for piccolo and why you should learn this type of music.
But first, this post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy to learn more.
Signs of the Best Piccolo Etudes
When choosing piccolo etudes for yourself or your students, you should consider a few factors. That way, you can get sheet music that will be enjoyable to practice.
Written for Piccolo
You can adapt most flute etudes for the piccolo since both are in the key of C. The main difference is that everything will sound an octave higher on the piccolo.
However, you should also look for etudes written specifically for the piccolo. These studies will follow the range of the piccolo.
They’ll also focus on techniques that are more important on the smaller flute. You won’t have to worry about leaving out notes or changing the octaves so much.
By Someone Who Understands the Piccolo
Another thing to keep in mind is who wrote the etudes. The best piccolo etudes are composed by piccolo players.
That’s because they understand the nuances of the piccolo and what works or what doesn’t. With all of the flutist-composers out there, there’s a variety of music for the flute family.
Compared to composers who play other instruments, flutists can write good piccolo parts. That means you won’t have to stress about the music or whether it will work for you.
Appropriate for the Level
You should also look for piccolo etudes at different levels. Some composers may focus on educational music for intermediate students.
Others might offer more advanced piccolo etudes for professionals and college music majors. Since good etudes will be written by a piccolo player, they should fall in line with a particular level.
The composer won’t accidentally write something that’s too difficult and then call it an intermediate work. And vice versa, they won’t write something easy and call it an advanced etude.
Easy to Purchase
The last thing you want is to find a set of piccolo etudes only to have to struggle to get your hands on them. Good etudes will be easy to purchase, either through the composer or a publisher.
They’ll be in stock when you need them. And if you like to use an iPad for sheet music, they’ll be available for instant download.
That way, you can import the music into your sheet music reader of choice. You’ll be able to start learning the etudes right away, and you can send a link so that your students can get a copy as well.
What Are the Best Piccolo Etudes?
In all of my searching, I didn’t find a lot of original piccolo etudes. That led me to write Piccolo Picks, a collection of six etudes written specifically for the smallest member of the flute family.
I used my piccolo playing experience to write etudes that are fun and approachable. But they also help you work on your fundamentals.
You can download the etudes and read through them right now. No more waiting for something to ship.
Why Play Piccolo Etudes
Of course, you may wonder why you should buy piccolo etudes and not just use your flute music. Here are some reasons in favor of the former.
Treat It as Its Own
A lot of flute players learn the piccolo with the mindset of it being “just a small flute.” While it’s part of the flute family, the piccolo is very much its own instrument.
You need to use a slightly different technique to get a good sound. This is particularly true if you play a wood piccolo or even a plastic or composite one.
Finding etudes and solos written for the piccolo can help you separate it from the flute. Then, you can enjoy both instruments and what each one can offer.
Work on Fundamentals
Another great reason to learn piccolo music is to work on the foundations of piccolo playing. You can find etudes that help you with your tone, for example.
Or maybe you’re more interested in working on your finger speed, so you look for technical studies. Whatever it is, you can seek out original piccolo studies and solos.
Soon enough, you’ll be able to tackle tough solos, like those from orchestral excerpts. You won’t have to fear when you’re assigned piccolo in your ensembles.
No Need for an Accompanist
You should also practice piccolo etudes if you don’t have a pianist to play with. Maybe you don’t have the money to hire someone.
Or perhaps you’re new to the area and don’t know anyone who plays piano. Like unaccompanied solos, etudes are great for when you want or need to play alone.
And if the etudes are written well enough, you can play them in a performance. That’s a great way to fill out a program if adding a whole other piece is just a bit too much.
Final Thoughts
If you want to be a piccolo specialist or simply work on your piccolo playing, consider learning some original piccolo etudes.
These are short studies written just for the instrument. They’re a great tool for teachers, performers, and students, but you need to find the right ones.
If you’re ready to start, download Piccolo Picks today!
Leave a Reply