Dancing on Bells: A Set of Carillon Etudes in Dance Styles - Cao Linh Pham

In carillon pedagogy, there is a lack of studies and etudes that tackle stylistic playing and technique at the same time. As a consequence, many etudes are seen to be less than ideal for performance and are relegated to the classroom. On top of this, a growing portion of carillon repertoire in jazz and latin styles has not been met with a corresponding increase in stylistic pedagogy. I set out to fill these gaps by composing a set of concert etudes in jazz and latin dance styles that emphasize the necessity of both technical and stylistic practice at higher levels of playing, develop students’ abilities to play in jazz and latin styles comfortably, and promote the development of concert etudes that allow for a more enjoyable practicing and performing experience.

The end product was a set of six etudes in jazz and latin styles, alternating in this order: swing, danzon, foxtrot, tango, jazz waltz, and flamenco. Intended for students at an advanced level, they present technical challenges that interact closely with stylistic demands. Alongside these etudes is a textual guide to interpretation and technical notes. The etudes have been met with enthusiasm at the Royal Carillon School “Jef Denyn” in Mechelen, and future publication of the scores is a tangible possibility.

Future development of this project may involve composing a second set of etudes, or revising the first set after gathering feedback from teachers. There is currently a project in development in the GCNA involving the publication and distribution of Puerto Rican danzas into the carillon world, which presents a corresponding opportunity to write an etude in danza style. As a living composer and carillonneur, it may also be beneficial to record myself playing these etudes to use as another reference tool.