Klarinet Archive - Posting 000351.txt from 1994/12

From: Victor Wyman <wymanvic@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: getting started
Date: Wed, 21 Dec 1994 02:24:55 -0500

>My initial thought is why waste busy professional's time with such
>elementary enquiries, but having now downloaded several offerings
>on the availability of cup holders, I'm convinced that my question
>has some merit.
>
>I'm a 50 year old beginner, ...
>My questions are the following:
>
>
> is there anybody out there with experience with students in a
> similar mode and how long did it take be able to practice in
> really large hunks of time.
>
>Bruce Hudson, Raleigh, NC (HUDSONB@-----.com)
>
Hi Bruce,
I have one experience with a student like you. That's me. I'm pushing 60 and
started 3-4 years ago. At first my lower lip felt like you say yours does;
later I felt like I would bite through it at any time; still later it just
went numb. Now I either have feeling in it or it really is numb, I don't
know which. But the lower lip problem seems, anyway to have disappeared! It
has been replaced by muscle ache and pressure where my jaw is anchored to my
skull. (Note: I think I am writing this in a slightly amusing way, but this
has been my experience/progress.)
You seem to have the luxury of dividing your practice time into multiple
sessions. I have one session per day, only. At first a half hour was my
limit. Now, I practice an hour with serious focus and 20-30 minutes messing
around.
What I do is consistent with my teacher's approach. Since we are all
different, it may not be right for you. It will be interesting to read what
others say. It is probably best to discuss how and how much to practice with
your teacher and follow his/her guidelines.
-Victor
This message sent via testing eudora...bob evans bobe@-----.com