Klarinet Archive - Posting 000089.txt from 1995/05

From: David Brewer <dbrewer@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: The Clarinet for a Late Starter
Date: Wed, 3 May 1995 02:55:44 -0400

I am far from an expert, but I will make my best off-the-top-of-my-head
attempt to offer you advice. My only credentials are that I have played
clarinet and saxophone for about eight years.

>I have never studied or played any music before, but now, at the age of 38 I
>am considering learning how to play a musical instrument.

Music is, in my opinion, one of the most satisfying and fun hobbies that
exists. I wish you the best of luck in starting.

>
>In a state of considerable ignorance I have hit upon the clarinet as a
>likely candidate instrument for the simple reason that I find the sound it
>makes appealing.
>

That's as good a reason as any to pick an instrument. Other things you
might want to consider: I know you're just starting, but what type of
situations do you plan on playing in eventually (orchestra? concert band?
jazz combo?) Do you prefer classical, jazz, or some other type of music?
Those two questions could help determine what instrument is right for you.
It also might help to listen a lot to some of the best at any instrument
that appeals to you. For clarinet, my personal favorite is Eddie Daniels.
For sax, I have too many favorites to list here (but Charlie Parker and Stan
Getz are a good place to start).

>Do the subscribers to this list consider that I am making a wise choice
>given my total lack of musical background ? What other instruments might I
>consider as an alternative ?
>
>I have also wondered about the saxaphone - what are the pros and cons of the
>clarinet vs. the saxaphone in this case?

Personally, I find the saxophone easier to play (the fingerings make more
sense to me, the embrouchure is easier for me to control). I suspect that
most people would agree that the clarinet is a more difficult instrument to
play. The saxophone would probably be easier to learn.

However, for that same reason, you may want to start on clarinet, especially
if you think you might ever want to double. Saxophone seemed easy to learn
to me after playing clarinet for a while; I doubt the reverse would be true.
In addition, clarinet has a phenomenal range and, as you mentioned, a
beautiful tone that can't be beat (although, of course, sax sounds good too).

I hope this helps. And whatever you do, don't get discouraged. Music can
be very frustrating at first, but it is more than worth the trouble in the
long run. I am extremely grateful to my parents for forcing me to take it up!

David Brewer
dbrewer@-----.edu