Klarinet Archive - Posting 000680.txt from 1995/06

From: Lynn Thomas <thomas@-----.ORG>
Subj: Re: clarinet
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 1995 16:02:46 -0400

On Tue, 27 Jun 1995, Real-Time Research MGI/CHT wrote:

> I am a new clarinet player, what advice do you have for me.
>
> Dannielle 11 years old
>
>
>
> Marcia G. Imber | voice ph: 602/997-2188
> march2@-----.
> Real-Time Research | Phoenix, AZ 85021
>

I've been teaching kids your age for years...there's nothing wrong with
private lessons for someone who's 11-1/2! As a matter of fact, I think
it's very good to have private lessons if you can. Your teacher can make
sure you're doing everything correctly from the start so that you don't
have to correct bad habits later.

Now for Ms. Thomas' "Rules for Young Clarinet Students".....

1) Take care of your reeds. Don't put your clarinet away with the reed
on the mouthpiece. Get a plastic reed case for them (they don't cost
much and are worth it for keeping your reeds from getting cracked).

2) Make sure you always have a good one (no cracks or chips) for your
lessons. It's much easier for you to learn when you sound your best!

3) Always clean your clarinet with the swab after you play.

4) When you buy reeds at the music store, always buy at least 3. When
you're down to the last one, go get some more right away so you always
have a spare.

5) Make sure you always have your lesson books and other music when you
go to your lesson.

6) When you put your clarinet down (during rehearsal or practice time)
or whenever you're carrying it around, always put your mouthpiece cap on
so that you don't accidentally bump the mouthpiece and chip it (or your
reed).

7) Listen to all the clarinet players you can - listen to orchestral and
solo recordings (I think going to the Symposium is a bit much for an 11
year old....), it will help you develop your sound.

8) PRACTICE - my suggestion is at least 20-30 minutes a day. If you have a
week where you can't practice that much, when you do practice learn at least
one or two of your exercises or pieces very well. That way your teacher
will have something to work with during your lesson. If you go to your
lesson and don't know any of your music, then what your parents are doing
is essentially paying your teacher for your practice time, not for
teaching you anything new. That's not fair to anyone - not you, the
teacher, or your parents!

9) Get involved with community groups once you're ready. You'll find
them fun, meet friends who have the same interest in music as yourself,
and learn a lot in the process.

Have fun!

Lynn Thomas