Klarinet Archive - Posting 000686.txt from 1995/06

From: Lee Callet <LCallet@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Advice to new clarinetist
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 1995 17:27:56 -0400

In a message dated 95-06-28 15:34:36 EDT, you write:

>I don't think starting private lessons at 11-12 when you're just
>starting the instrument is wise. Why not try it and see if you like
>it
>first? If you find you don't like the clarinet (I don't see why you
>wouldn't, but to each his own....), then you don't feel so bad that
>you've spent your or your parents money taking lessons that you
>didn't
>like in addition to rentinguying an instrument. Or maybe I just
>feel
>guilty more easily than most. I also tend to think that private
>lessons
>make the already potentially stressful (and often frustrating)
>situation
>of learning an instrument more difficult, and pressureful. Why not
>wait......"

I really disagree with this. Getting correct instruction when beginning to
play the clarinet (or any instrument, for that matter) will keep the student
from developing bad habits. This is especially important in embouchure
formation and hand position.. A bad embouchure can create so much
frustration, as well as bad sounds, squeaks, sore lips, etc., etc., that a
young student might easily be discouraged and quit. There are many teachers
out there willing to take beginners. Having a teacher does not mean stress
and pressure; it means getting the right start. I think the writer may have
had a bad experience early on. Lee Callet