Klarinet Archive - Posting 000703.txt from 1995/06

From: Bob Kreisa <bkreisa@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Advice to new clarinetist
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 1995 14:37:02 -0400

Is there a rule that you can't get good beginning instruction from an
elementary school band teacher? Later on, in JH, when the lessons are
only for 10 minutes, I can see having private lessons (I DO have private
lessons). But when the lessons are thirty minutes long, and you're not
sure whether you like it or not, WHY do you need private lessons? Seems
like a lot of money to spend when you can get good, free instruction at
school. Especially if you discover you don't like the instrument!

P.S.- One of my private lesson teachers is an elementary school band
teacher, so obviously beginner band teachers are just as good as private
ones!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abby Kreisa
bkreisa@-----.edu

On Wed, 28 Jun 1995, Lee Callet wrote:

> 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
>