Klarinet Archive - Posting 000201.txt from 1995/08

From: Tom Ascher <U15310@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Clarinet Reed Advice
Date: Sun, 13 Aug 1995 10:54:48 -0400

Victor's advice on beginners reeds was giving me a strong sense of
inadequacy until I looked up a chart of comparative reed strengths in
the Woodwind catalog. A Mitchell Lurie 3@-----.5; a Mitchell Lurie
2.5@-----.

Victor, can you also tell us what mouthpieces you start beginners on and
what mouthpieces you move them up to as they progress? In my experience
(as a beginner, I've been playing a little over 2 years now) I've noticed
that I can play a Vandoren 2-1/2 - 3 on Mouthpieces such as a Vandoren
5RV, Selmer C*, Selmer 185-105, all with facings about 19mm and apertures
about 1.05-1.10. Wider apertures are not yet possible for me, although
I suspect I might be able to play with a Vandoren 1-1/2 - 2 reed strength!

With facings ranging from 17-23 mm and apertures ranging from .95-1.4 how
do you decide where to start students and which way to move them as they
progress?

I'd love to hear from any other teachers, professionals on advice for
beginners. By the way, any advice for beginners of age 60 as opposed to
beginners of age 10?!