Klarinet Archive - Posting 000172.txt from 1996/01

From: Teri Herel <Herelt@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Intermediate Method Books
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 1996 00:51:21 -0500

In a message dated 96-01-08 17:59:20 EST, mccmis@-----.com (Gary Van Cott)
writes:

>
>There was some discussion recently about method books for beginners.
>I would like to ask for recommendations for a young intermediate.
>
>My son is 12 and has been taking lessons for about 18 months. He is most
>of the way through the Rubank Intermediate book. At this point, it
>seems that he finds a few measures to be quite difficult in each
>exercise. At his age and skill level this is frustrating to him.
>
>Naturally, I don't want him to become too frustrated. What I think he
>needs is a book that slowly and comprehensively builds the skills he
>needs to successfully play the instrument. I think his teacher would
>be open to suggestions. She has a good background but only
>teaches part-time and may not be aware of everything that might be
>out there now.
>
>[I think there is a hidden question in my post so I will spell it
>out. Has anyone (individual or group) made a comprehensive study of
>the skills required to play the clarinet and created a method based
>on that study? When I look at my (old, but still in print) books they
>seem to be much more art than science.]
>
>Gary Van Cott

I start using the Leon Lester Progressing Clarinetist about half way through
the Rubank first book. The songs are fun, (melodically interesting for the
teacher, too) relatively short, at a beginner level, and introduce slowly new
rhythms, notes, and time signatures. I then move on to the Lester Advancing
Clarinetist, along with many other copied exercises & such pulled from MANY
sources. Unfortunately I have not found one comprehensive book for the
beginner to intermediate.

I'd like to tactfully (If there is such a way) suggest a more advanced
teacher. Although it may cost more, the advantages are invaluable.

Good luck, Teri Herel