Klarinet Archive - Posting 000629.txt from 1996/02
From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: help:H.S. clarinetist
Date: Tue, 20 Feb 1996 23:25:31 -0500
Hi, Jessica. It's good to hear from another Hoosier!
The short answer to your problem, which you stated so well, is that you
need to have private lessons. A good teacher will do wonders to inspire
you, to encourage you, perhaps to threaten you at times! And, a _good_
teacher will be able to give you many new insights into your playing -
you will be amazed at the progress you will be able to make.
I don't have much information about clarinet teachers in the Indianapolis
area, but I know there are several good ones. Be very careful in
selecting one. Not just anyone who can play the clarinet, even if they
play it very well, can teach effectively. But, still, technical
knowledge of the clarinet is a first prerequisite.
I would suggest that you get in touch with the principal clarinetist of
the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. If he or she can't take you as a
student, they will be able to recommend someone to you who will do a good
job. Often, your local Universities will have good clarinet teachers,
but in the case of Butler, and probably the Univ. of Indianapolis, too,
they tend to get their teachers from the Symphony, anyway.
Another thing you need to consider is something called "plateaus in
learning." We don't learn things on a constant upward curve. Rather,
there will be times when you feel that you are not progessing at all,
followed by other times when you will notice that your improvement is
much more rapid.
If you have trouble finding a satisfactory teacher, please let me know.
I have a few Indianapolis area contacts who could tell you about the good
teachers in your area.
Good luck!
Dr. Edwin Lacy
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Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
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