Klarinet Archive - Posting 000339.txt from 1996/07

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Clarinet Study
Date: Wed, 17 Jul 1996 11:57:33 -0400

Dick,
Sacrilegious though it may seem for a former Russianoff student
(seven years worth) to say, I believe the Russianoff method will not do
you that much good. It was designed for either the advanced player, the conserva
tory student, or the freelancing-pro-with-no-time-to-take-lessons-and-needing
-only-a-tune-up-every-once-in-a-while. It doesn't seem that you are in those
categories. I would recommend takeing a couple of lessons with a teacher who
could assess your level and prescribe a few tomes of exercises on the correct
level.

Fred Jacobowitz
Clarinet/Sax Instructor, Peabody Preparatory

On Tue, 16 Jul 1996, Dick Walters wrote:

> I am a 60 yr old guy who has played the clarinet since I was 10 in
> school bands, community bands and church groups, but who has never
> really had good formal training or practice habits. Therefore,
> although have a great Buffet Bb and A and play 2-3 times a week,
> my technique is far behind my desire of really being able to play
> this horn. I have had the Russianoff Method for years and finally
> decided it's not going to help sitting on my shelf. My scale book
> is tattered from age, not use.
>
> My question, or request for opinion, will the Russianoff be a good
> Method to build technique for an intermediate player, if I commit
> the time to do it justice? Also, much hope of teaching an old dog
> to really play this horn after fooling around with it a half
> century? Finally, any suggestions of a better way (short of selling
> the horns)?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dick Walters
>