Klarinet Archive - Posting 000529.txt from 1997/03

From: "Robert D. Shaw" <theshaws@-----.NET>
Subj: Teaching Altissimo
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 1997 21:42:48 -0500

I would like to hear from others on the list as to how they teach
students to play the altissimo register.

I begin by having them play a low Bb and putting on the register key. We
then talk about how they learned to play the top line F by just putting
on the register key and not biting or tensing up. I talk about
embouchure , tongue position and breath support. Then I introduce the
idea of playing top line F and carefully lifting the first finger to
play the altissimo D. I explain that the first finger acts as another
register key. We then discuss the fact that the D is not in tune and as
a result we have to add the pinky on the Eb key. I try to keep this in
terms that my students can understand--not too technical.

I then, week after week add new notes up to altissimo F. We play
from top space E to alt. C#, top line F to alt. D, top of staff G to
alt. E, first leger line A to alt. F. This method had worked very well
for me over the years. I try to introduce these notes to my students
BEFORE they actually need to perform them in band music or solos so that
they are very confident on them before trying to perform them.

I would like to hear any other methods that anybody has or any
constructive comments that you may have.

See you all later,

Deborah Shaw

   
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