Klarinet Archive - Posting 000115.txt from 1997/05

From: Jonathan Cohler <cohler@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Air speed
Date: Sun, 4 May 1997 08:52:13 -0400

Robert Shaw wrote:

>I have to agree with David on this one. I use the fast-cold method all
>the time with 4-6 grade students. It is a concept that helps them to
>understand not only using more air, but also helps them to play without
>tensing neck and jaw muscles.

I have never met a single fourth to six grader (or for that matter an
anything-grader, adult, or person of any age) who knows what "fast air",
"cold air" and "hot air" mean in relationship to the clarinet. Unless, of
course, they have already had the "concept" decoded and explained to them.

But the fact that people who have already had a cryptic code explained to
them, understand it, is not proof that the code is a tool for inducing
understanding.

> Just a question-has Jonathon taught young beginners? If so, please
>explain how introduce tone production to young students. I am always
>willing to learn.

Yes, I have. I teach proper form, proper embouchure, proper hand position,
good equipment (the most important thing) and I tell them to blow lots of
air. It seems to work very well.

> (Just an extra) I sometimes give my young students a 1" square, 1
>ply piece of facial tissue and have them see if they can hold it up
>against the wall for 5 seconds by standing about one inch from the wall
>and blowing directly on the middle of the tissue. This forces them to
>use the correct amount of air and helps them to focus the air in a
>certain spot. I them tell them to notice how their abdomen feels when
>they are successful at this. This helps them to focus on filling the
>instrument with air rather than tensing the neck and jaw. It may sound
>strange, but it has been a very successful excercise for many of my
>students.
>

Sounds like a good excercise.

----------------------
Jonathan Cohler
cohler@-----.net