Klarinet Archive - Posting 000514.txt from 1997/06

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Einstein/Edison--Let's resolve this
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 1997 08:34:37 -0400

On Mon, 23 Jun 1997, Rob Teitelbaum wrote:

> the mouthpiece setup is a highly individual thing, so
> starting beginners off on a good mouthpiece before their embouchure is
> fully developed may not be a good idea.

I don't entirely agree with this statement. Rob makes a substantial
point regarding the effect of the mouthpiece on a player's overall
abilities. This applies at both ends of the playing ability spectrum.
A professional player will not likely play at his very best, to his/her
potential, on an inferior mouthpiece. By the same logic, a beginner
will not likely progress consistently or with much enjoyment if (s)he
must struggle against the shortcomings of an inferior mouthpiece.
At the early stages of learning, a student's equipment is more likely
to act as an impedance rather than actually enhance their nascent
abilities. Thus, the less the impedance, the more freedom to grow.
If a student's instrument or mouthpiece or reed are of poor
quality, then the student must fight a battle on two fronts.
(S)he must contend with the variables of technique, and then
also attempt to compensate for deficiencies in the equipment.
Thus, any advantage the student may obtain, be it a good quality
mouthpiece and/or a good instrument, will ease the strain of
simply learning the instrument. That part is hard enough without
making up for shortcomings in the tools. The only real caution
I can see against actually starting a student on good equipment
is the possibility of damage. If the teacher is conscientous and
consistent, habits of good equipment maintenance and delicate
handling of the instrument can be instilled in the student early
on, thereby generating a life-long respect for taking care of
one's tools. I was always told, "If you take care of your
clarinets, they'll take care of you." The point of that pertains
to being free to play without having to battle with leaky pads,
bent keys, an inconsistent mouthpiece, etc.

Neil

   
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