Klarinet Archive - Posting 000516.txt from 1997/06

From: Robert and Deborah Shaw <theshaws@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Einstein/Edison--Let's resolve this
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 1997 09:46:13 -0400

Neil Leupold wrote:
>
> 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
I agree with Neil on this. I have been teaching beginners for 20
years and have found through experience that a quality mouthpiece, such
as the Vandoren B 45 can makes a world of difference in the progress of
any beginner. Students who progress well at the very beginning without
struggling with the back pressure that most low quality mouthpieces
create tend to stay with the instrument. Most students who drop out do
not have a quality mouthpiece.
Just my experiences,
Deborah