Klarinet Archive - Posting 000311.txt from 1997/08
From: "Craig E. G. Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: The younger...
Date: Sat, 9 Aug 1997 22:03:10 -0400
I did want to respond a little more to a previous posting... text inside
the quotes is indeed quoted.
Jonathan Cohler writes
"There seems to be a lot of misinformation about this subject floating
around the list. This is not really a matter of opinion, but one of
empirical fact. There is no question that starting students younger is
better. They should be started as young as is physically possible for
best average results."
Is it really a fact? It seems to me that the question could go either
way. Isn't each child different? I don't think that every kid is the
same. Each has his own needs, abilities, talents, fortes, and
shortcomings. So can we really make a one-size-fits-all statements that
earlier is always better?
He continues...
"There is no need to find music written specifically for those
instruments, because we are talking about a young beginner. Any standard
clarinet methods for a beginner will be fine."
Yes, but I know that many Bb Clarinet things uses the lower register of
the instrument, one that is especially weak on the Eb. These methods
were written with the Bb in mind, and while they may provide good
tutelage for the Eb, they would be most useful on the Bb.
He further says...
"And finally, it is not a different instrument. In fact, it is exactly
the same instrument - just a smaller, higher pitched version thereof.
The fingerings are the same, it is blown the same way, and it sounds the
same (at a higher pitch). An Eb clarinet to a 6 or 7 year old, will feel
approximately the same as a Bb clarinet to a 12 year old.
All of the posts on the list about the Eb being 'a different animal'
etc. is an esoteric discussion of extremely subtle differences that are
of no consequence whatsoever to a beginner. Of course, there are subtle
differences that matter to an advanced player. As there are subtle
differences between the Bb and the A clarinet, for that matter."
The Bb and the A are not the issue though, the Eb is. Are you saying
that everyone who has made the statement the Eb and Bb are different is
wrong. Certainly there are noticeable differences between the two
instruments, and when it came time for a switch the beginner might be
set back having to re-learn his hand position. Why give a little kid
anymore set backs than he will already experience?
Further...
"Again, these differences matter not at all to a beginner who is just
learning how to hold, blow, finger and read music."
But they will matter when it comes time for the transition.
He continues
"What does matter is getting musicians started as young as is physically
possible when their learning potential is greatest. That's why
violinists and pianists start at age two."
Do all these players start at age two? Come on? A two year old needs
to concern himself more with learning to put sentences together and less
about music. What about the development of these children? Is music
the paramount thing in their life at this point. NO!! I volunteer at
an elementary school where we have kids that have problems reading,
writing, and adding. These are the primary concerns, or should be, of
an parent of a young child. What good is a virtuoso at age 12 who can't
read his own reviews? There is plenty of time for these kids. And I
doubt that any sizeable amount of violinists and pianists start at 2.
Concluding...
"The younger the better. No question about it. It has been proven over
and over again."
Not in all cases. And it has not been proven, in my eyes, by any of the
generalities above. It is clear that there are some prodigies who start
at two and write symphonys (spelling?) at six, but this is a small
minority. What is really important is teaching a child how to behave,
how to speak, how to read and write. Music is definitely important, but
not the most important at this age.
Why is it that is a child doesn't start at 5 he will amount to nothing?
That isn't true. It may help, it may hurt -- depending on the child --
but it is by no means essential!
I take this position not to play the devil's advocate, but because I
feel it is what would be right for the child, and it is how I intend to
treat my own children. It is really the decision of every parent to
make, and not for me or anyone else to dictate.
Thanks to the list for their indulgence of my long-winded posts on this
issue, but it is one on which I feel very passioniately.
----------------
Craig Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711
Quote of the Day:
"Music is spiritual. The music business is not."
-Van Morrison
