Klarinet Archive - Posting 000920.txt from 1997/08

From: SDM@-----. Morrow)
Subj: Re: How young? No,No,,No
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 16:31:36 -0400

>No matter what the physical size, a seven yar old is too youmg to start on
>the clarinet. A couple of good years on a keyboard would be muc more
>beneficial. There are too many difficult and discouraging possibilities on
>the clarinet for a seven year old to endure and become needlessly
>discouraged........Cjarlie
>
>
>I very much agree with this statement. In all my teaching of beginner
>players the ones that excel are the ones that have piano backround for the
>simple fact that you don't have to spend time on reading or on finger
>coordination.
>
>Cheryl

But SOMEBODY spent time with the student on reading and finger
coordination, didn't they? It's just the CLARINET TEACHER who doesn't have
to!
I'm sorry, but I really don't see the difference! For those of you
who may have forgotten, you also have to be able to spread your fingers to
reach notes on the piano! And it IS possible to make a piano sound bad! (I
did it when I was younger, and I have children who can bang the hell out of
a keyboard when they feel like it, too!). I truly believe that the key is
to encourage music in children and let them experiment with it. If a child
is thrilled just to be able to get a sound out of an instrument, that's a
good start. The "fine tuning" (no pun intended - okay, maybe a little!)
comes with practice!
Beginners are called beginners because they are just starting! ANY
good teacher must be aware of a student's pace and tailor lessons (both
time and content) so that the student is challenged but not overwhelmed.
And, above all, a child needs to enjoy the experience!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
Department of Biochemistry
School of Hygiene and Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
(410) 955-3631

SDM@-----.edu