Klarinet Archive - Posting 000926.txt from 1997/08

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: How young? No,No,,No
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 18:50:18 -0400

I am afraid that I simply cannot agree with Mr Morrow. Keyboard does not
involve blowing, embouchure, tonguing, and breathing......at least to the
extent the clarinet does. Children will not have difficulty beginning
keyboard on standard size keys at age 8 (generally...there are, of course,
exceptions to the rule). One can encourage music in children below the
age of eight by involving them in musical activities, singing, dancing,
etc. OR.....a small string instrument is also effective. However,
encouraging children younger than age 10 to begin the clarinet is
ill-advised...even on the more modern Kinder clarinets.

Just my opinion.....backed by much experience teaching children of all
ages.

Roger Garrett
Illinois Wesleyan University

On Thu, 21 Aug 1997, Scott D. Morrow wrote:

> 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
>
>
>

   
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