Klarinet Archive - Posting 001299.txt from 1997/08

From: Ken Bryson <kbryson@-----.com>
Subj: Re: How old is too old?
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 08:55:11 -0400

Yasu,

My opinion is that there is no such thing as "too old" to learn to play
the clarinet. As long as you do not have any severe physical ailments
that would affect your ability to play (arthritis or respiratory
problems, for example), you will do fine. I learned as a child, then
didn't play for about 20 years, and am in the process of relearning in
my 40s. However, a friend of mind learned to play clarinet in his 50s,
and he has achieved a level of playing at least equal to mine. He was
entirely self-taught, but I would recommend that you find a teacher, at
least for a year or so, to make the most rapid progress and avoid
developing bad habits, which can happen if you try to teach yourself
from written descriptions without a teacher to observe you. Progress is
a very individual thing, but it sounds as if you already have a
substantial amount of musical knowledge and training, so I would expect
your progress could be quite rapid. You could be playing simple pieces
with your children in a matter of months, and probably could be up to
playing with a community band within the first year or two--maybe
sooner! This is based on my observation of adult beginners I have
known. I will leave it to others to recommend their favorite
instruments. I would simply advise that you find a teacher first, then
have the teacher assist you in finding an appropriate instrument to
begin with. There is much variation in quality within the same make and
model of instrument, so it is important to have an expert check out the
particular instrument you are considering. I hope you get started soon
and enjoy it! Please let us know how you are progressing! I think it
is wonderful for you to consider this new undertaking, just because you
want to, at 44 or any other age.

Nancy

asano@-----.jp wrote:
>
> Hi. I am a 44 years old male who would like to start playing clarinet. I
> learned to play violin as a beginner when I was 9 to 11 years old, and then
> I played trumpet and trombone in a band when I was 12 to 15 years old,
> although I did not try clarinet. Now at an age of 44, I started playing
> violin again and really enjoy playing with my kids who are also beginners.
> After nearly 30 years of the blank (as I devoted myself in science), I
> would like to try them again, utilize and test my beginner's experiences
> now. Now, sounds of clarinet enchant me more than those of trumpet and
> trombone. Would anyone tell me how difficult it is to start learning
> clarinet at the age of 44? How difficult is it to play clarinet to a
> certain level at which one can enjoy himself in a home or play in a band,
> as compared with violin, piano, etc? Is it possible to learn clarinet by
> myself? To begin with, would you recommend to buy a cheapest wood clarinet
> made by Yamaha, etc?
>
> Yasu