Klarinet Archive - Posting 001300.txt from 1997/08

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: How old is too old?
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 09:23:59 -0400

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 asano@-----.jp wrote:

> Would anyone tell me how difficult it is to start learning
> clarinet at the age of 44?

Start now. It is certainly no more difficult to start at the age of 44
than it will be at 45, or 46, or 60.

> Is it possible to learn clarinet by myself?

Yes, to a degree, but for the most effective and efficient learning, you
need a teacher. Probably you should look for a teacher who is at least
middle aged, who may have a better understanding of how the body and mind
of an adult act and react.

> To begin with, would you recommend to buy a cheapest wood clarinet
> made by Yamaha, etc?

Yamaha is one brand of clarinet which offers good quality beginning level
clarinets. While almost all professional level clarinets are made of
wood, I don't believe the question of wood vs. plastic is a major
consideration for an adult beginner such as yourself. It will be a few
years before you would be able to tell the difference based on the playing
characteristics of the instruments.

If you progress very well in learning the clarinet, you could up-grade to
a wooden one later.

Good luck!

Ed Lacy
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Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
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