Klarinet Archive - Posting 001304.txt from 1997/08

From: "David C. Blumberg" <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: Re:Too old to start Clarinet?
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 10:59:46 -0400

When your too old to breathe well, or have no teeth, then it is too old to
learn Clarinet. Otherwise - go for it!! Just have patience with yourself.
Clarinet is not that hard to learn. Yes, it's harder then sax, but a lot
easier then Violin. To master the Clarinet, it is one of the hardest
instruments you can play. To have fun - no problem. As I get 22 cents per
copy sold (just kidding) I would recommend starting with Abe Galper's new
book "Galper Clarinet Method" book 1. Even if you're starting out on your
own (no teacher), it is a very good book for you, as it details all new
material- (no guess work). Luyben has it 800-258-9236. If you want more
details on the book, I recently posted a review of the Galper books that I
wrote which you can find in the Sneezy archives of postings (under Galper
and Blumberg).
As for an instrument - get one that is in good working order.
Oh yeah, be sure to WET THE REED - it's real hard to play if you don't.

Date: Sat, 30 Aug 97 17:18:53 JST
From: asano@-----.jp
Subject: How old is too old?

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