Klarinet Archive - Posting 001307.txt from 1997/08

From: "Craig E. G. Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: How old is too old?
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 12:59:01 -0400

I would suggest getting a lesson or two, at least to get you started.
Then after that you could teach yourself I suppose. Being that you have
a good start in basic music theory (i.e. notation and what it means) you
mainly have to focus on playing. From my own experience, I was the star
tuba player at our school, and I started clarinet on the side. I took
weekly lessons, but where I really learned was in a community band. We
played marches and overtures, stuff way over my head at the time. But
as I continued, I really started getting better and better. I would get
a good start with an instructor and then if you'd like to branch out on
your own I'd say go for it! I've always had lessons to supplement
playing in bands, ensembles, etc, but you learn a lot without the
lessons anyway.

To answer your question of how long it should take, it took me about six
months before I started playing in the community band, but this is sure
to vary person to person. Start whenever you feel comfortable.

I would go with a wood clarinet as opposed to plastic. Also, I am going
to nitpick a little on the wording of your question

"...would you recommend to buy a cheapest wood clarinet made by Yamaha,
etc?"

because I know how you probably mean cheapest (least expensive), but
also it can be taken to mean poor in quality. I'm not arguing that it
is top of the line, but it's a great instrument (I own one), so I did
want to make that clarification. I think I got an mine, an
intermediate, for around $450, new, with a case for all my music. I
couldn't be more pleased with mine, and I would recommend it to
everyone! Again, sorry to nitpick... just clarifying.

I would stick with wood though, because then if you decide to really get
into it later, you will have a quality instrument, as opposed to having
to buy a new one.

Best of luck! I'd be anxious to find out how you do if you decide to
persue it.

--
Craig Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711
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