Klarinet Archive - Posting 000133.txt from 1997/10

From: "David C. Blumberg" <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: Anchor tonguing
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 1997 22:49:57 -0400

I have a student in 5th grade who started in 4th grade without private
instruction. When he tongues, it is much too legato, if at all. On the mp +
barrel, he can do it somewhat. He knows the concept, can do it somewhat,
but there is no consistency. His tongue is really quite long - he can touch
almost under his chin with it. I am considering working on Anchor tonguing
with him, as his tongue is so long, and he really can't control it well. He
is quite unique, I have not encountered this problem to THIS extreme in my
15 years of teaching (full time specialist / performer). He points his chin
to perfection, has a good sound (except when he tried to tongue), and has
good finger control. In other words I don't want to switch him to piano, or
drums :-) I've had numerous kids come to me who didn't tongue for the first
2 years of playing that I have fixed in 5 minutes, so it's not me. I know
the concept (of teaching kids to tongue), and can teach it quite well-
analyzing, and fixing playing problems are some of my specialties.
He is touching right below the tip of the reed, with the tip (just below)
of the tongue.
My question is this. Any anchor tonguing players out there who teach, and
have experience teaching that? If so -how?? (any suggestions besides curl
the tongue behind the bottom teeth) Do you anchor because of a long tongue,
or is it just the way that you started out?
David C. Blumberg
reedman@-----.com
http://sneezy.mika.com/OCR/reviews/reviews.html
http://sneezy.mika.com/clarinet/Music/Blumberg.html