Klarinet Archive - Posting 001436.txt from 1997/10

From: m_shoe@-----.com (Michelle N Shoemaker)
Subj: Re: Can I catch up?
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 20:44:29 -0500

There were some suggestions made by members of the list to
"practice until you die" in order to become an accomplished
clarinetist. I realize that some of these comments were light-hearted,
but it could be misinterpreted.

Practicing is an essential component to becoming an accomplished
clarinetist. Alas, practicing does not necessarily mean just sitting
down and
playing through long tones, scales, etudes, and literature for hours on
end.
I would like to suggest other ways to "practice":

1. Go to as many concerts of professional MUSICIANS (not just
clarinetists)
and professional orchestras.

2. Listen to as much music as possible, preferably with the score, if
you are capable of
reading along with scores.

3. Take your music coursework seriously. Music theory, ear training,
music history,
liberal arts courses-these courses contribute to one's development as a
musician.

4. Learn about other arts-go to museums, attend plays, go to a poetry
reading.

5. Remember to enjoy life--your life experiences is part of who you are
and this
is what you communicate (hopefully) to your audience.

This list could go on forever. The number of hours spent in the practice
room
becomes a sort of competition among students in college. (I know, I am
living
through it right now.) I think it would do many of us well to realize
that it is QUALITY,
not QUANTITY that matters.

I welcome other suggestions of creative ways to develop one's
musicianship. It could
prove to be an interesting discussion.

-Michelle Shoemaker
-Graduate Diploma Candidate
-New England Conservatory