Klarinet Archive - Posting 001471.txt from 1997/10

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: Re: klarinet-digest V1 #377
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 23:36:20 -0500

Well David, my routine evolves according to need, but this is what I do when
I am using the Baermann (I use the Hite version, by the way).

I play one major and one minor every day (melodic minor only). I play each
exercise twice, using a metronome setting of 50 on the Dr. Beat. Once at
quarter note = 50 once at 1/2 note = 50 (I don't do fourths through octaves
at the higher speed). I also set the Dr. Beat so that it only sounds once
every 4 beats. This forces me to subdivide internally, so that I don't rely
on the metronome to "count" for me, but it "enforces" a steady tempo. Use of
the ears is at least as important as any other aspect of this routine!

After I go through the entire book, I often will switch to the Hamelin (your
suggestion, thanks) for a week or two, or to the Jeanjean Vade Mecum for
several days. I find that these two books are good for smoothness.

After whatever scale studies I do, I do about 10-15 minutes of articulation
excercises that I devised, involving both repeated notes and scales. These
cover the entire range of the instrument. After a 10 minute break, I am ready
for whatever needs to be practiced.

Also, I do all of my practicing standing up. This develops additional
strength in the right hand and also the embochure. I know that many folks
have trouble with tendons and such, but if you can at least warm up standing,
it is probably good for you. One thing you can try is making sure between
exercises that you hold the instrument with your left hand and rest the right
at your side (make sure your corks are tight)!

That's more or less it. Be happy to answer questions.

>>OK David - I'm taking the "no long tone" challenge! I have a couple of=20

questions about the way you use Baermann.

Do you have, and will you share your daily Baermann routine? (metronome=20

speeds, etc)

Which edition do you use, and do you have a preference? I use Hite,=20

mostly because all the exercises for one key are together. I realize =

he's=20

added some stuff, but haven't checked too carefully to see if other =

stuff=20

is different.

Do you do harmonic minor, melodic minor, or both?

As a long time long tone user, I'm going to try Baermann instead, just =

to=20

see what happens. I actually much prefer Hamelin, and have a whole=20

routine for that which I've been using. Improper Baermann practice seems =

to make my hands tight, so I've not used it much since graduate school=20

days.

Any insights greatly appreciated.<<