Klarinet Archive - Posting 000158.txt from 1998/02

From: Rick Lones <lones@-----.net>
Subj: Starting on E-Flat?
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 18:23:02 -0500

My 8 year old daughter has been playing piano for a couple of years and has recently
expressed an interest in playing the clarinet. In the past I've turned the mouthpiece
around and let her blow mine while I fingered, etc., but I'm thinking that maybe she's
old enough now to start the instrument for real.

She's pretty small and it's occurred to me that my E-Flat horn would be a better match
for her hands and mouth, so I was thinking of starting her on that horn - sort of like a
Suzuki method for clarinet.

I'm wondering if any of the real clarinet teachers out there have ever tried such a
thing, heard of it being tried, have strong opinions about the wisdom of trying it, or
whatever. I can see both pros and cons to the idea and would really appreciate some
knowledgeable input.

Thanks,
-rick-