Klarinet Archive - Posting 000173.txt from 1998/02

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Starting on E-Flat?
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 21:48:52 -0500

On Tue, 3 Feb 1998, Rick Lones wrote:
> 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.

While I see the obvious comparison to the Suzuki method, my question is -
are you planning to start her reading? If so, this would not be the
Suzuki method.

I have had enormous success starting children at age 11 and 12, 13, and
14. I can't imagine the kinds of problems a child might face in learning
a new set of aural concepts once you transfer from the Eb (a fourth
higher!) to the Bb.........

I have had students that started at a very young age (but I don't know if
it was on an Eb or an Eb Kinder clarinet) - and most of them not only
burned out but had poor embouchure and air related problems from starting
too young.

I personally started in 7th grade........and I don't feel that I was
disadvantaged. What you are doing now.... having her play piano, is the
best possible thing for her until 5th or 6th grade. I personally believe
you should wait.

However, there is still lots of time for others on the list to bash me for
this...so.....either way....good luck!

Roger Garrett
IWU