Klarinet Archive - Posting 000182.txt from 1998/02

From: Kenneth M Caputo <kcaputo1@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Starting on E-Flat?
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 23:54:05 -0500

Rick
I highly recomend starting daughter on the e-flat. When I was the
same age I started on the e-flat as well. My father was my teacher. when
her hands are big enough for the b-flat then change. I would also like to
add that e-flat has lots of opportunity for scholarships (ie. all state,
honor bands, college money and competitions). When my father met the late
Peter Hadcock (frmr E-flat for Boston) he said all the same that I am
saying to you now.
When your daughter ever gets asked to play e-flat in the future
the horn will feel natural. MOst players are not comfortable with eflat.
not true if you start in the horn. Give it a try.
Ken Caputo,

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.
>
> Thanks,
> -rick-
>
>
>