Klarinet Archive - Posting 000037.txt from 1998/09

From: Anne Bell <bell@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Children and Clarinet Playing
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 08:32:17 -0400

The subject of children and clarinet playing has come up before with the
usual disagreements there have been kids who started on Eb with no
problems- most economical if the parent already has one!
Studies of individuals with perfect pitch have shown a strong relationship
between very early musical experience and perfect pitch. A higher
percentage of those starting at the 3 to 5 range aquired perfect pitch. I
don't have percentages but I would assume that most of those kids played
either piano or a string instrument- those being what are normally
presented to young children.
I personally wouldn't start a child that young on clarinet but I think
recorder is a good idea along with piano and of course, lots of singing. I
disagree with the comment that "fiddling around" is less productive than
waiting until later. Fiddling around is how children learn! As long as
the child is having fun and treating the instruments with respect I have a
hard time considering any musical exposure a waste of time!
I do agree that as far as choosing an instrument goes a child will be
better prepared by exposure to lots of music, seeing, hearing and when
possible trying out different instruments.

Good Luck
Anne Bell

Anne Bell
bell@-----.net

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