Klarinet Archive - Posting 000409.txt from 1999/08

From: "O'Neile & Fisher" <redcedar@-----.au>
Subj: [kl] Earliest Age to Start Playing Clarinet?
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 18:43:04 -0400

Tara Nicole wrote:
"I've been playing the Bb for nine years...I'll be 18 in January."

This prompts a question which has long intrigued me.
Is there any earliest age before which it is inadvisable for someone to
begin playing a clarinet?
I've heard of 9 year-olds (never younger) successfully taking up the
clarinet and going on to become accomplished professionals eg. Emma Johnson.
However, I've also heard teachers claim that 12/13 years should be the
earliest age to start for various reasons, such as the instrument is too
heavy to handle earlier, and the mouth and teeth not properly strengthened
for effective embouchure development.
I realise that different physical structures will be a factor, but is there
an informed common view on this?
Michael

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