Klarinet Archive - Posting 000446.txt from 1999/08

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] re: Talent, and starting young
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 23:45:07 -0400

gtgallant@-----.com wrote:
I must 100% disagree. Although starting clarinet at an early age helps, it
is definitely not a rule that a child beginner will have more potential
that their adult counterpart. I know a someone who started at age 21 and
four years later, got into a major conservatory - on a near full
scholarship. This person could not even read music when she started and
never played an instrument previously. By the end of her first year
playing, she had played Baermann Div. 3, Weber Con #1 and Grand Duo, Brahms
#1 - just to name a few. Within four years she had played (on a high level)
Spohr concertos #'s 1,2,4, ALL Weber clarinet pieces, Stravinsky, Copland,
Mozart Concerto and Quintet, Rossini, etc, etc, etc. My point? Some adults
are prodgedies also. I do agree that most children have better chances of
reaching a higher level than an adult beginner, but not in every case. It's
funny how society gives up on you when you reach a certain age bracket.
Scientist try and prove this by conducting various "studies" about the
difference in learning capacity/ability between children and adults. Adults
can have incredible learning potential. One must first realize the
possibilities that can, and will occur by having an open, determined mind.

--------------------------------------

That student had a lot of talent. It is not possible to tell how much
"more" or less talent she would have if she had started at a young age.
Even Ricardo Morales started playing Clarinet in 7th grade. Gifted students
who work hard will shine no matter when they start.

David Blumberg
playit@-----.com
Have you heard? http://www.mytempo.com

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