Klarinet Archive - Posting 000715.txt from 1999/08

From: "O'Neile & Fisher" <redcedar@-----.au>
Subj: Re: [kl] Advice on student.............
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 19:45:51 -0400

At the first lesson I simply told him to wet his reed, put it
> together and play something that he felt comfortable playing. Away he
> went.....with the RIGHT HAND ON TOP!!!!
> >>
>That sure is pathetic! Even my 4th grade recorder students have learned to
>put their right hand on the bottom.
>Nan
>Music Specialist K-5
>NC

Nan's dismissive snort prompts me to comment that I learnt to play a descant
recorder about age 7, and played with the left hand on the lower section.
This was most natural to me, was not impeded by instrument design, and so
far as I recall, my teacher was complicit. With a recorder it frankly
didn't seem to make any difference. So why not?
I certainly understand that this is not practicable with the clarinet as
presently constituted. But why is it not possible to make "left-handed
clarinets"? Is there a compelling technical reason why the clarinet is
structured as it is, or is it a case of tradition, economics and teacher
convenience?
And, recognising that I may be reinforcing the wierdness of this post,
perhaps I should add that I was also taught elementary piano about age 7,
and eventually gave it away because the keyboard extended from low left to
high right, when to me, it should have been the other way around. I still
think that to be the case.
But then I am from "down-under" where most things seem to be "base-over-apex".
Michael

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