Klarinet Archive - Posting 000348.txt from 1999/09

From: GCalzati@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] tonguing
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999 06:32:41 -0400

In a message dated 9/14/99 1:20:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
el2@-----.edu writes:

> I try very hard to start with a conventional
> approach, which means articulating with the top of the tongue, very near
> the tip. Only if it becomes obvious that it isn't going to work for a
> particular student do I explore other options.

I also teach tonguing this way from the beginning. This one particular
student however, needed another way to go about it to get the results I
wanted to hear.

Once he is able to continually tongue in the manner I had suggested, then we
will refine it. It may take two or three steps to get the proper results,
but at least the method I suggested is a start.

My guess is that when this student practices he is more concerned with the
quantity of music he plays, rather than the quality. I gathered that he is
not the type to pay attention to detail even though I kept urging him to do
so from the get-go.

Sometimes, once a student learns all the notes they think that they have
mastered the instrument and are turned off to refinement. Then, all they want
to do is to play all the pop music they can get their hands on. Very hard to
get this kind of student to the next level. (Off topic, sorry.)

For the most part, I aim to teach my students what I have been raised with
what seems to work, the conventional way, (if there is such a thing). For
every 10 students there is always one with which you have to break the rules
and find an unconventional way to arrive at the same results.

Everything ends up being, "Whatever works for you." It is just a matter of
opinion. All mine are based on experience only. Not conjecture, not what
some master says that forgot what it what like to be a beginner and not from
a text book.

I enjoy the differences of opinion and about hearing the different sides of
each matter based on others experiences. Just remember, not one answer is
wrong or right, there are just differences of opinion and we all need to keep
an open mind. If something works, great. If it doesn't then find another
way.

Sincerely,
Georgette

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