Klarinet Archive - Posting 000711.txt from 1999/09

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] beginning clarinet
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 23:31:47 -0400

-----Original Message-----
From: GruvnRuvn@-----.com>
Date: Tuesday, September 21, 1999 8:52 PM
Subject: [kl] beginning clarinet

>I am beginning the clarinet,, practicing about an hour a day and am
squaking
>up a storm,, any suggestions?? the second octave sounds squakky,, need
>pointers on good embrochure,, the third octave is ear piercing,, how can I
>get better tone and preserve a marraige and family at the same time?? the
>goodnews is the lower register sounds fine, very boring though,,
>HEEEELLLLLPPPPP, also trying to hit the high A (four lines above the
staff)
>and get it occassionally,, any quick pointers on getting the highest notes
>consistently?

Squawks in the second register and up can be due to: a) not getting the
holes completely covered, b) moving the jaw when tonguing, c) incorrect
embouchure, d) inadequate embouchure development, e) inadequate breath
support, f) wrong reed strength for your stage of development, g) wrong reed
strength for your mouthpiece, h) accidentally bumping keys without knowing
it. All of these are very common beginner problems. They can occur singly
or in an infinite variety of combinations.

Here are some recommendations (these are of course my opinions, others may
feel differently):

1. Find a good teacher and take private lessons for awhile. Even if you
can only take lessons for a short time, the instructor can examine your
embouchure and finger positions, etc. and correct them. They can also make
appropriate suggestions on reeds and mouthpieces.
2. For the first year, stay at or below the C that is two lines above the
staff. (exception if taking private lessons and teacher deems you ready)
3. Tackle the third octave in your second year of study. (exception if
private teacher deems you ready)
3. Don't go for that high A until you've been playing about 5 years or so.
There's too much other stuff to cover first. (again an exception if private
teacher deems you ready).

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