Klarinet Archive - Posting 000934.txt from 2000/10
From: "David B. Niethamer" <dnietham@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] tuner suggestions?
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2000 23:27:21 -0400
on 10/15/00 4:10 PM, Stefano Franchi wrote:
>I am picking up my clarinet again after a few years, and I realize a tuner
>would be of great help in regaining embouchure control, etc. Any
>suggestions of
>specific brands and models for a player who used to be at the intermediate
>level and is now, most likely, a beginner again?
Instead of going for the cheapest model, try to get a tuner that emits
tones, preferably strongly enough that you can play intervals against it.
I have a real problem with checking pitch with one of those cheapo
tuners. Last I checked, music wasn't one of the visual arts. A tuner that
you can only see (and not hear) doesn't teach/help you to listen, and
match pitches or play accurate intervals. It teaches you to react with
air and embouchure to make the meter or lights stop on "0". That's only
useful if you will only ever play with a well tuned piano or other equal
tempered instrument.
Let me suggest a great book on the subject - Larry Guy's "Intonation
Training for Clarinetists", available from Gary Van Cott (Sneezy
sponsor). It has a lot of useful information, and practical exercises to
check intonation and improve one's ability to play in tune. It's a very
useful book. There is also an article and set of exercises by Tom
Labadorf (who once frequented this list) on Sneezy - maybe on the OCR
part of the site? Also, and excellent article (definitely on OCR) by Stan
Geidel.
While I'm talking about Larry Guy, look for his new book about
"Embouchure Building" which Gary Van Cott will also have when it is
available. I got an advance copy, and for teachers particularly it should
be very useful. It has good, clear concepts about forming an embouchure,
and once again, practical exercises for developing a good embouchure. I
have to confess that I was a little skeptical. I once studied with a
teacher (quite well known, and a great teacher) who was derisively
referred to as a "teacher of the embouchure". Larry won my interest with
his description of the embouchure as a "valve" that helps us to use and
control the air that we use to play. I found it to be full of good
information, lucidly presented.
Gary, do you have it in stock yet?
Usual disclaimer - I have no financial or other interest in this book,
just very impressed with it.
David
David Niethamer
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
dnietham@-----.edu
http://members.aol.com/dbnclar1/
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