Klarinet Archive - Posting 000699.txt from 2001/03

From: Bilwright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] May i have some Advice?
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 22:31:57 -0500

Chris, ignoring the inappropriate sarcasm, I'd like to add my
support of what other people have recommended. Dee summarized it very
well.

Individual lessons will pay _very_ large dividends. Even
self-taught prodigies take lessons eventually, albeit at a higher level
than you or I would ever contemplate. It's not just a matter of
knowledge, although a good teacher has knowledge that you will need to
learn somehow besides through experience. A teacher can hear and see
things about your playing that you can't see or hear yourself because
you are.... well, trapped inside your own body, not free to listen and
watch from the outside.

Depending on your budget, you may decide to have only one lesson
per month, or perhaps you may decide to have several lessons in a row
and then work on your own until you're ready for another burst of
lessons. But there is no substitute for individual lessons.

Also, as several people here have said already, getting a better
mouthpiece is the first thing. While Artleys are not high quality
instruments, you should focus your attention on mouthpieces first.
They cost 'only' $30 to $150 each.
One of the reasons for moving up to a better mouthpiece first is
that comparing mouthpieces will force you to _listen_ to your own sound
and to develop a sensitivity to the possibilities. Until you have some
feeling about what to listen for, attempting to choose a better
instrument is sort of like the blind leading the blind --- where you are
playing both of the 'blind' roles (leader and follower).

Cheers and enjoy,
Bill

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