Klarinet Archive - Posting 000855.txt from 2001/10

From: "Tony Wakefield" <tony-wakefield@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Teaching Overblown Harmonics Isn't New
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 08:08:29 -0400

And on from this, (below) I believe that there are not many 'new' ways to
discover how to teach, or how to learn to play a musical instrument. (Not
unless someone discovers one day that the clarinet will play absolutely
perfectly with two reeds - 1 on top, 1 underneath) :<)

Building design may change, but the foundations do not, and have not since
Ancient Egypt.

What Robert Moody seems to be 'grabbing' for himself is not at all new.
Children themselves discover these altissimo notes in their over-exuberant
<show off> displays to their peers. It doesn`t have to be taught. They know,
if the instrument has been demonstrated properly before their decision to
take it up, that the instrument <can> do these high notes. Their own
imitating is a preparation for Robert`s preparation.

Robert`s own enthusiasm is indeed a joy to experience. I wish I had it. I
think he will go far both with his performing, and his teaching. He just
needs to keep his feet on the ground during this period of discovering what
kids can do.
T.W.
Hey Walter, get carving, I`ve just invented a new mouthpiece!!!!!

> I think this experiment is so revealing, both to teacher and pupil, when
the
> child can really understand how well s/he can cope in the early stages
with
> the 'enormous' (to them) amount of notes which they can blow almost
> immediately, without, at that time knowing the specific fingerings. I find
> it boosts their confidence enough for them to understand that the first
few
> lessons with their primitive/preliminary tunes and few notes, albeit
needing
> care and patience, will not instil a developing impatience. They <know>
> almost immediately what 'joy' lies in store in the coming months.
> An excellent way to encourage.
> T.W.

---------------------------------------------------------------------