Klarinet Archive - Posting 000927.txt from 2002/06

From: "Gene Nibbelin" <gnibbelin@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] finger dexterity
Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 00:40:48 -0400

Jeremy -

Finger dexterity is like "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice,
Practice, Practice." I'll be 74 next month. As I have related numerous
times on the List, I returned to playing in 1995, after a 40+year hiatus.
Having studied privately for about 13 years up to age 22, I practiced for
about 4 years without a teacher to get my embouchure, tone and technique At
least I thought I had done well in my efforts. However, since April, '99 I
have been studying with Scott Ellington, an Eastman student of Dr. Hasty.

Talk about "teaching an old dog new tricks", working with Scott, my playing
has changed completely. Particularly, my finger dexterity. They are moving
faster than I ever thought possible. Combined with my change to double-lip,
my playing is developing a smoothness and fluidity that, again, I never
thought possible - in spite of some arthritis in my wrists and fingers..
I'm even developing some sight reading abilities, which I never had before.
In addition, I can accomplish more in 2 to 3 hours practice time at this age
than I could as a young student.

Does this answer your question, Jeremy?

(Maybe my clarinet studies will even keep my old mind sharp for another 20
years.)

Regards,

Gene Nibbelin

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeremy Yager [mailto:bomber@-----.com]
Subject: RE: [kl] finger dexterity

A question for whoever said that you 'age-out' of the ability to add
technical speed to your playing...How long do you have as a player to
build up speed? HS, college, under 30?

Curious,

--Jeremy

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