Klarinet Archive - Posting 001061.txt from 2002/11

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <patricia@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] teaching clarinet
Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2002 16:48:41 -0500

Karl Krelove wrote:

>Don't try to do too many things at once. If she's really interested and at
>all able, she'll pick up one or two things at a time very quickly. Then, add
>something new. Get an embouchure established as simply as possible - try not
>to get too involved in fine detail, but suggest ways to correct anything
>that is interfering with producing a clear sound. Again, not too much at
>once. Trying to do too much at a time leads to confusion.
>
Mr. Krelove offers some excellent advice, as do the others who
contributed to this thread, Rebecca. The only thing I would add, is,
hopefully she DOES have a good mouthpiece-reed setup. The longer I
continue working with young clarinetists, the more I believe that this
is crucial to sound production.

There are AFFORDABLE mouthpieces out there - and some can be used all
through school. One that I suggest ALL of my students try, even the
more advanced high school students, is Clark Fobes' DEBUT. Hite also
makes a good beginner mouthpiece, from what I've heard, though I have
yet to have a student try that one.

Reed-wise, now that you can order on the internet, it's a REAL reed-fest
out there!

Anyhow, not to get too involved here - he's right, keep it simple so she
won't be overwhelmed. But if she's having sound problems, definitely
check the set up.

Also - ligature - Rovner or a Bonade, regular or inverted tend to be the
best in my experience.

I just had to jump into this. :)

Patricia Smith

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