Klarinet Archive - Posting 000429.txt from 2002/12

From: "Avi Rostov" <musictek@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: HELP! -- Teaching Beginners
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 17:08:56 -0500

It's really important to check often to be sure your students' clarinets are
working properly. I check mine at the first lesson each month. I suggest:
1) Play a chromatic scale slowly with a light touch, and listen for even
tone quality. A note that plays fuzzy for you might not play at all for a
beginner. If you have to push hard on a ring or key, consider that note to
need adjustment. 2) Play all three fingerings for Bb above the staff.
Problems here indicate need for an adjustment or a bridge repair. 3) Play
B above middle C using the LH pinky only--Don't cheat and press the RH C
key! A teacher should be able to play a string of staccato, pianissimo Bs
without feeling the horn hesitate. If not, a student might not be able to
make the note speak at all.
Do your students a favor, and insist on good hand position right away. It's
so easy to start out right and so hard to break bad habits. I like to teach
alternate fingerings very early. That way the students learn think and read
ahead rather than get locked in a rote reaction when they see a note on the
page. Most of all, be sensitive to the student's pace and both of you have
fun!

----- Original Message -----
From: "William Semple" <wsemple@-----.com>
Subject: [kl] Re: HELP! -- Teaching Beginners

> I have been asked to provide clarinet lessons to the young people who
attend
> the Piedmont Music School here in Virginia. I played a recital recently,
and
> well . . .
>
> I've provided instruction to more advanced students from time to time, but
> have never worked with young people who have never picked up an
instrument.
>
> Where can I find advice on this very critical early stage of instruction.
> And for those teachers out there, I would really appreciate some thoughts,
> not just with respect to introductory technique, but what I can expect or
> should expect from young students. What age is appropriate to start? I
> started playing when I was 12.
>
> Bill Semple
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

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