Klarinet Archive - Posting 001031.txt from 2003/06

From: "Anthony Wakefield" <tony-w@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] New thumb rest invention?
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 18:58:34 -0400

In UK, a young child can become interested in clarinet (or any instrument)
at 8 years. This period of tuition tho`, as far as what I do is not teaching
in the traditional way. Perhaps for a year at least, the lessons are far
less formally structured, letting the child experiment in his/her own way,
and I, as tutor, suggesting and demonstrating different/alternate/correct
ways, for the child to copy and experiment with. This might have some
distant reference to the Suzuki way. If a child at this age cannot use the
tongue after what would be a normally taught procedure, I let this ride, as
I let alone other initially incorrect production, or fingering also. There
is SO MUCH - too much for an 8 year old to take in and fully understand
correct blowing technique in one lesson. It is the constant guidance from
week to week which develops the child`s further and continuing interest.
With an intelligent child, and it is ONLY an intelligent child who will
progress, it is easy to correct any bad habits which may still be lurking
thru` my "Suzuki" guidance procedures.
But my main point being, in reply to your info of using C or Eb instruments,
is that this particular small child had already in his possession the
"adult" Bb, and this was the instrument he brought to his first lesson. Yes,
this is to some degree a failing in our school education system - the fact
that we are not introduced to the student before hand to enable us to advise
parents. So I find that I would not turn away, or force anybody, once they
had arrived for the first time with the instrument, thus ruining what he had
been looking forward to for weeks, even if he was small enough for him to
experience some thumb discomfort.
He was fine with the sling and sitting down. The problem with his thumb and
the weight of the instrument was discovered as he was approaching his exam,
and the desire to have him playing standing up.

It seems others have thought along similar lines to the "thumb glove" -
sticky tape or band aid(?) and cotton wool sounds OK.

I`m glad I didn`t try to patent it. :<)
Tony W.

> As of the last few years in teaching I have found it much easier to move
> most young students either to a C clarinet or even the Eb in orcher to
> reduce the chances of injury. It may be also easy to get a Lyons C
> clarinet or a Kinder Clarinet as they were invented in the U.K. Most of
> the time I try to keep my beginners in the 10 to 11 bracket, and if they
are
> younger I usually force them to go to the smaller clarinets.
>
> >> Sincerely David Dow

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