Klarinet Archive - Posting 000264.txt from 2003/10

From: "Buckman, Nancy" <nebuckman@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] [clarinet] reeds for beginners?
Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2003 10:38:57 -0400

Buzzing the lips is an accessory skilled required to make a "noise" on =
the trumpet mouthpiece. Not so on the clarinet. There is nothing extra =
to do with the reed, other than put it on the mouthpiece and play. Yes, =
there are muscles that have to be trained to improve the sound, but the =
reed, by itself can do nothing. It must be a part of something else in =
order to function. The trained muscles won't appear until one plays for =
a good, long while. Personally, I would rather that my students be able =
to play real notes, since that is what they must learn in the long run. =
To me, playing the mouthpiece/barrel is like teaching numbered fingers, =
instead of note recognition. One has to learn to read, so s/he might as =
well start off that way. Every kid I know wants to go home and show Mom =
and Dad what s/he can play after the first lesson. I remember very well =
my sense of accomplishment after my first lesson, at being able to honk =
out three notes. I could play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" after one =
lesson.

Nancy

Nancy E. Buckman, CPO, AFO, Technical Assistant
School of Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD 21012-1895 USA
Phone 410-777-2316 Fax 410-777-2233
E-mail nebuckman@-----.edu

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