Klarinet Archive - Posting 000597.txt from 2004/01

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Best Etudes/Method for Learning Scales?
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 14:57:43 -0500

>
> I think the Stievenard is a great book and has challenges that no other
book
> has. It would be for a more advanced player who already has good technical
> grounding. A fine discussion/analysis of it is found in Mazzeo's Book: The
> Clarinet-Excellence and Artistry. He has a great chapter on the use of his
> favorite scale studies and how to use them. I like the fact that in his
> approach, each set of scale studies has well thought out goals and
> challenges, rather than just hammering through the same scales/patterns
year
> after year.
>
> I was lucky enough to study with a former student of Mazzeo's and we
covered
> these scales. The idea is to do the Stievenard using 40 as the metronome
> marking. The subdivisions, as well as the number of pulses per bar will
> change with each meter/line, giving real advanced rhythmic training. Once
> the basics are mastered, I recall doing each key straight through so that
it
> is necessary to mentally transition to the new meter and pulse in the few
> beats of rest at the end of the line. Add to this the fact that there are
> changes in dynamics as well as challenges in range and articulation, these
> are quite tough. They are not merely scale studies. There is much mental
> work here, providing a great preparation for the challenges needed to
> perform, well beyond finger training. I hope this explanation is somewhat
> clear. As I stated Mazzeo gives a good explanation with examples.
>
>
> Ed
>

In the "scale and arpeggio" arena....don't forget the Stark Arpeggio
Studies.

The first three pages are enough to keep many players engaged for months.
Connections, connections, connections.
Slowly.
Isolating fingers and air.....each must do their job to insure flawless
connection.

Forest Aten

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