Klarinet Archive - Posting 000921.txt from 2004/10

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <arlyss1@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] How to practice; was, confidence in the band program
Date: Sat, 30 Oct 2004 08:22:03 -0400

Adam Michlin wrote:

> Are you teaching them *how* to practice? Are you teaching them *what*
> to practice? Are you making sure they recognize when they have improved?
>
Adam, Nick,

Thanks for suggesting, in a roundabout way, this fantastic topic.

IMO, this topic is relevant to anyone, on any instrument. I think we
can get a bit more detailed here. I'll start off with a few questions
that, IMO, need addressing:

1. How do you present this topic in a class situation?

2. How would you address same topic in a private teaching situation?

3. Specifically directed towards clarinet: how would you structure
your practice if you are:

a. a beginner
b. an intermediate student
c. an advanced student (high school)
d. an undergraduate college student
e. an adult, who studies the clarinet and plays for
relaxation/hobby/enjoyment
f. an amateur who nevertheless, plays on the level of a
professional, yet makes his/her living doing something outside of music
g. a professional musician who is not a performer at this time
(music teacher, music therapist, etc)
h. an orchestral clarinetist (or a clarinetist who makes his/her
living playing in some primarily classiscally oriented ensemble)
i. a clarinetist who plays for a living in some area other than
orchestral performance

Obiviously, these areas do have overlap. However, each has their own
individual practice needs, and as such, that is where the devil is: in
the details.

For me personally, it is most important to get a routine going.
Structure gives me a sense of security, and a framework in which to
operate; I can see where I am starting, and where I need to go.

For me, a REALLY good warm-up with at least five minutes (preferably
longer) of slow scales and long tones is something I WANT to do (though
I don't often get to do). I really REALLY like the Thomas Labadorf
warm-up that is now on http://www.clarinetdepot.com/articles/labadorf1.htm

I have found that when I use this, I'm not only warming up the lungs,
fingers, lips, etc.; I'm also warming up my ears as well- this is a
superb warm-up for playing in tune with oneself.

I thought I'd at least put out this much and get the ball rolling on
this; again, IMO, this is an important area in playing and teaching the
clarinet, and instrumental music in general.

Patricia Smith

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