Klarinet Archive - Posting 000442.txt from 2004/11

From: Adam Michlin <amichlin@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet and Flute Doubling
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 20:01:33 -0500

Tom,

The same argument could be made for taking up the Tuba. If your only goal,
however, is to increase your breath support there are many ways to do so
without purchasing either a Flute or a Tuba.

Tony Pay has written some very thorough posts on this subject which you can
find in the Klarinet archives. I can't seem to find the relevant post,
perhaps Tony can provide it for you. I would also encourage you to check out:

http://www.windsongpress.com/

Which has a wonderful amount of information about Arnold Jacobs and his
teaching methods (including videos!), another great source of information
on breathing. Joe Allard also had some very good ideas about breathing, but
perhaps you have already been exposed to those.

If you really wish to play the flute, I would suggest you start with a
student model flute. I prefer Gemeinhardt and Yamaha student flutes,
myself. There's no reason to rush into a more expensive model until you've
developed enough playing ability to decide what you want especially since
the options in the $500-$3000 range can be a bit staggering. There is no
right or wrong, just whatever you prefer. It is hard to know what you
prefer when just starting, unfortunately.

If you'd rather go for something more expensive, I would recommend looking
at used flutes. If you decide to do this, I hope you have a flute playing
friend who can help you try out instruments. Come to think of it, even when
shopping for new flutes you should have a flute playing friend (or
teacher). It is unfortunate that many makers of instruments do not take
care in properly setting up their new instruments.

In the $1000-3000 range I really like some of the high end Gemeinhardts and
the low end Muramatsus. I've heard wonderful things about the Prima-Sankyos
but have not had much experience with them myself. For under $1000 I tend
to prefer the intermediate Gemeinhardts (3SB and such). If you go this
route I highly recommend an open-holed instrument with a B foot, mostly
because they maintain their value much better (in the states, at least).
Offset G seems to be in vogue again, but this is a comfort issue which
depends entirely on your hands. Try both Offset and Inline G flutes and see
which feels more comfortable.

Open holes will certainly not cause you a problem but flute lessons are
highly recommended.

-Adam

At 04:42 PM 11/11/2004 -0600, Tom.Henson@-----.com wrote:
> I have a question that I would like to ask the list since I know there are
>some of you that double or play flute.
>
>My clarinet instructor at my last lesson suggested it might benefit me in
>several ways to take up flute. He said that the embouchure for playing flute
>should not detract from a clarinet embouchure and at the same time would
>improve the focus of my air and my breath support. He said he really didn't
>see any downside to it, unlike playing clarinet and sax. He also plays sax
>and did study with Joe Allard in New York, so he does have this background
>as well and I trust should know what he is talking about.
>
>Can anyone comment on this suggestion, and if so, what would be a good
>flute/brand/price range that would get me started, and at the same time
>allow for growth so that I don't end up having to purchase another flute in
>the next few years. I would probably have a budget around $2,000.
>
>I have begun some research on the Internet regarding brands, prices, and
>most importantly design (straight or in-line vs. off set, open hole vs.
>closed, b foot, c foot, etc). Obviously, there are more than one design of
>flute. I doubt that open hole would be an issue for a clarinetist wanting to
>learn to play flute.
>
>Please feel free to respond off line if you like.

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