Klarinet Archive - Posting 000489.txt from 2004/11

From: Dave Gilbert <dgilbert@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] adult soprano student beginner
Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2004 18:35:31 -0500

My adult soprano student came to me already owning a soprano ( curved
inexpensive off brand) and mpc ( yamaha 4c).

I play and teach clar, flute and sax-- soprano thru bari. While I agree
it is perhaps easier to begin on alto or tenor than on soprano, this
fellow's heart told him to play soprano... I have a few adult soprano
students ranging from beginner to a gal who plays in a klezmer band.

I do not try to change their instrument choice, unless they are having
real difficulties, which this student is not.

I have been playing woodwinds for 45+ years, and maintain a teaching
studio of some 50 students. I feel that I have a reasonable amount of
woodwind experience and can judge a student's progress or difficulties.

The previous post on the subject of my adult beginner soprano student
seemed to imply that I was doing him a dis-service by allowing him to
start his saxophone experience on soprano.

For that poster's information, I have remarked to this student many
times on the accuracy of his pitch, combined with a very nice tone...
all in all quite a wonderful combination from so new a sax student..
This student's presentation and tone control far exceed
what one might expect from a new student. I certainly have other
students who don't fare so well.

Please don't pass judgment. You may choose not to start a student on
soprano; I , on the other hand, have had good success over the years
allowing students to play the horn that interests them.

Regards

Dave G

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