Klarinet Archive - Posting 000135.txt from 2008/04

From: "Tammy DeRoche" <tam.deroche@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] method books for adult student returning to playing
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:27:08 -0400

Hi everyone,

I just searched the archives and couldn't find what I needed so I'll try to
post a new thread.

I am returning to clarinet playing after...um...nearly 25 yrs (yikes!) and I
need some suggestions on where to begin. In high school and college I was a
fairly good player (several years of private lessons, played in concert/jazz
bands, clarinet quintet, All State Band, ...). I pretty much stopped after
college and only pick my horn up a couple of times a year to play (if that).

Now I've decided I want to try to get back into it--in earnest. I picked up
some books (Hite studies and such) that I bought about 10 yrs ago when I
thought I would play more. They are all too difficult for me now. I need a
really basic review so that I can work on fingerings, tone, embouchure, and
get back up to speed...at the same time, I don't want to be entirely bored
to death with the beginner books that focus on one note for 10 pages, you
know?

Can any of you recommend something for someone like me? Even a beginner
method book series that just isn't so focused on the under-12 set...maybe I
can work through it quickly to get back up to more interesting pieces. I
know I should actually take some private lessons again but I honestly don't
have time (and a good babysitter!) to be able to do it right now. But, if
you do know of some instructors in the Seattle, WA area I would love some
names of those, too.

Thank you all so much!

All the best,
Tammy
Seattle area, WA USA

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