 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Amy
Date: 1999-03-08 23:12
I just offered to start giving lessons at one of the middle schools for some of the younger clarinet players that are struggling. I know a lot about playing, but not teaching. Where do I start?? Would it be best to look at the band music they're playing, or see how well they know their scales, or work on other exercises that deal with technique and tone??? I'm not sure what I should do the first time to figure out what exactly their level of playing is. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Amy
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Author: Jim Carabetta
Date: 1999-03-08 23:21
Spend the first lesson assessing the skill level, from how to put the horn together, to finger positions, to embouchure.
Bring some basic stuff from your library, just in case. Chances are, the student has already attempted the band stuff, so it won't be a complete surprise: ask the student to attempt to play his/her own band stuff, and try to determine, based on what they do, not so much how they play it, but what basic skills need the most work first. Design your drill sessions around those skills, saving time each session for the application in the band pieces, and for some fun. Keep a stash of easy, fun pieces for "dessert". And bring your own horn -- sometimes hearing is believing!
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Author: Rick2
Date: 1999-03-09 00:47
Yes, bring your own clarinet. Duets are very important to developing the sense of timing.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-03-09 00:54
As Jim has said, primarily spend the first lesson assessing the student. He has listed several very good things to check here are some more.
1. Hand position (in addition to finger position). Clarinets are heavier than adults realize or remember and many kids get that hand too far "under" the horn.
2. Check and make sure the equipment is in good condition. The band directors seldom have time to check and kids can't tell if there is anything wrong.
3. Encourage each one to have several reeds available. They don't have to go overboard but both students and parents are unaware that one is not enough.
As far as teaching, keep a little log book so you can track what each student needs to work on, what they have already worked on etc. You can get mighty confused if you don't. Also as Jim indicated work on only ONE problem or element at a time. If you try to do everything at once, it won't work. Both you and the student will get very frustrated.
Finally, of course, be patient. Some will progress rapidly and others slowly. Treat each one as an individual, do not compare one to the other (not even in your own mind). One student may start slow and go like gangbusters later. Another may make stupendous progress at first and then hit a long, dry plateau.
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Author: Katherine Pincock
Date: 1999-03-09 13:17
For the first lesson you have with each student, I'd suggest that you ask each of them what they'd like to be doing better. They may not know exactly what's wrong, but they might be able to say, "I can't play fast enough" or "I can't make a sound in this register." Going over their band music with them would probably make a good test situation, to assess their ability, as well as keeping them comfortable (remember, if it's their first lesson, they'll be nervous and unsure of what to expect.) Then you can work from there, once you know what their strengths and weaknesses are.
I think you'll have a good time doing this. I'm a firm believer in, "If you can teach it, you really know it." So have fun! I know that the fact that you're asking this question means that you'll do well.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 1999-03-09 15:59
I much appreciate the above advice [and am sure many others will also] since I do minor repair, trade horns and give free advice, but when asked re: teaching, I decline due to the lack of specialized knowledge and time required [am just a musical engineer!] . When my "competence" seems high, I try to assess the current problem, make some suggestions and go to Stein et al and The Hite Site for help, communicating their advice. It is of some help, but will try to do better ! Don
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Author: ted
Date: 1999-03-09 17:12
Since you mention that these students are struggling, I would make sure that the fundamentals are in place: correct embouchure, finger position, and articulation (tongueing). Keith Stein has a good book called the "Art of Clarinet Playing" and Daniel Bonale has an instructional book (I can't remember the name). Both are good resources.
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Author: Stephanie aka Benny
Date: 1999-03-09 19:18
i recently started with one student. i started her w/ the beginning exercises in the orange Klose book. however i have discovered that i do not have enough time to devote to her as a student. start them with the basics. Hand pos., phrasing, and the things that have made you the good player that you are. hope that i could help.
~*~*Keep Swinging~*~*
Benny
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Author: Amy
Date: 1999-03-09 22:59
Thank you for all the advice. I feel a lot more secure about how I'm going to approach the students. Thanks to everyone!
Amy
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Author: Andy
Date: 1999-03-09 23:30
Do what my private teacher does!!
assign homework!! like... practicing it over and over and over... but show them how to do it first do they don't practice the wrong stuff... (i have a problum with that once......)
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