 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarineter
Date: 2022-01-10 18:24
Hello,
I haven't played clarinet since 2018 after failing to make the TMEA All-State band which is very competitive where almost every if not all who make All-State had an R13. After seeing this year's results and still being incredibly salty about not making it during my year especially when there is this kid who made first chair in his area as a freshman coming from an All-State powerhouse and another who made it from my school district that I once was the best clarinet player in, I've decided to start taking lessons this month. However, I'm a very quiet person, so I fear that the instructor would take this silence as being rude. I can never come up with a lot of words to reply with, making me look very low IQ. I've already had this experience years ago. This is the only reason why I'm hesitant on coming back to the clarinet. I do want to come back and win a major competition some day, but this one problem is major. I already have my new R13; I just need an instructor to help me out.
Post Edited (2022-01-10 18:26)
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Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2022-01-10 18:44
I want to share some things you do and don't want to hear.
1) Do not play the clarinet to win competitions! Play the clarinet to enjoy making music. We all want to be competitive, that's perhaps human nature, but another person's success is not necessarily your failure if you use it as a learning opportunity.
2) Do not judge the quality of a clarinetist based on the clarinet they play. There are plenty of very, very good clarinetists out there who make all-state bands and orchestras on the perceived "inferior" instrument, but a well kept and regulated E11, for example, can work just as well. Yes, an R13 is a good instrument, yes, perhaps even better than an R13, but that's not the only factor.
3) You sound like you might have a self-esteem issue. I'm not going to psycho-analyze you - plenty of people get paid a lot of money to listen - but I will say that any teacher would be happy to have a student who comes to his or her lessons well-prepared and is ready to learn and work hard to be a better player. Anything else is ancillary to your goal.
3a) If you're going to take lessons to win competitions prepare to be disappointed. A competition is merely a gauge of how a group of players play on a particular day, on particular pieces, relative to how a judge feels they did. There are many professional clarinetists who have never won a competition except their audition - don't get caught up on beating another person, focus on creating beautiful music. You must have your goals in order for you to become a better musician. If your motivation is one of pride rather than musicianship and a love for making music, your playing will reflect that.
In summary, I recommend you reflect on why you want to come back to the clarinet and remember that playing the clarinet is not about the competition, but about making beautiful music. Root your desire to play in your love for what it can do and any teacher will be happy to have you.
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Author: clarineter
Date: 2022-01-10 19:01
I wish that I didn't have to spend a lot of time on improving tone quality back then when I could have just gotten a superior clarinet. There was definitely an improvement from my old clarinet to the R13.
I honestly don't believe that most of the All-Staters truly like music but are there to make All-State. It was really toxic back then, and I don't think it changed a bit.
They were just lucky to have superior clarinets. By the way, I don't believe my old clarinet was nearly as good as the E11. Just my opinion.
I'll obviously work hard to improve my playing. I used to listen to my playing all the time to look for any improvements, so making beautiful music shouldn't be an issue. If I had this R13 back then, the All-State judges would have loved my playing.
Post Edited (2022-01-10 19:05)
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2022-01-10 19:18
Finding an instructor can sometimes be challenging. I've been teaching private lessons for decades.
I never think that anyone is rude if they are more quiet, nor do I think they look "low IQ" if they are not able to find the right words. Some people just aren't chatty and that is absolutely ok, plus part of an instructor's job is to teach the student ways to talk about music and the clarinet.
See if instructors near you can give you a trial lesson or reduced-cost 3-4 lesson package to see if you both are a good fit for each other.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2022-01-10 19:55
Awesome advice above! There is certainly LOTS of room on this planet for introverts. I would only add that to truly learn from ANYONE you should look at your lessons as a dialogue. The greatest teachers in the world are still going to say something that doesn’t immediately make sense to you. Take those opportunities to ask questions, clarify.
A friend of mine had a lesson with a great player/teacher in Germany. He came to find out at the second lesson that this “important” exercise he prepared was not prepared with the correct articulation. The teacher was disappointed, he was devastated and never went back! Ask questions, challenge if need be. Everyone digests information differently, no need to feel any comparison with anyone else.
……………Paul Aviles
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Author: clarineter
Date: 2022-01-11 02:00
I've always been terrible at asking questions, but I will try.
Thank you for the replies.
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Author: clarineter
Date: 2022-01-11 04:23
I wonder if you have anything relevant to say.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2022-01-11 04:27
I suspect that Bennet is correct. The word that comes to mind is "Troll".
Tony F.
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Author: clarineter
Date: 2022-01-11 04:30
If you don't like what I'm posting, then don't post anything at all.
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Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2022-01-11 05:39
lol, yeah, Bennett, that was exactly the same thing I thought - then you give the benefit of the doubt and WHAM...your hopes are dashed. Oh well.
Post Edited (2022-01-11 05:39)
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Author: clarineter
Date: 2022-01-11 06:00
Lol. At least I don't play clarinet for a living. That's what you get for being a dick.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2022-01-11 07:21
I think it's a good time to end this thread. (kdk)
And 'clarineter' needs a little time out. (Mark Charette)
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