 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Philip Caron
Date: 2015-12-16 09:01
Near my area there seem to be no clarinet teachers in a position to have me as a student; I've asked several but been politely declined. I'm a returning adult 9 years in now. I'm soon visiting a more metropolitan area, and an internet search reveals a respected and well-spoken-of clarinet teacher at the college there who gives private lessons. I'm tempted to contact this teacher and arrange, if possible, a lesson while I'm in his area.
I'm afraid.
I've been solving my own problems for so long now, for better or for worse. I don't follow all the standard prescriptions for practice, though I have progressed . . . . but how do I really know that? Feedback the last few summers from the local community band I play with has been, hmm, weird. Which probably reflects what the other members see me as. Anyway, some of them, including the conductor (and the guest conductor,) say I'm playing well. I myself tend to see major shortcomings in my play in every area, but those have seemed to be getting smaller and more specific (and more numerous, a factor of always seeing more details the closer you get, which is the cause of the 80/20 or 90/10 rule.)
What if the teacher tells me to start all over, practice differently for additional years on end, it's the only way to improve, anything else is hopeless etc.? Well, it's hopeless anyway, but I'm not sure I'm up to reinventing my entire wheel at this point. Or maybe I am. Or maybe it isn't necessary.
Sigh. It's logical to assume that eventually I've got to get with someone knowledgeable. One can't do it "all" by themselves. Can they?
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2015-12-16 14:15
Take lessons. I'm primarily self taught as well. Never got lessons through schools or when I was younger. I took about ten lessons (monthly) with a clarinet professor.
Yes, you will probably have to change a few habits. But NO, it won't be "starting all over". You'll learn a few drills to start incorporating into your practice, and you will, basically, learn how to play better, and EASIER. And you'll be much better off not only in the long run, but you'll probably see and feel improvements well within a month or two if you follow the advice and put your mind and practice time to what they suggest.
Do it.
Seriously do it.
Did you call already?
Totally worth it and has made life and playing much more enjoyable and efficient.
Hurry up and call!!!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: JonTheReeds
Date: 2015-12-16 14:56
I agree with Alexi - take lessons. Definitely give the teacher you've found a go. You'll learn something even if you don't decide to take regular lessons
If you do decide to take regular lessons, there may be some things that you have to start from the beginning again, but if the teacher knows what they are doing it will be worth the effort. You won't have years of practice, it'll only take a few months if you need to relearn something
It is important that you feel comfortable with your teacher - especially if they are asking you to change something in a major way - so have a look around. You need to feel you can ask 'stupid' questions. Most teachers are only used to teaching children up to the age of 18 and some are uncomfortable or can't teach adults
What is the "weird" feedback you get?
Good luck and let us know how you get on
--------------------------------------
The older I get, the better I was
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-12-16 15:38
I have had a similar experience to your "starting over" scenario. I am a player with over 40 years playing experience.
Just over a month ago I was challenged to try a German mouthpiece (a lot of things to consider with this idea) with a French clarinet. I had played a German clarinet exclusively for about twelve years (ending the run about ten years ago) and I thought I knew what that was all about. I had though NEVER had a lesson with a "German clarinet player" (or one who knew anything about the specifics of the beast).
The current mouthpiece was sent along with three 2 1/2 strength (Vandoren White Master of course) reeds that were recommended for this very closed tip, long facing mouthpiece. Normally I play number 4 strength reeds (and would consider such reeds essential for a closed facing - in the "French/American" school of thought). I dutifully put on one of these reeds just for fun. The sound was GREAT. It felt terrible. By that I mean it felt as though it should sound awful, but it sounded GREAT.
So for this last month I have been trying to retrain myself to play on MUCH weaker reeds than I have ever used. It took almost a full month to get results that were "rehearsal acceptable" but it finally happened just a few days ago.
You can teach an old dog new trick!
But you need........SOMEONE TO SHOW YOU THE TRICK !!!!!!!
..................Paul Aviles
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Author: kdk
Date: 2015-12-16 17:59
Philip Caron wrote:
> What if the teacher tells me to start all over, practice
> differently for additional years on end, it's the only way to
> improve, anything else is hopeless etc.? Well, it's hopeless
> anyway, but I'm not sure I'm up to reinventing my entire wheel
> at this point. Or maybe I am. Or maybe it isn't necessary.
>
There are teachers who are dogmatic and inflexible and admit to only one way of doing things (the way they've learned to do them) and there are others who are more willing (and able) to work with you from where you are. You, as the consumer, have the final choice.
It's more difficult if there aren't so many choices in your area, but lessons don't need to be weekly or even, really, on a regular schedule. Once you find a teacher you like, if it's a long trip to get to him or her, spend a few weeks working on something and then arrange a lesson to discuss problems.
There are some basic techniques that really don't vary much among good players. If you tongue against the roof of your mouth or put the reed directly in contact with your bottom teeth (without any lip in between), a teacher will probably want you to change those things. But it doesn't seem from your posts as though there are any seriously "unconventional" parts of your technique. Practice techniques, issues of phrasing, style, etc., are individual and it's always your choice whether or not to take advice in these areas. It never IMO *needs* to be a complete re-start unless you want it to be.
Try setting up a couple of lessons and see how it goes. You don't have to go again if they don't work out well.
> Sigh. It's logical to assume that eventually I've got to get
> with someone knowledgeable. One can't do it "all" by
> themselves. Can they?
At best, you waste time and effort and maybe cash (looking for equipment-based solutions to player-based problems) in chasing down a lot of blind alleys and a competent teacher can guide you down the avenues that may be more productive. A good teacher can narrow the possible solutions. Completely on your own, it's very easy to confuse yourself with too many unproductive attempts.
Karl
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Author: DougR
Date: 2015-12-16 22:51
I'm all in with Alexi and the cats on this. I'd say, by all means take the lesson, RECORD the lesson, transcribe the recording so as to make up a set of notes you can refer to each time you practice (that is, if you agree with them and/or find the lesson helpful).
I did that when I started studying with a local pro who turned out to be a terrific guy, and an incredible resource of playing tips and techniques. I generally went every 2 weeks, and in between, I had my notebooks to refer to.
I haven't studied with him for a number of years now, but I still refer to the notebooks every time I practice.
Believe me, he gave me my share of bad news about my playing, too. I had to start from scratch on breathing concept, oral cavity architecture, embouchure, and lots more. (One reason was that I had a "sound" in my head I was trying to get, and on my own found ways to produce it that were actually hostile to getting the sound I was trying to get, which I actually wasn't really getting anyway. Hope that makes sense.)
But here's the thing: I was able to keep playing the "old way" while I was gradually working on the "new way," and ended up sounding tons better, and enjoying my playing MUCH more.
Sometimes at first, I found myself regarding the lessons as "This will result in a loss for me" (in terms of self image or 'what I think my skill set is'). But I hung in, and over the longer term developed MUCH better skills and sound.
Hope this is useful. Best of luck!
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2015-12-17 04:25
Being mostly self-taught after a long hiatus, the following things helped (in addition to the practice books, etc.):
1. reading and participating in this bboard (a tremendous resource)
2. having a good tone quality in mind and matching it
3. playing every opportunity I can, and in different settings
4. upgrading my setup as I needed to
5. when I'd plateau, I would strip my playing down and start over myself
6. play music that speaks to me even if I have to transpose/rearrange
7. watch/listen to others live
8. have clarinet buddies (local & distant) who share their experience
It was very hard to find an available teacher that had the right teaching resources, demands, encouragements, inspiration, etc. for me. Some had wacko ideas and people like that can do real damage, so trust yourself. I've been looking for about 5 years and I have 2 that I really like and found by asking players that I admire, and I'm working around my schedule to prepare for the lesson, and they are so helpful.
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