 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jaquline
Date: 2001-08-09 20:44
I have seemed to reach a stagnant point in my playing. I don't have that "I can finally do it" feeling very often anymore. I have a competent teacher, practice regularly 3 hours per day and play in several orchestras, both school and community. Lack of committment is not a problem. The problem is that I haven't had a real breakthrough in quite some time. Any suggestions to spice up my playing a little and get me back on track?? Thanks!
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Author: Jerry McD.
Date: 2001-08-09 21:05
Jaquline,
I would recommend that you play some different things. Maybe you could put together a chamber music group outside of school. Put together a woodwind quintet (always rewarding playing) and play what you want, when you want to do it. This way you don't have to answer to anyone or create any expectations.....have fun. Maybe have the initial rehearsal in conjunction with a kickoff party! I think the key is to do what you want, play what you want without being beholden to anyone. Smile and think about how blessed you are!
Jerry McD.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2001-08-09 21:16
Your problem is not an uncommon one. Often, students need that little "spark" to help rejuvenate their attitude towards playing. (Don't fret, pros need it too). How about presenting and working up a small recital at a local church, community center, retirement home, etc... The idea of a free concert, with quality music will be enough of a draw for a good audience. Then you can prepare and work on a nice varied program to showcase your latest projects..
If all else fails, how about a small chamber concert in your house - just for family and friends. It's amazing how rewarding that can be!!
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Author: William
Date: 2001-08-09 21:30
Some random thoughts: Do a recital in another venue (university, city, country?)--Solo with one of your groups--Hire some players and make a CD (and try to market it)--Audition for some of those "natioal" orchestras that advertise in The Musician--International workshops--Open a studio and do some private teaching--Sub for your local school system (if qualified)--Learn to play jazz (double on sax??)--Read Marios' posting on the oboe d'amour music. FYI--My big regret regarding my clarinet playing is that, before I assumed family and financial obligations, I never went to New York City to study and play. Therefore, I recommend that all young musicians, who might have any idea whatsoever of pursuing playing professionally as a career, move to a major international music center (like NYC) and give it a try while still "young and fancy free." Like the sports saying, "it is better to have played the game and lost, rather than to never have played at all." Good Clarineting with whatver you decide!!!!!
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Author: Meri
Date: 2001-08-09 22:14
It's called a plateau. Every musician has times where their level of playing grows by leaps and bounds, and then they suddenly stops increasing, at least temporarily. I know I have had at least two major surges. The first one was between the time I was 14 and 16, and the second was during most of the past year. Currently, I'm at one of those plateaus, but get glimpses of what is possible at the next level.
Meri
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-08-10 03:06
I make it a rule to think like this when I come to the same situation:
Excellent artists often say instrumenst are only tools and expressing their feelings are the purposes of musical performances. Without this thought, we might feel our daily playing/practice rootless. Listening to Heifetz(violin), Calas/del Monaco(vocal), Lubinstein/Gould(piano) may be a revelation to recognize this.
Mechanical practice without firm purpose in mind is be useless.
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Author: Anna
Date: 2001-08-20 11:17
Try something new - pick up Eb or bass clarinet and spend some time with them It's not all the same but it's similar enough that you won't have to start from scratch!
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