 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wilton-cox
Date: 2007-07-10 17:19
I would love to learn to play the clarinet. I have never played a musical instrument (a deep regret) and have never learned to read music.
Am I too old? I am just turned 60.
I am trying to decide between a Buffet Bb12 and a Hanson Student model - of which I have heard good reports.
Any comments from music/clarintet tutors, experienced clarintists or those who have been through this?
Michael Wilton-Cox
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-07-10 17:24
Michael,
1. You're never too old to learn something new.
2. I've been through this as well (however, at the tender age of 41)
3. I won't recommend you a specific make or brand - just stay clear of "teacher approved 2007 models" from That Auction Site.
4. Welcome to the club.
--
Ben
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Author: FDF
Date: 2007-07-10 17:27
If you have a deep desire to play the clarinet and are willing to take the ups and downs of progress through practice, then you are not too old.
I encourage you to take it up.
Can't give you any advise about the clarinets you have in mind. I have never played either.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-07-10 17:30
Welcome to our world, Michael! It is never too late to learn to play an instrument. A lady in our adult community band started playing the clarinet well into her sixties. She is having a great time, and loves the instrument and loves to make music.
Find a decent teacher, and this will help you to progress more quickly.
The Buffet is a decent beginner instrument. I am unfamiliar with the other. You might also look at Tom Ridenour's model RCP 576b Lyrique clarinet, which is of better quality than the Buffet, but not so highly-priced to make it unobtainable for most folks. It is the second instrument shown on this page: http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/Bbclarpg.html
Jeff
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Author: D
Date: 2007-07-10 17:46
No such thing as too old. You are not too far from Duxford. The Music workshop there has an average age of what must be well over 60. I doubt they are the only ones in the country!
I have a Hanson student model - great instrument and loads of quality accessories such as a 'proper' mouthpiece and two barrels.
Buffet B12 is good too as you will have seen from the million comments on this board.
A very important thing is to consider that you must keep the instrument well cared for and this does mean getting it readjusted every so often by a tech who knows what they are doing. Hanson provide this service for free but you have to get the instrument to them and thus it means you are without it for a while unless you are very careful about scheduling - however they are very helpful and try and fit in with your needs. Or you need to make sure that you have a good tech near by who will work on whatever brand you choose.
There are other good manufacturers out there such as the Yamaha, etc and you will read loads about them also on this bboard.
You probably wont go wrong with what you purchase in terms of quality if you stick to those major manufacturers and make sure someone who knows what they are doing checks it over for adjustment. (when you first start it is easy to twist things a bit much and these just need easing back to make the instrument easier to play).
Perhaps it would be wise to take into account:
If you are very unsure and want to minimise the chances of loosing money on this then buy a second hand B12 or similar which has been properly adjusted. This will be easy to resell as it is a 'known' brand and you probably wont loose too much over it.
If you like to have new things but think you might resell if you give up then you'll just have to be prepared to loose some money.
If you think you will probably want to upgrade to a better instrument eventually then get the best adjusted but ugliest second hand instrument you can find (of good brand of course). If a school student has worn though the platting on the keys and the case lining is stained it doesn't matter as long as the pads are good and the mechanical parts are in good condition.
If you are utterly determined to play for the rest of your life then still start with a student model. Although it is tempting to go for an intermediate (which is an option) or professional model there really isn't much point until you know what suits you best. Pro models are finicky race horse types. You better with the built like a tank student version which will be less sensitive to variations in your playing. An intermediate model wouldn't be a disaster to begin on. The reason being that it would be easier to keep that as a back up later when you are astonishingly brilliant and have a better 1st instrument.
As you are a total beginner I would recommend getting a teacher for at least a few months. There are teachers who are happy/prefer to teach adults and many will do lessons every couple of weeks which most adults find suits them better. I would certainly recommend reading the forums on the ABRSM website on adult learners, and teachers. These give you more information than I possible could if I was here all night. They also let you know you are not alone. There are loads of adult learners in the UK and it is great to see what they are having problem with or doing great at. You will also find loads of support and understanding about making that first phone call to a teacher. How to talk to them, how to explain what you need and want, what you want to achieve, and how not to run away when they ask if you want to book lessons for your grandchildren......! Also, helps us adult learners to understand how teachers work and think. And how to tell them what we need.
The most important things though are
have fun
find away to short circuit the emotion of shame (it has no place in music!)
find other people to play with - in as many different types of music as possible
don't ever ever take music too seriously.....you might end up addicted to this bboard!
Post Edited (2007-07-10 17:50)
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Author: RichA
Date: 2007-07-10 19:07
Michael:
You're still young. I'm 64 and took it up when I turned 61 - with no musical background whatsoever. As long as you enjoy it - get a good instructor and practice, practice, practice. The rewards and enjoyment far outweigh the daily efforts.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2007-07-10 21:19
About time you started, we've been waiting ages.
A couple of important considerations - if you have bridgework or dentures;
make certain of a proper fit without anything loose. You will develop a favorite position for holding the mouthpiece in your first weeks. If the dentitia shift, you'll be set back.
The Hanson is a lovely instrument, but I would hire for the first three months.
You may find a good value in the secondhand market (try Myatt's) over the year... I think a Boosey 926 would be ideal, if available in good repair.
http://www.myatt.co.uk/cla.htm
The first months, consider using the Legere synthetic reed, out of Canada.
They're good sounding, durable and immune to changes in humidity.
The Fobes Debut, and Hite Premier beginner's mouthpieces are good mates.
Lastly, 20 minutes daily trumps 2 hours on Saturday.
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Author: pplateau
Date: 2007-07-10 21:27
Good for you; do it! BUT find a good teacher--- ask your local high school or better yet, school of music, college for a recommendation; just anyone is not good enough; go for it! You won't regret it.
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Author: SolidRockMan
Date: 2007-07-11 11:56
Never too old, absolutely go for it. I started on a Buffet B12 but I'm now playing a Forte clarinet, which I would rate as far superior. This would be an excellent beginner choice as together with being quite inexpensive you get quality accessories included (such as a Genussa mouthpiece). If you search the board for Forte or Omar Henderson you'll find lots more info...
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Author: Bartmann
Date: 2007-07-11 14:07
Wilton-cox,
It's so good to hear you want to learn how to play a musical instrument. And at 60 you're not too old. Just think, if like in those Danon yogurt commercials you live to be 110, you will have had 50 years of playing under your belt.
One question you may ask yourself is: "Why the clarinet? Or even, "Why woodwinds at all?" There's physical strength needed to play woodwinds, from the development of the embouchure to the strengthing of the lungs and stomach. Unlike playing a violin or piano for example, developing physical robustness is essential to woodwind playing. This is not to say strings or piano instruments don't require physicality, professional pianists often have powerful fingers, however a pianist can play a piece of music while they have a cold, canker sores, or are coughing for instance. For a woodwind player, it can be impossible to play under these circumstances.
Keeping the physical conditioning part of woodwind playing in mind, I have found the flute to be less physiclally demanding than the clarinet. As a beginning clarinet student you will only be able to play for ten minutes max, before either you embouchure gives out or your bottom lip hurts. With the flute you can play far longer without either pain or embouchure fatigue. Because of the longer playing times you will develop faster on the flute than clarinet.
Also, because the flute overblows an octave, it's easier to learn the fingerings first two octaves. Also it's much easier to pick out a good flute than a good clarinet. And over the long haul, flutes are cheaper to maintain because you don't need keep buying reeds.
Often the initial hurdles are often the most difficult for the beginner to surmount. But at 60 you know yourself well. You know whether you have the fastidiousness to stick to a practice routine and if you have the financial resources necessary to hire a teacher, and pay for the maintenance of the instrument. I only mention the flute only because if you can see yourself playing several instruments, then why not choose the easier one? However, if you have always wanted to learn the clarinet, then follow your dreams.
The most important thing is to find a good teacher. On your first lesson you can go to a music store and the instructor can help you pick out a good instrument. Your success learning a musical instrument really depends on having a good teacher. They can show the basics, and they can start you on playing duets: your first ensemble.
Learning an instrument is WONDERFUL for exercising the brain. No other intellectual activity can compare to the amount required to learn an instrument: it combines physicality, concentration, rhythm, math, and artistry in one hobby. It is wonderful to fill you life with a hobby that you love.
Congratulations on choosing to learn an instrument.
Bartmann
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Author: wilton-cox
Date: 2007-07-11 14:14
Thank you all for your encouragement and very useful and welcome advice.
I am going for it, and as soon as I can.
I have just tried a Buffet Bb12 and a Yamaha equivalent. Not a lot in it as far as ease of getting notes out of. I slightly prefer the tone of the Buffet ( sounds "pretentious" from a complete novice, but it sounded a bit "softer" in tone to me). I would love to try a Hanson before I decide, and they do a 7 day trial - return for full refund. May be a way of doing it.
I have a friend who's son plays (up to grade 8 now) and has offered lessons just to get me started and whilst I find a professional teacher. Local school/college is a good start - thanks for that advice.
Thank you all again. I hope to report back in a few months with news of progress.
Michael Wilton-Cox
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-07-11 16:07
I just can't let this golden opportunity pass me by, to add my encouragements, and a bit to the rec's. I just hit 88 and still play as often as friends will have me, enjoying it all. Here across the "pond" we generally recommend the "big four'" student, intermediate and pro models. by Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer, Leblanc, and add the Forte and Lyrique newer, fine student cls, also have heard of several good G B makes, have little experience there. I do echo most of the above, and if you have some "tinkering" skills plus curiousity, I suggest getting a copy of Jack Brymer's PB book on Clarinet, also Lawson [Cambridge] and learn from reading as well. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2007-07-11 16:57
My student was 86 when we started. He had inherited a Selmer from a pal, and really wanted to play it. It was a wonderful clarinet. We worked together for a couple of years, once a week. Since I was not too sure about my teaching technique, I never charged him. He could play a little when we first became acquainted. His problem was not playing loud enough, but we got him to overcome that. He didn't have any respiratory problems, just basically shy - didn't want the neighbors to hear. It was a great experience for both of us.
I use a Buffet. I also have a Noblet Intermediate that was used. I bought it for use as a back-up clarinet. It's a good horn too but I prefer Buffet.
Good luck to you. It will take lots and lots of patience. I believe strongly that anything you want to do, you CAN do.
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Author: wilton-cox
Date: 2007-07-11 17:04
Thanks.
My wife also wants to learn to play the digital piano - has anyone any experience of these or know anybody who can give us advice?
I couldn't have wished for a more friendly and helpful response, but have not found a similar forum for piano? Anyone point me in the right direction?
Kind regards to you all.
Michael
Michael Wilton-Cox
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-07-11 17:15
> My wife also wants to learn to play the digital piano - has anyone any
> experience of these or know anybody who can give us advice?
FWIW we have a Kawai CL-20. Small Footprint, vg keyboard, good sound, MIDI. And not even expensive. (I guess there's a successor model available these days)
--
Ben
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Author: FDF
Date: 2007-07-11 17:22
You might find this site helpful http://www.allaboutpianos.com/digitalfaq.html
Personally, I prefer an old upright. The sound is great and they blend well with a clarinet. Good used pianos are still available. I also have a small portable keyboard I use when traveling.
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Author: D
Date: 2007-07-12 17:35
If you get a digital piano which has a transposing function then you would be able to play violin/flute/oboe music etc with piano parts as well as clarinet. This would make like lots easier, especially if you have a habit like I do, of getting piles of old music from charity shops.
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Author: clarinetwife
Date: 2007-07-12 19:56
Yes, whenever you deal with singers or a transposing instrument, that feature can come in real handy. I am a big fan of the acoustic piano, but there are many people who are motivated more to play on a digital because they can get all the different melody sounds and orchestrated accompaniments. They have fun with that. It is a very individual decision.
Happy Shopping!
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-07-12 20:31
....plus, for some dollars you can get an USB/Midi converter that lets you hook your PC to the (digital) piano and play (Midi) files via the piano. Enhances your practicing experience, have Sam play it again and again on parties, ....
--
Ben
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-07-13 10:48
Get the digital piano or keyboard first and learn about intervals, scales, transposition etc. IF you then decide to play clarinet you will be ahead of the game. The clarinet can/may present problems as you get older....arthritic fingers that accidently touch the wrong keys being a prime annoyance. 60 is not too old to learn music.....but give a lot of thought before deciding it should be a clarinet. We seniors who began clarinet when we were young tolerate our age related playing problems.
Bob Draznik
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Author: awm34
Date: 2007-07-14 02:47
I'm sure that individual health is a huge factor as variations are (obviously) much greater as we age. I started five years ago at age 68 and then had a quintuple bypass a year and a half later. I continue to compete in senior tennis tournaments with the result that I have no physical problems (arthritis, shortness of breath) that limit my playing.
Having said all that I'm still working towards a moderate level of proficiency -- with the help of weekly lessons with an able teacher.
Alan Messer
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Author: old999
Date: 2007-07-14 21:22
I'm 67 and started the clarinet a year and a half ago. I've been playing in a community band this summer, though I confess to faking the parts that give me trouble. I did play violin up till the 8th grade, so I was not a total beginner when I took up the clarinet, but very nearly so. I've never regretted making the decision to start up with music again.
Al
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-07-14 21:25
> though I confess to faking the parts that give me trouble.
<raises hand> I'm pleading guilty, too, your honour.
--
Ben
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Author: awm34
Date: 2007-07-14 22:07
Faking the community band parts? Survival. Survival at all costs!
Guilty too.
Alan Messer
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