The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bo
Date: 2003-02-07 18:32
I wanted to thank everyone for their support and good words earlier in the week. I had my first lesson yesterday. It went well. I made a ton of squawks, squeels and goose calls. In between there were some notes. Since I can only afford lessons once a month (and only for 1/2 hour each time), I have plenty to practice and hopefully my 7 month old daughter will put up with the poor sounds.
Also, just found out that I might be able to acquire an upright piano for cheap and am hoping to learn that too. At first, I thought it might take away from my learning on the clarinet, but then I thought about it and realized that in the long run, it will most likely improve my clarinet, piano, and guitar playing as well as my singing to learn two instruments at once. I might be looking at a steeper learning curve on the clarinet, but I am determined to play some dixieland on this here horn.
Bo
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-02-07 18:44
Thanks for some great news, Bo.
Looks like you're doing fine. One lesson a month is okay as long as you're motivated to practice/play on your own - and, from what you write, I'm sure you are. I can't speak for anyone else in the matter of playing two or more 'different' instruments but, personally, I've never found a problem with it. I always felt 'the more the merrier':) It gives me a greater appreciation and respect for those who play those other instruments well.
Again, thanks for the First Lesson update; your experience is an encouragement... at least to me.
Happy Tootin' :]
- ron b -
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Author: Pam
Date: 2003-02-07 21:53
I agree with ron b. I'm one of those crazy people who play and take lessons on several instruments at a time. Clarinet is my main axe and piano and flute are number 2 and 3 right now. As long as you stay motivated you'll do fine. Sometimes it's hard to find enough time to practice as much as I'd like to, but I guess most people face that to some degree or another.
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Author: RA
Date: 2003-02-08 01:19
Ahh, playing two instruments isn't that hard. Right. What could be farther from the truth? Afterall, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing." I play two instruments and am hoping to learn a third. I don't believe singing counts since it is musical theatre and I belt. *LAAA* But hey! You'll be doing swell in know time. Happy Noodling!
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Author: leonard a
Date: 2003-02-08 02:07
I agree with all said about more than one instrument. I was taking sax and have now added clarinet because I want to be able to double. I realize that the time I devote to the clarinet will slow my sax progress, but ultimately I think it'll be worth it to be able to play more than one instrument. May even spend some time on piano, which was my original instrument. I think it all works together.
Good luck and enjoy.
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Author: Bo
Date: 2003-02-08 03:01
Well, I already play guitar, bass, drums and mandolin, but I learned them separately. That was my concern...learning 2 new instruments at once. I kind of have a foundation of piano (major and minor chords), but reading music is new to me because I have been playing by ear for almost 18 years.
Thanks again and I think you are all right.
Now, if I can just get my PC recording studio together I'll be good to go. I guess I can try and recycle some diapers. Not!
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2003-02-08 04:14
I would guess that picking up piano with guitar etc. experience would be easier than picking it up with just wind instrument background because you already think of music "vertically" ie. the harmonic structure as well as horizontally, the melodic line. I think I would be a better musician if I had taken piano with the clarinet 40+ years ago. (My parents could barely afford the clarinet, I can picture my mom's face if I had asked for a piano, besides, we lived on the third floor of a walk up.)
I suspect your 7 month old will tolerate your practicing much better than a dog or cat would!
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Author: Malaya
Date: 2003-02-08 15:43
"I made a ton of squawks, squeels and goose calls."
Ahh, those noises are the best part of playing clarinet! Hehe... They'll go away with time though. It's always a fond memory of those beginning days when one does actually sneak out later down the road. I still smile every time I squirk, because I remember why I struggled through those days of honking out "Mary Had a Little Lamb" in middle school band class. Hard to think that was only a few years ago.
"I suspect your 7 month old will tolerate your practicing much better than a dog or cat would!"
I have to say, my cats hate the clarinet... They run out of the room as soon as I start putting it together!!
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Author: RA
Date: 2003-02-08 17:09
LOL , that is pretty funny. I remember my mom told me that if I didn't stop squeaking she'd take it away from me. :(. It seemed to work rather well though as I was rapidly progressing in my very little experience of playing. I play Eight year pieces at five. :O.
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Author: Brittany
Date: 2003-02-10 18:44
Congratulations on your first lesson! The first one is always the hardest. I found that playing the piano and the clarinet both actually helps me. :-) Just stick with it! I wish you all of the luck that I can! Clarinets rock!
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