 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2003-06-16 09:53
Hi,
Our youngest son is seven and has had about five piano lessons. He says he enjoys it but he's not exactly enthusiastic. Yesterday he was playing with his brother's trumpet and then had a go on my clarinet. I showed him how to hold it and was surprised when he produced a reasonable open G.
Assuming he's able to hold it correctly, is there any reason why he shouldn't learn? I think I read somewhere that kids don't start clarinet until they're at least ten.
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Lisa_UK
Date: 2003-06-16 10:00
Steve, I'm no expert, but I started playing clarinet when I was 7 and I never had any problems.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2003-06-16 13:13
Thanks Lisa. Maybe I'll give it a go. Who knows, he may even show a little enthusiasm.
Now, if you could learn music through a Gameboy.....
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Amy
Date: 2003-06-16 15:04
I started at 7 too. Wish him good luck from all of us here!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Avie
Date: 2003-06-16 15:22
I had to wait until i was 8 because my fingers were not big enough to completely cover the tone holes and reach all the keys confortably. So i guess it depends on the individual. Just the fact that one shows an interest at an early age is inspiring. Good luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetwife
Date: 2003-06-16 15:34
There are certainly youngsters who start at that age. However, their hands and fingers are often not large enough to reach and cover the tone holes (right hand in particular), and hold the instrument comfortably long enough to practice. Putting enough air through the horn can also be an issue. But, it is an individual thing. I would say, go with the interest and motivation, but don't push it if it becomes physically uncomfortable. Have fun!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: supernova_khr
Date: 2003-06-16 15:52
My son started at 10, and even then finger strength and hand size were issues. If you could find an Eb, that might be a good place to start (unless of course, your son has exceptionally large hands for his age).
Good luck,
Kay
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: allencole
Date: 2003-06-16 17:53
As far as being physically ready, it's not hard to test this.
Teach your child a low F scale. Not the notes on the staff, just the fingers. If he can cover the holes and keep his sound intact, you are already over the worst hurdle. Plus, just using those fingers to go up and down, he can start playing simple songs immediately. Your biggest worry after this point is whether reaching for a low E will pull his left hand off of their tone holes.
If he can't cover the holes, but CAN reach them, try a Buffet B12 or a Vito 7212. Selmers, Bundys and Conns have the largest tone holes. Vitos seem to be among the smallest, and they also have a model with plateau keys.
If it's too difficult, don't rush things. You could always try a Lyons clarinet--it did well for Julian Bliss--or start with recorder. There's a nice set including book, video and CD called Teach Yourself Recorder. It should work fine for a child that age.
Even if he does okay physically, he might not be ready to properly assemble/disassemble or care for a clarinet. You'll find that out in time, and at age 7 he has plenty of time to try over again.
Allen Cole
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetwife
Date: 2003-06-16 18:30
Yes, I think it is a good idea to work a bit with your son and let him see whether he is ready or not. If not, at least he knows he tried, and he might be more willing to either stick with piano for awhile or try the recorder.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2003-06-17 11:18
Thanks for all the advice. He definitely has a recorder at school though I've never seen it.
I'll see what happens during the holidays when we have more time. At the moment, by the time he's had the gameboy prised from his hands, been dragged from the tv, eaten, driven me crazy with his homework etc, I'm too tired to care what he plays!
Thank God he's never shown an interest in the violin!
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
