The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Meri
Date: 2004-02-11 16:25
I don’t remember telling him that he has to be the best. My response to him was that more advanced music is much more fun, and that he hates being bored; that I know that he can perform with an extremely high standard of playing, which he’s proven several times, and that if that happens to mean that you are the best player in school, then so be it. Plus, the strong players are more likely to get better opportunities to perform, such as chamber ensembles. He seemed to take my answer very well.
I acknowledged that he may be going through a difficult period in his life. I also borrowed a CD of some of the music he listens to. His mom isn’t going to let him quit lessons until he’s in Grade 10, though he is going to be taking a break from lessons this summer, which is my choice. (Now not possible due to exam in June) I’m looking for jazz/rock type of pieces that he may like, I really want to try “A night in Tunisa” with him.
For the record, I encouraged him to learn the sax. Actually he asked me for advice on whether to learn the bass clarinet or sax near the beginning of the school year. Knowing how he is much more interested in popular music (jazz/rock) than classical, I said the sax. With at least two other students, if they asked me the same question, I’d say bass clarinet. I am planning on working with his guitar teacher, in at least a couple of ways, first to give him an idea of his music reading skills and understanding of music theory, and second, to refer students to teach other. (The oldest son of my neighbours is thinking of guitar lessons, and so is the brother of one of my other students!) It’s part of my idea of building a network of private teachers of different instruments, and have already used it to refer students looking for a flute or sax teacher.
Time to head to a rehearsal with my pianist...
Meri
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-02-11 17:22
Meri,
Hal Leonard publishes a book entitled Jazz & Blues which contains A Night in Tunisia (and 13 others). It is available for clarinet and includes an accompaniment CD.
Hans
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