Author: chipper
Date: 2006-12-18 13:32
Having recently gone down this very path myself, I'd say get a music teacher. Not neciseraly a clarinet teacher, although that would be a bonus. First and foremost you must learn music. At this point the instrument with which you play is less significant than getting the basics, rythym, tone, musicallity, etc. Learn what the notation means, not just the notes, but all the little marks above the notes, the time signature, loudness, learn that so well that it becomes second nature. There is a lot going on on a piece of sheet music. As for style, initially I'd say forget about it. Early on a person asked me what style of music I could play. I said the kind with mostly quarter notes. Then practice, over and over again. Scales, arpedgios, thirds. Learn one song, practice with the scales, etc and end your practice with your song. When you get bored with that song, learn to play it better. Once you're familure with the piece you can concentrate on tone and musicallity. As a soloist you can play it however you wish. Now you're cooking with gas. Add a fluorish or two, change the rythym a bit. Have fun with your song. (mine was Unchained Melody, very simple) Then the next step. Find a community band or other group with whom you can play. Perhaps even another student. This, my dear, is a truely humbling experience. I sat with our community band for several sessions before playing a note. The music keeps moving. Cannot "go back and correct a note" like you can in your living room. And break that habit anyway. After a couple of years you'll actually be playing music. I had a cool experience: after playing for our community Christmas tree lighting, I'm putting away my horn and a couple who are aquaintances from our sailing club approached me and said, "hey, we didn't know you played with a band." How cool is that?
Oh, by the way, the repetetive nature of the practice caused the cat to move in with the neighbors and come to think of it I haven't seen the wife in a while, hmmm.
Carl
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The Clarinet BBoard
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