 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: ChopLogic
Date: 2007-02-12 21:22
So here the thing. I'm an electric bass player. I've been messing around with the upright bass for a while now, and I'm finally going to get a teacher for it soon. I've also always wanted to play a wind instrument. I've been toying around with the ocarina, but its not really a real instrument, its mostly just that, a toy, so I decided that I also want to learn clarinet. Since I'm just starting to get lessons on the upright bass, I'm not sure my parents would really go for me getting two lessons at once, for whatever reason, so I was wondering this: Since I'm a student in high school, I can rent a clarinet for free from the music department. Should I bother renting one and just trying it out and trying to figure some stuff out myself, or is that a bad idea? Should I wait until I can get a teacher?
Thanks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D
Date: 2007-02-12 21:45
you could find out if any of the students at school need to do some teaching or community service as part of college applications etc. That might get you started.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-02-12 21:52
-- "Should I bother renting one and just trying it out and trying to figure some stuff out myself, or is that a bad idea? " --
It's fun trying to teach yourself. My advice is to spend time 'googling' for as much info on embouchure/beginners etc as you can, get some beginners books and a packet of reeds.
The hardest lesson for me at the beginning was realising that, for a beginner, the reed can completely destroy you. What I mean is that you won't have the experience to realise that you have a difficult reed, so be prepared to try quite a few.
I never took lessons because of time, family, work etc. However, I now play in a local wind band and that's motivated me to try and find a teacher to help me work on improving tone.
Good luck.
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Saxismyaxe
Date: 2007-02-12 22:06
Although I am a fully trained and formally educated musician on my main instruments, I have taught myself many others with little or no formal training.
Given an option, it definitely preferable (and faster) to have a teacher to assist and guide you. However it can be done with conscientious and diligent application.
Do understand that it can be a sink or swim, survival of the fittest affair if you want to take it beyond the "weekend warrior" level.
Mike S/Saxismyaxe
Administrator:
Saxontheweb.net
Vintagehorn.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ChopLogic
Date: 2007-02-12 22:41
Thanks. Maybe I'll see if I can get a few lessons first, just to start out. If I cant get them right away though maybe I'll still borrow it.
Not sure what you meant by this?
"Do understand that it can be a sink or swim, survival of the fittest affair if you want to take it beyond the "weekend warrior" level."
I'm going to be going to San Diego for a week in a few days so when I get back I'll talk to my band teacher about it. If anyone else has any comments or anything then I'd love to hear them.
Thanks for any advice.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ChopLogic
Date: 2007-02-12 23:37
I would agree with you about buying one, but in my case, renting one is much different then what you described. The band director and I are pretty much freinds, and I could rent one, literally for free, no cost at all. Later on though I'll definatly look into what you described. Thanks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-02-13 00:04
Get a few lessons.
There are many tricks --in how you shold hold your mouth (!), which fingering options to use when, etc. All very important and nearly impossible to (re)discover yourself.
Bob Phillips
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Saxismyaxe
Date: 2007-02-13 21:44
The "sink or swim comment" was in reference to the many accrued pit falls that one can develop unassisted if you are not extremely careful as you progress.
Beyond the early stages, many self starters fall by the wayside or reach stumbling blocks that handicap them, and only the most determined and meticulous are able to take their playing to a clean, legitimate performance level unschooled by a teacher(s).
Mike S/Saxismyaxe
Administrator:
Saxontheweb.net
Vintagehorn.com
Post Edited (2007-02-13 21:45)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
