 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-11-08 01:38
We often find folks here on the BB who want to undertake the study of the Clarinet alone. Many of us advise these folks against such frugal and egocentric attempts.
Today, at MY lesson, I got my money's worth when my teacher noticed that (once again, SIGH) I was not using enough of the mouthpiece to get a strong reed excitation of the air column. HUGE improvement in my tone and agility.
This reminded me of the teacher/do-it-myself discussions here.
I'm reading Johann Joachim Quantz's book: Essay On Playing the Flute, and there is relevance to this day's lesson:
Quantz was a master of the flute who lived about 75-years before the clarinet. This book was underwritten by King Frederick The Great. Since he only got paif for flute-related work, the title of this book is a bit misleading in that it covers performance standards for all instruments and all roles (soloist, accompanists, ...).
Anyhow, a good read --particularly the section on how to properly ad-lib in slow movements in the Rococo period between the Baroque and Classical periods.
Here's what he has to say about teachers, quoted from the first paragraph of His Chapter X on "What a Beginner Must Observe in His Independent Practice"
... I repeat, that a beginner who proposes to learn to play the flute throughly requires oral instruction from a good master in addition to my method. Rules given in writing do indeed show the surest way to learn a subject, but they do not correct the mistakes so often made in practice, especially at the beginning. the beginner is not always aware of these mistakes himself, and if the master is not careful to ppoint them out constantly, they turn into a habit with the pupil, and eventually become second nature. Then more effort and industry are required to cast of that which is bad than to embrace that which is good. But if the student does not know how to help himself in his independent practice; if he does not understand what his teacher has taught him, of has forgotten it; or if the principles of his master are unfortunately incorrect, he may, through the present instructions [Quantz's book] disabuse himself of his errors, and remain on the correct path. ...
Get a lesson. It is cheap!
Bob Phillips
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Author: marzi
Date: 2007-11-09 03:39
Well, I don't know what you consider cheap, but it is worth it, unless you are like my stand mate and argue with the teacher because you think your tone is so great (and its not!) and therefore aren't going to learn anything anyway. And if the lesson IS cheap,beware, make sure they have some real credentials...I know someone "teaching" who counts worse than I do , scary...I also am getting my money's worth, (but ain't cheap!) I've just gone back after 8 yrs break from taking lessons, and have been working on all the bad habits that have been accumulated( Ick!) .
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Author: Margaret
Date: 2007-11-09 04:14
Sometimes, do-it-yourself really is the only option. I took up the clarinet at 13 (borrowed free from the school; it was mandatory to play something) and by the time I was 16, I had my own; it took me almost two years to earn enough to pay my parents back (and it wasn't expensive). They could not afford to give me lessons. I babysat irregularly to afford reeds and became quite adept at not breaking them. It's amazing how careful you become when you realize that breaking it might be the end of your playing for who knows how long (I only ever afforded one at a time- two was an unaffordable luxury).
Now, at 26, I finally can afford a teacher myself, but have been doing it myself for almost 14 years. Did she discover awful problems with my embouchure, fingers... just about everything but the instrument? Yes. Do I regret those early years? No. I practiced regularly and had fun. I don't think she minds either. I practice and I probably make a nice case study.
It is true that I never progressed beyond a certain (early) point on my own, but I still loved and enjoyed music. Now that I do have lessons, I'm progressing well and am enjoying it all the more.
Some people who come here and want to go it alone may not be able to afford lessons, but can scrape together enough for a regular instrument and a few books. Perhaps they don't want to advertise that to the world. I don't see a problem and wouldn't be so harsh. Egocentricity likely does not figure in the calculation at all.
Music is meant to be loved and felt. One need not play the most advanced pieces to do that- although it would be nice
"There are a million Mozarts who never touched a fiddle; a million Shakespeares who never read a word."
Anything is better than nothing.
Margaret
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Author: Phurster
Date: 2007-11-09 05:18
Most people can see the benefit of having a good teacher. The problem I sometimes encounter is that the advanced student sometimes doesn’t approach the lesson with an open mind.
I teach a proportion of my time at a school that has a history of specializing in music. Some very talent students come to me for lessons. Usually it goes well. However, I don’t want to bore people talking about the successes.
Problem student No 1: The “Prima Donna”. This student plays with an “Acker Bilk” vibrato. No air support and pushes of the diaphragm intended to pass for tonguing. She is a brilliant sight reader with great finger skills. Hand position all over the place.
This student steadfastly refused to alter any aspect her playing. Each suggestion by be was accompanied with a roll of the eyes from her.
Problem student No2: The “Jazz Cat”. The “Cats” play Sax. They come to me for legit Clarinet lessons so they can double.
The Cats play a quarter tone flat. The fingers are all over the place. The tongue is striking half way down the reed.
Me: You could try placing your fingers neatly on the keys.
“Award Winning Jazz Cat”: I am on a personal musical journey. I am not interested in cXXp like that.
Me: Fingers in the correct position could help the accuracy of your technique.
“Award Winning Jazz Cat”: Do you know who you are talking to..this is bXXXXXXt!
So yes it is good to get a teacher but that is when the work begins. The student has to listen, try, persevere etc.
Chris
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-11-09 12:35
I don't consider it egocentric to make decisions that are for the benefit of my family. Please don't judge others' situations by your own. Not everyone is able to afford a teacher - even a not so good one. That does not make their desire to make and enjoy music less important. If the only option is to teach themselves, why is that so wrong?
You get a lesson - I'll teach myself the best I can. And, hopefully, we'll both be content.
-- Robyn
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-11-09 13:17
A good teacher is worth all the money that you have. Even if you can't afford a regular schedule, get at least a couple to get you on track.
Odds are quite high that you aren't if you don't have a teacher. The Clarinet is not a "do it yourself" instrument. Of course you can, but you will be spinning your wheels quite a bit. There are many dedicated teachers out there who would be willing to give you a lesson or 2 and not schedule you for the rest of your life.
You can make gigantic progress in even a single lesson with the right teacher - it happens all the time.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-11-09 15:01
--"Sometimes, do-it-yourself really is the only option." --
I was in a similar situation. Having already played some piano and guitar, I bought a clarinet about 6 years ago. I'd read long online articles on how to form the embouchure, searched for diagrams, spent hours trawling forums, reading all the tricks/tips/lessons...etc I bought a number of tutor books and started off very methodically.
I know people say things about getting into bad habits which a teacher then has to reverse, but the great thing about the internet is that there are so many resources out there that tell you about these things - including this forum! I also very much value the experience I gained from having to learn about ligatures, reeds and MPs by myself. Okay, time consuming but great fun!
Finally, after 4 years teaching myself, the last year of which I was also in a wind band, I finally found a teacher and was pleasantly surprised to discover that yes, in fact, I had a good embouchure, a good tone and played very well!
On the other hand I also discovered that my sense of of rhythm and tempo needed a lot of work. I was speeding up/slowing down all the time and had never really noticed. I was finally forced to use... a metronome! ;-)
Teaching yourself is not for everyone, certainly not children, and of course, it's important to have a teacher at some stage. But, if you have time to research the instrument thoroughly, have access to resources and help online and are methodical/motivated enough, then I don't think it's unreasonable - at least for a while.
Steve
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2007-11-09 16:32
And there are some of us teachers out here who would *give* a couple of *free* lessons if a student were properly motivated and in need.
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-11-10 08:33
--"And there are some of us teachers out here who would *give* a couple of *free* lessons if a student were properly motivated and in need." --
Sorry if my post gave the impression that I 'didn't' want a teacher. Far from it. I'd just moved to Italy for work and apart from not speaking the language, organising our family, finding a place to live and not knowing the area, we're far from the large towns. Added to that the small town mentality here and lack of communication/advertising (slowly improving), it was a real pain to find my way around.
Now, four years later, I know 4 music schools in the area and am extremely happy to have found a teacher.
My post was to point out that it 'is' possible to teach yourself if you really have to.
Steve
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Author: Taryn
Date: 2007-11-10 20:34
Not all lessons have to be regular. If you can go once a week to keep on track, it's great. You learn things that you are unlikely to learn on your own. Sometimes, people don't have time or live too far away (as was my case for years). If it's just played for enjoyment, it doesn't make a huge difference. But if someone is truly serious, even once a month can make a huge difference. It's 95% practice, so even once a month can make a huge difference if you know you're practicing the right things. And the guidance you get from a teacher is every bit as valuable as the playing skills you'll learn.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2007-11-11 03:16
Steve: I know...I was just pointing out that if it were a financial issue that I for one would be willing to work with that in the case of a serious student. I have actually bartered and gifted lessons to one particular student because her mom didn't want to spend money on clarinet. She wanted the kid (whom I consider a friend despite the 25 year age gap) to concentrate on the violin and not be swept up in "clarinet envy" but I think the 4 gifted lessons and the one bartered lesson (for helping with leaves in the fall) helped her to realize what the clarinet is about and I'm not against folks discovering that even if they won't continue!
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Author: pewd
Date: 2007-11-11 14:38
rake leaves, pull weeds, there is always a way to get some lessons if you can't afford them. washing my car is usually good for a box of reeds.
if the student is serious and motivated, lack of finances won't be a show stopper.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Margaret
Date: 2007-11-11 17:44
"rake leaves, pull weeds, there is always a way to get some lessons if you can't afford them. washing my car is usually good for a box of reeds.
if the student is serious and motivated, lack of finances won't be a show stopper."
It would be nice if that were always true... but what if your parents needed you to rake their leaves or pull their weeds? Would you just say, Sorry, I know you're very busy earning money to feed me, but why don't we just neglect our own place so I can go take care of a clarinet teacher's? I also would've needed a drive, which costs time and money. It just wasn't feasible.
That said, your comments really only apply to kids. Most adults would be reticent about doing chores in return for lessons, and likely wouldn't have the time.
Margaret
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Author: Margaret
Date: 2007-11-11 21:58
Precisely, the way was do-it-yourself! What is so awful about that? Many people here seem to be hostile towards those who've tried it. I don't get this attitude.
Margaret
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Author: marzi
Date: 2007-11-11 22:39
Not hostile, just too much experience playing next to do- it -yourselfers in community groups -its not much fun when someone always misses the accidentals or is way out of tune constantly..
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2007-11-11 22:39
I never suggested that DIY was bad. Most folks that do DIY home projects though, learned the basics of nail-driving, etc., from another person.
One or two lessons is still preferable to complete DIY, IMO.
EDIT:
99% of the people who have come to lessons with me without having had at least a demo on tonguing DO NOT DO IT AT ALL.
Post Edited (2007-11-11 22:41)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-11-11 22:55
The trouble with the do it yourself players is that they truly don't know what they don't know......
Not that you can't, but you won't and I mean will not get as good as you would with a good teacher.
No way, no how no matter how hard you work. You can get pretty good, but not pretty great.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-11-12 06:59
-- "Not that you can't, but you won't and I mean will not get as good as you would with a good teacher." --
Absolutely! I don't think anyone would dispute that. But what some of us are saying is that it 'is' possible to teach yourself to a certain level. To what level and how well surely depends on how you go about this task. How methodically you research the task beforehand, the online resources you use, forums, books etc. Sorry, I'm repeating my earlier post here!
Having read this and other forums for the last 5 years, I think we're all aware that 'having a teacher' does not magically exempt you from picking up bad habits. This may be for many reasons. Either the teacher may be, well, just a bloody awful teacher, have their own idiosyncratic ideas on something, or maybe not strict enough... Who knows?
-- "Many people here seem to be hostile towards those who've tried it. I don't get this attitude." --
To be honest, I think that if I had learned with a teacher right from the beginning, I would be hostile as well. Teaching yourself is not for everyone. It worked for me because apart from having no choice, I was extremely careful how I went about it. Whether it was tonguing, finger position, reed placement or whatever, I devoured tons on online articles, read David Pino's book, searched the forums and used various tutor books. I can well imagine that someone else may not do it quite like this, and being able to get a sound from the reed, could think "Aha, this is easy" and think they already know everything.
Steve
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Author: Margaret
Date: 2007-11-12 13:26
"To be honest, I think that if I had learned with a teacher right from the beginning, I would be hostile as well."
I cannot imagine being hostile towards someone, just because they didn't have the same opportunities I might have had.
"I can well imagine that someone else may not do it quite like this, and being able to get a sound from the reed, could think "Aha, this is easy" and think they already know everything."
I've never met anyone who thought like that regarding the clarinet who actually played it. I never thought that! That's why I got a teacher as soon as it was feasible.
All of the people whom I've known who thought the clarinet was easy didn't play it. They were players of other instruments, most of whom had the benefit of a teacher, exposure to music and ought to've known better. Maybe this is because I've never hung around a community band? My do-it-myselfing tormented my family and that was it.
"The trouble with the do it yourself players is that they truly don't know what they don't know......"
Most of us are all too aware of our deficiencies. You guys must have been over-exposed to some very arrogant do-it-yourselfers.
Margaret
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-11-12 13:44
-- "I cannot imagine being hostile towards someone, just because they didn't have the same opportunities I might have had. " --
Sorry Margaret, you're right. I shouldn't have said:
"To be honest, I think that if I had learned with a teacher right from the beginning, I would be hostile as well."
I should have said that I understand why some people might not be happy with teaching yourself. Not hostile though!
Steve
PS I'm actually very happy that I did teach myself. I think I got a hell of a lot from the experience!
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2007-11-12 15:35
I'm not trying to sound hostile. I actually only had a teacher for about 7 or 8 weeks at the very beginning (6th grade). Then I had 3 years without clarinet lessons at all. Now I teach beginners through advanced and I love making their clarinet lives easier! Well, of course, they still have to practice at home...
I just think that even having one or two lessons either right at the beginning or after a couple of months of self-instruction is very very important.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-11-13 15:58
I'm really pleased with the way this thread is going. As its originator, it seems time to summarize some of the thinking that caused me to bring up the matter of teachers.
First, as a 5th grade kid, I found my associates with private lessons beating the crap out of me in band. I recall them being all excited about the Clarinet Polka. I took the music and attacked it ploddingly. They laughed and demonstrated it up to tempo. I was blown away.
Out of high school, with my own money to spend, I got a teacher --a good teacher--, and made huge progress (along with a fair amount of practice).
After my college and career-length time off the horn, I'm back with a great teacher. I'm always amazed at how he can identify problems I'm having that I don't even know are there.
The most forceful demonstration of the advantages of a competent teacher occurred while working through the Baermann III scale studies. Sure, on my own, I can play anything --as long as the tempo is slow enough. But in the Baermann (Full range of the instrument), just playing the exercises doesn't cut it. Just getting the notes out doesn't cut it. You need to know which alternate fingering to use (try them all?! do you know them all?) in a given passage. You need to establish a preferred (the preferred) fingering sequence that leads your brain to automatically choose a whole set of finger movements --enough for the whole passage, not just for the next two notes!
I have a Buffet, my teacher has a Buffet. If my altissimo is out of tune or awkward --he knows the best fingering to fix it.
Worse. DIY solutions can lead to bad habits. Then, having the wrong stuff "in you fingers" is very difficult to correct. One of mine was half holing with my left forefinger to sneak up on the altissimo. When playing alongside my teacher, it was clear that that just wasn't working for me. The notes didn't speak, had to be bitten off, were out of tune. Now, that took me over a year. My Baermann is full of pink highlighter splashes --my cue to LIFT THAT FINGER, not half-hole.
I taught myself to "play" the Mozart Concerto at night, for recreation at the office where I worked a lot --2500 miles from home. I bought the music; I pulled out the arpeggios and scales to manuscript paper, I practiced these extracts until I could play them pretty well. Then, I started work, a phrase at a time on the piece itself. Commuting, I played a cassette recording of the piece.
That was a huge DIY accomplishment, a source of pride.
It was also crap! In my 40s, I could "play" K 622, but hundreds of high school juniors, 17-years old, could embarrass me by playing it better.
It is just my experience (and my advice) that a good teacher can really make you a better player --and avoid rocky spots that you just do not need to fight.
Bob Phillips
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-11-13 17:21
I do really like and have enjoyed this thread my self. Bob, thank you very much for this fantastic discussion. I could not agree more. If you all excuse me, I would like to share with you all my own experience.
I myself started playing the clarinet some time after sprint of this year. It all started when I bought the clarinet as a gift to my son. He played the recorder at school and he did very well, actually extremely well, so I thought wrong by thinking that he would like the clarinet like he did the recorder. At the beginning he was some what exited but not to the point of making any commitment.
The clarinet sat for weeks and I one day open the DIY Essential Elements 2000 book 1 and with the DVD and CD, I played my first note. I cannot express the feeling I had on that day because there are not enough words to describe it. Simply put it was good enough to get me hooked.
I truly enjoyed. The sound, the way the book was teaching me and above all my determination, interest or resolute to learn this wonderful piece of instrument made the DIY a great experience.
Then I wanted to know more, about mouthpieces, ligatures, reeds and all I could learn about the clarinet. You can search my postings and they will attest to this trail.
I not only had to learn about the clarinet but also how to read music. Then I got to the point of getting real. I researched, posted and discussed with others how to find a good teacher and the extra work and help from others paid off. I found a good teacher.
Today I completed my 7th lesson and I am extremely happy with the results, it does make a difference. A teacher is observing you; his experience is a valuable resource. He tells you if your embouchure is right, how to tong, how to breathe. Especially (my own opinion) if your teacher is actively playing, not just teaching. They will correct your fingering position and listen to your sound and see if is a good they will help you correct many things that you do not even know you are doing wrong. Teachers are supportive and encouraging assets.
Finally, having shared with you all my own experience, I can not totally disregard the DIY approach but bare in mind that the sooner you realize the need for a teacher the sooner you will be avoiding frustration and perhaps irreversible bad habits that at the end will cost you more money than anticipated.
Good luck and best wishes to you all,
Henry Padilla
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-11-13 17:32
It can even be a goal to get a teacher, long term goal - I just really suggest that you have an experienced teacher evaluate and make suggestions as to your direction, that's all. It's no crime to learn it yourself, but you will save a lot of aggravation with another mind on it.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: pelo_ensortijado
Date: 2007-11-14 12:01
i agree there is a lot easier having a teacher to correct and guide you.
but there IS some players that have "made it" without any kind of help.
for example swedens biggest jazzclarinetist Putte Wickman.
he was a great musician and have played all over the world!
and as far as i know, noone helped him at all!!
so dont give up hope just because you have to do it yourself!
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-11-14 13:08
One thing worth to mention and remember is that we are all different. There are people that where gifted from birth with all the gadgets to play different instruments.
As an individual, you need to make a clear assessment of what are you trying to accomplish. Not because I love Beethoven, I will be like him or any other famous character.
I for the most part at my age just want to entertain my family during the holidays playing some seasonal carols and villancicos, perhaps some birthday parties and so on. I am sure that during the course of time I will become better just like with anything else we do frequently and practice.
Therefore, you need to ask yourself again and again what is it that you really want to accomplish and go from there. May be the DIY will be enough or may be as you go alone you realize the need to hire a teacher.
You think about that!
Henry Padilla
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Author: Karenette
Date: 2007-11-14 14:16
I'm 55 yrs. old and basically a DIY-er though I learned the very basics in grade school. I went on to classical guitar with a few lessons and picked up the clarinet again in my 40's and joined a community band.
Living 60 miles away from the city I was lucky enough to be living near a wonderful elderly lady who played piano, violin (professionally in her youth) and who gave me weekly clarinet lessons for free (she did not know anything about the clarinet) and who taught me the basics of music reading and expression while accompanying me on the piano.
I left the clarinet for a few years and recently began to play the clarinet again and am having a wonderful time. I've been a lurker of this board for six years and have learned a lot from everyone's inquiries and expertise. I've picked up many good books, have a good tuner, metronome and am aware of the many pitfalls. I even took the plunge and put my temperamental Penzel-Mueller (Artist) aside and bought a Ridenour Lyrique and since doing this I am progressing well. It is a fantastic instrument.
I agree with David Blumberg: "It can even be a goal to get a teacher, long term goal - I just really suggest that you have an experienced teacher evaluate and make suggestions as to your direction, that's all. It's no crime to learn it yourself, but you will save a lot of aggravation with another mind on it."
But, as Margaret says, it is not necessarily egocentric for many of us whose circumstances (and money) have put us on the path of a DIY-er. I also wholeheartedly agree with Henry Padilla that everyone is different with different abilities and different goals.
My goal is to reach the vision I have about myself and what I can accomplish on the clarinet and to go for it . . . that may include a teacher down the road.
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-11-14 16:28
I don't think anyone here is saying it is terrible to get a teacher or that it is a waste of money or anything like that. There are just those of us who are saying we aren't bad people or "egocentric" for NOT getting a teacher right now and would appreciate not having being judged because we are doing the best we can with what we've got.
Maybe I shouldn't speak for others, but that is what I was saying
-- Robyn
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2007-11-14 17:08
brycon wrote:
> Charlie Parker didn't have lessons...
Oh really? You mean being a new player and jamming with the big cats doesn't qualify?
I never took a formal guitar (or bass guitar - my "real" instrument when I was younger) lesson in my life, yet this year I'm going to make enough in residuals from a studio recording I made near 25 years ago to afford a nice vacation for the wife & I.
I had plenty of teachers & plenty of lessons - I just never went to someone's house for a formal "sit-down" or had to pay money for the lesson. Oh, I paid alright, in one form or another, just not in cash but in kind. I was too busy playing & jamming (and having those lessons with people better than I, and teaching those that were up & coming).
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-11-14 17:38
Parker practiced 13-15 hours a day
I have an interview in which he talked about that. Coltrane studied with Dennis Sandole, if Parker had that level of a jazz teacher early on, he would have probably saved a lot of time as he put in those hours after being told that he wasn't good enough.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: brycon
Date: 2007-11-14 21:12
I was only trying to point out that great things can be achieved without formal lessons given a willingness to learn, dedication, good ears, etc. Bird was a complete genius though, so I imagine this is very rare.
David, I think saying that Parker could have saved time if he had formal saxophone lessons is debatable. Bird redefined the language of jazz music, and I think that no teacher could have helped him accomplish this. It wasn't a matter of practicing scales, chords, tunes, etc. He developed a concept of music making that was based on his own aesthetic ideal and I imagine that someone has to experience a fair amount of life for this to happen. To say that Charlie Parker would have become Charlie Parker faster if he had lessons is something we will never know. It would certainly be interesting if we had some way of knowing!
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-11-16 02:55
Attachment: Kroepsch cleaned 170.jpg (86k)
OK, here's an example of what a teacher might bring to an advancing student. I have a (fair) copy (--its for educational purposes) of F. Kroepsch's exercise #170. The Kroepsch is often used as study material --fodder for the fingers, and the rest of your clarinet playing mechanism.
The exercise is in Eb Major (3-flats), and the crux of the exercise comes in the third beat of the second measure when a leap from Bb5 to F6 --while making a diminuendo --and continuing with D6, Bb5, Ab5, F5.
Using conventional fingerings, one might play the sequence as
Bb5: TR XX0|s000, (the "side" Bb)
F6: TR 0XX(C$) | 000(Eb)
D6: TR 0XX | X00(Eb)
Bb5: TR XX0 | s000 ("side Bb again)
Ab5: TR XXX(C#) | 000
F5: TR XXX|X00
D6: TR XXX|XXX
Bb4: RA 000 | 000
But, what would happen if (somehow :-) ) you knew about the "long" fingering for F6, then the fingering sequence could be the following:
Bb5: TR X00 | X00
F6: TR XXX(C#) | XXX (no Eb)
D6: TR 0XX | X00 Eb
Bb5: TR X00 | X00
Ab5: TR XXX (C#) | 000
F5: TR XXX | X00
D6: TR XXX | XXX
Bb5: RA 000 | 00
The second fingering sequence is MUCH easier than the first, conventional way of doing things. The "long" F6 is not obvious, but it is so reliable, in tune, and speaks easily, and you don't have to get rid of the side trill key to get the D6 afterwards.
OH, and I learned this from my teacher yesterday when I was having difficult making the Bb5 ==>F6 transition slurred, smooth and without making the high F stick out.
Bob Phillips
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Author: brycon
Date: 2007-11-16 03:15
The long f fingering doesn't match the timbre of the other pitches though. Maybe it is ok as an isolated note, but it sounds bad as part of a passage.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-11-16 16:45
brycon,
not on my Buffet RC. The long F is a great alternative. Similarly, my teacher's R13s (A, Bb) also favor the long F.
As in most things, your mileage may vary. The long F is one thing that you give up with an articulated G# mechanism (the G# closes when you put down any of the lower joint fingers). In that case, the long F can be played using the throat G# key to act as the 2nd register key. Try that for timbre.
Bob Phillips
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Author: brycon
Date: 2007-11-16 17:09
My clarinet does not have this articulated g# key. The long f is reliable as you say, but to my ears it has more of a piercing quality. The regular f for me is just as easy if not easier to play due to where it lies in the partial series, and it matches the surrounding notes in timbre and intonation much better. This may just be my clarinet though. If long f works better for you then continue to use it!
Post Edited (2007-11-16 20:31)
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The Clarinet Pages
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