 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-11 21:08
Hello Esteemed Group,
I am a new member and have been reading voraciously since finding you. I am 69 and just starting out with a clarinet – and music!
I have always loved music but never been in a position to do anything about it.
NOW is my time.
My dear husband has dementia so I am stuck at home 24/7 being a fulltime caregiver, so I bought a used (excellent condition I believe) Yamaha 250. I also bought SmartMusic to help me to learn as there is no chance of lessons at this point. Not sure how to make SmartMusic work for me. I’m slowly learning some notes, but I can see this is not for sissies!
If anyone has any tips, I would so much appreciate it.
Thank You,
Sheila
M/P Hite Premier
1.5 Rico (can't yet get a sound out of a 2)
Sheila
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Author: pewd
Date: 2008-07-11 21:17
there are several beginning method books included with smart music.
pick one of them and have smart music follow along with you as you systematically work throught the book.
launch smart music
click 'methods'
click standard of excellence book 1
follow through with smart music going through each line in that book.
that reed is too soft - try a 2 1/2 - can you get 1 or 2 lessons with a teacher to show you correct embouchure and hand position? maybe find a teacher that will come to you for 1 or 2 to get you started? just a thought.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-07-11 21:32
Hey Sheila,
welcome aboard. I very much hope that playing gives you the necessary distraction and power - that's quite a commitment you're having there at home.
I'm not a smartmusic user (I did some reading and evaluation) and I'm not sure how it can help you besides drilling notes and pieces (not that there is anything bad about that).
What's more important in my opinion (and more beneficial for everybody's ears) is to develop a good tone, proper mouth and air support, and that probably can't be achieved by a piece of software, as good as it may be. Better stick to simple folk tunes that can be played by ear, but be played beautifully. The note sheets can wait...
If you're not far away from everybody else, you might find a teacher (or a music student, or a retired band player) who is willing to pop by and perform lessons at your home.
I know, that is a lot easier said than done, and no way I want to discourage you - quite in the contrary, I wish you many good hours behind the instrument.
--
Ben
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-11 21:39
Thank you Paul.
Unfortunately I can't do a lesson either in or out of the house as I never know .........
Getting old is not a fun thing for some people.
I have one Van Doren 2.5. I'll give it a try.
Then I'll order some more by mail.
Thanks so much for responding. I will get busy with SmartMusic now I know where to start.
V/R
Sheila
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-11 21:51
Ben, thanks for the kind words.
I may be able to find a student when school starts back up, as I live only blocks from Cal State Northridge.
I find I can get lost for a little while when I am dinking around trying to make something less than a dying cow! Sometimes there is a lot of stress and music helps. Pete Fountain turned way up can remove me for a while!
I got a DVD and it gave me some pointers - I really needed them as the clarinet arrived in a case - in pieces - oh horror, what goes where? When I finally got it together properly without breaking anything I was so happy, but then it was trying to get a note out of it. Now I can do that too and get from the open G down to the lower G. Sorry, I don't know the correct terminology yet, but I'm learning and have a great desire to make pretty music. In other words I am motivated, and this board really helps me, even though I don't understand everything I read, yet.
Thanks again Ben.
Sheila
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-11 22:00
Sheila,
You could call the closest high school and ask for the best player who takes lessons to come over and give you some pointers. A high school student could be more helpful than you think, accommodate your schedule, and save you a great deal of aggravation.
Just a thought!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-07-11 22:01
Forget using the microphone setting as you should follow the beat correctly, and if it is following you, it could be all over the place. Slow down almost all of the tempos as they can be quick!
You need to buy the real books to practice and learn from as SM won't give you any instruction at all. There are tips in the methods that you need to see.
Then try to play with the Band accompaniments at the beginning level with the real band recordings. They are a blast to work with.
I've done clinics for Smart Music, though not anymore as too busy with other things.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
Post Edited (2008-07-11 22:05)
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Author: FDF
Date: 2008-07-11 23:04
footloose (but not fancy free), all the above have given you excellent advice, especially tictactux's comment about the sound. My advice, especially under your circumstances, is once you have pleasing sound, is to experiment with the notes and enjoy each differentiation in sound, and from there to make your own music, the most pleasurable of pastimes.
God bless you,
Forest
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-11 23:29
Thank you all for your support. I am overwhelmed by your generous help.
I am very motivated, so am already putting to use some of your suggestions. Except for the 2.5 reed which I just can't do without hyperventilating. But I will keep trying.
Using SM with the accompaniment is a hoot, and I love getting the cool green notes when I get done. Big stuff for someone who has to think what and how to get each one.
Hopefully one of these months in the not too distant future I will be able to report that I am really making good progress, and until then I will practice, practice, practice.
Blessings to you all.
Sheila
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2008-07-12 00:15
Hi Sheila,
Just some more ideas and questions vis-a-vis your reed/air situation...
First: What mouthpiece came with the clarinet?
Second: Are your top teeth touching the top of the mouthpiece?
Third: Are you putting pressure on the reed with bottom teeth through your lower lip?
Katrina
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-12 00:35
Hi Katrina,
Thanks for your interest.
Yamaha 4c came with it and then I bought a Hite Premier. That was a good move I think.
Top teeth - yes, lightly.
Bottom teeth - yes, through my lower lip. But not biting down hard.
Once I figured out how to blow, it seemed to come together, but that is with a Rico Royal 1.5.
Have tried 2's and have to work a bit harder at it.
2.5's and I'm hyperventilating. Not the desired outcome I believe!!
Does this answer your questions adequately?
Sheila
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-12 00:41
I would recommend that you start every session with playing just the mouthpiece and barrel for the first 5-10 minutes.
Always concentrating on the sound being high and steady:
Play for ever increasing amounts of time. (4 beats, 8, 12, +)
Then add tonguing to the mix.
Allow the facial muscles time to develop along with the time you spend with the rest of the instrument.
james
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-12 01:38
Hi James,
Is it really supposed to sound that bad!!?
A high pitched squeal, not unlike chasing piglets around the farmyard - not that I have ever done that!
I'm learning to "Gnothi Seauton" and don't always like what I see, but I'm working on it.
I'll keep trying to play the M/P and barrel. Thanks for helping me.
Sheila
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-12 02:31
David how do I get a G sharp? I have a tuner but with M/P, barrel and reed I get an F sharp? What am I doing wrong? Can I get there from here?
Lost the piglets and now get at least something!
Sheila
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2008-07-12 03:09
You're doing nothing wrong. An F sharp on the tuner IS a G sharp on the clarinet. Now you've discovered transposing! The clarinet is tuned in a different key than your tuner (or a piano). That's why it's called a Bb clarinet.
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-12 03:24
Wow! I finally did something right!
Thanks Brenda.
Now I will work at doing what James suggested. And David helped me more than he knows - how else would I have found out about transposing?
Thanks again Brenda - this has been a great day for me.
Have a great weekend.
Sheila
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2008-07-12 04:03
Hi again Sheila,
Sounds like you did right with the mouthpieces. Just wanted to check if the mp/reed combo was all right.
Have you tried using different amounts of lip pressure on the reed? Without hearing/seeing you play in person it's really hard to diagnose this kind of stuff! I do know that many of my students who run out of air after only a few notes learn about the lip pressure thing really quickly!
At any rate, even with all my virtual attempts at diagnosing, it may be just that the muscles need time to develop! You wouldn't try to run a marathon after successfully running around only one block, eh?
Katrina
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-12 04:24
David,
My tuner is one my son left here a few years ago. It belonged to his guitar. It's a Seiko chromatic tuner ST-747.
I don't see any place on it to select an instrument. On the front is has Mode/Pitch/Note and lights above those.
Is a tuner something I should buy? If so, what kind would be best?
Thanks so much for your help. I do appreciate it.
Sheila
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-12 04:32
Hi Katrina,
I haven't really played around with different lip pressure etc, as I've been concentrating on getting something out, regardless of the sound. I do play around with the reed to find the best position on the M/P. Sometimes it seems to be just a hair move will make it play, and other times nothing I do will make it work. And then there is the breathy tones which make me crazy, but I'm sure when I get a little time under my belt, some of these things will start to make more sense.
No regarding this marathon - I'm not just at one block, I am only two houses down, but I can guarantee that the marathon is not out of my reach. I tend to be bull-headed when I set my mind to it. <Grin>
Thanks for your time and effort. I should send a large donation to all of you for all your efforts, and I am so grateful.
Sheila
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2008-07-12 12:33
I didn't mean you could NEVER run a marathon...just not after ONLY running one block! It takes time to develop the strength and stamina necessary.
K
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-07-12 13:17
Ok, looking at smartmusic now it has a tuner that you set to your instrument and it reads the actual note that you play. It can also play that note with you so that you can hear the correct pitch if you choose that setting.
I'd use the Smart Music tuner as it's really good.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-12 16:39
Congratulations on your success Footloose!
Just a reminder when you use the mouthpiece and barrel: it's very common for people to put this into their mouth as if it is a kazoo -- parallel to the ground.
You'll get the most out of this preparation exercise if you make sure you place it in your mouth exactly as it will when you play the whole thing...mostly pointed towards the ground. (This will also raise the pitch a bit).
I also second all of David's advice!
Good Luck!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-12 19:14
David, thanks for the mention of the tuner in SmartMusic. I found it and used it. Works great. Oh, before I forget, I have books on the way.
James, good you mentioned the kazoo - found myself imitating one a couple of times, but with your reminder, I now get a nice steady note with M/P and barrel at the correct angle. I can hardly wait to improve, and am working hard at it.
I'm so grateful for all your help. Blessings to you both.
Sheila
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Author: beejay
Date: 2008-07-13 19:57
I am not a teacher, but I can recommend a very good and inexpensive book that will answer most of your questions, and show you through pictures how to obtain a good embouchure, etc. It is called The Art of Clarinet Playing, by Keith Stein, and I believe it is published by Warner Brothers. You might be better off playing with what is known as a double-lip embouchure, in which your teeth do not come into contact with the mouthpiece, and which may be more suitable for playing with a very soft reed. It is all explained in the Stein book.
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Author: footloose
Date: 2008-07-13 20:36
Hello Beejay,
Thank you for the good information. I just ordered the book from Amazon, so should have it in my hands within the next few days. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I'm working up to a harder reed, but right now it is hard to do as I'm obviously a real newbie, and getting noise is good! Actually, I'm a tad beyond the getting noise stage. I prefer to think of it as notes a child might play, as I can at least put some notes together that sound something like Ode to Joy - but not as beautiful by any stretch of the imagination.
Have a great day Beejay, and thanks for the information. I know I will benefit from it.
Sheila
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Author: Ryan K
Date: 2009-10-06 19:29
If your computer has a Web cam, record yourself playing, and we might be able to give more accurate suggestions.
Ryan Karr
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
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