 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jan
Date: 2001-02-13 17:38
Hi guys,
Im not a teacher but have played clarinet for many years and now my sister wants me to teach my 9 yr old niece. I gave her first lesson on sunday and she did well, but she puffs out her cheeks and I dont know how to explain how not to do this.
any suggestions?
thanks,
jan
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-02-13 21:38
Sometimes it works to have them visualize how they suck on a straw or blow through that straw to make bubbles in their drinks.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-02-13 22:40
Larry Guy's book also uses the straw technique.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about the cheeks at first. They can see by example.
Let the kid practice with a soft reed and open mouthpiece on a barrel.
Leave the clarinet out of the picture until the third lesson.
The kid should be able to sustain a fixed pitch for 15 seconds before the horn is introduced.
Lastly, teaching inside the family is a tricky business. If there's a struggle after the third session it may be time for some outside remedial help.
Best of luck in this.
PS- Is the child using a good fundamentals mouthpiece like the Hite? Check into using a Legere #2 to reduce cane-related problems as well.
anji
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Author: Meri
Date: 2001-02-13 23:01
We discussed this topic a while ago. Do a search for "teaching elementary school kids embouchure" for some ideas
Meri
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Author: Jan
Date: 2001-02-14 16:43
thank you for the suggestions everyone. I had tried the straw thing but she was just sucking on the mouthpiece when I tried to explain it. I think I will forget about the puffy cheeks for a few more lessons and then try the blowing thru the straw looking in the mirror. I also did the search and will try the idea of blowing the feather off the chin. thats a good one.
Anji..i was reluctant to teach her since im not a teacher and i dont want her to practice bad habits. they will get her a real teacher in the fall. i just hope i can manage to do the right things until then.
jan
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-02-14 17:06
Especially if you are not being paid, I would be making it more like play.
Even substituting a recorder for awhile will expose idea of putting fingers down.
Anything beyond open G down to C is fairly complicated.
I hope you have a ready supply of 'Dammitol' or Bailey's & Frangelico handy for the adults.
Nine is old enough to understand schedules and repetition. Too much detail will just make it a contest of wills.
Good luck,
you're likely to need it
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-02-15 19:20
Jan:
I taught begiinners in public school for over 37 years, and I didn't use the straw method but someting different. Imagine that the embouchure is like a rubber band that wraps around the mouthpiece. It is to be even on all sides to hold the reed in place, and the teeth just keep it all in place, very little pressure with the teeth. Pull the lips back only sleightly to make a cushion over the teeth (but not the top lips - place top teeth on the mouthpiece). Place the mouthpiece in the mouth for them so they will have an idea as to where it goes, and then let them do it. Show them what to do, use their finger (first two) and demonstrate how to roll the lips back, etc. Have them blow through with a very soft reed at first, only on the mouthpiece, reed and barrel. Try to get them to start the tone with the tongue!!! After they can make a decent honk, then try adding the other parts of the instrument.
The biggest problem with a child this age is hand size and finger placement. Work on holding their stommachs tight like when doing a cough to help them understand the use of the diaphragm. I taught my sister how to play (way back when) and the "sibling" thing was a problem. Big brother did win out, however. Good luck, and don't feel bad about having to call in reinforcements.
There is so much to getting a beginner started correctly that books have even been written on the subject. This all becomes easy by experience, tiral, and error. Good Luck!!
Bob Curtis
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