 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: paker
Date: 2012-03-17 05:39
A local music store has teacher/room setup. Other options? I am an adult beginner. Thanks.
Another question. I like the sound of oboe, focused and clean. Must be a matter of harmonics. Is oboe substantially more difficult to play? Since oboe is about the same length, I suppose it covers the same range as clarinet. Correct? I am debating between clarinet and oboe. Thanks.
Post Edited (2012-03-17 06:19)
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Author: Campana
Date: 2012-03-17 08:19
As another adult beginner I was not prepared for the "black art" of reeds to come into the equation and complicate things. I subsequently learnt that the single reed clarinet players have it easy compared to the double reed oboe players. There is loads about reeds on the internet and I recommend you ensure you understand the pros and cons of both types because if all other things are equal, it might help you make up your mind.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-03-17 10:02
I'm not a big fan of choosing an instrument based on conveniences. If you prefer the sound of the oboe, then you MUST play the oboe. Reeds be damned (but pre-fabs are expensive!!! I'm just sayin').
As for store lessons: For the most part, teachers who put themselves in that scenario are in a certain mindset that may not be best for an 'odd case' such as an adult beginner. I'd ask around, see if you can find a sympathetic instructor at a college or local symphony. You want someone who will be happy to talk basics but not treat you like a lost cause.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2012-03-17 14:19
1. Check with the teachers at the music store. Paul says that "For the most part" etc. That's true but some of us are not...I teach at a music store but I will teach anyone and I am all for "non-trad" students. Interview the teacher.
2. Oboe vs. clarinet. Clarinet plays about 6 notes lower than oboe. The acoustics of the clarinet cause the second register to be 12 notes higher than the low register. On oboe, it's an octave. This means that the fingerings you learn on the oboe are mostly the same no matter what octave you're playing in. On the clarinet, you finger a low note and when you add the register it changes note names.
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Author: DougR
Date: 2012-03-17 14:22
I've been studying for a couple of years with one of the local pros who gets lots of "a-list" gigs locally, as well as playing in shows, etc. He gets the gigs partly because he's always trying to improve his playing, always avid to learn tips and techniques he can use on the job, and is actually still studying, himself, with a local flute guru.
He teaches adult beginners as well as other local pros, all of whom are beneficiaries of his constantly surveying "what's out there" so that he can discover what really works. Meanwhile, he's grounded in fundamentals as practiced by all the great players, and I really feel I'm getting the best instruction available. That he's generous with his time and his patience (!! always important with beginners or those of us who still struggle with bad habits) is a terrific bonus, too.
All of which is by way of agreeing with Paul, I suppose. There are many paths to Buddha, I think the saying goes, but I'm very happy having sought out the best guy in town to study with. Good luck!!
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2012-03-17 14:35
A long while back I switched to oboe and played it pretty much exclusively for about 8 years. But when I was more needed as a clarinet player, I was relieved to go back and not have to worry so much about reeds. I also like the tone of the oboe, but it takes a while to come close to a good oboe sound, so be patient if you go that way. During that time I enjoyed the wonderful literature written for oboe which doesn't exist for the newer instruments like clarinet. As to learning the notes, I suppose oboe is a bit easier at the beginning stages.
I agree with Katrina. Please check with the store teacher. I have been one of "those" for quite a while since I am reluctant to take students into my home. I have taught all levels and my adult students have often been the most fun to teach.
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
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Author: DougR
Date: 2012-03-17 14:44
I suppose I should qualify my previous post by saying "best guy in town for ME," since who knows who the actual best guy is, how are you measuring, etc etc etc. The best player might suck as a teacher (and I can name a couple of nationally recognizable names who have that reputation); whereas someone who's playing the exact same way for the last 20 years, but who's also generous and patient and actually inspiring, might be best for you at this stage as well.
As to clarinet vs oboe: almost any instrument, in the early stages, can seem diabolically difficult to master. If you gravitate toward the sound of it, above anything else you hear, then clearly THAT's the horn to study, and hang the difficulty. Part of learning an instrument is "learning how to be a beginner," too, and that's true with any instrument.
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Author: paker
Date: 2012-03-17 17:21
Thanks for the explanation.
1) I didn't know oboe has a narrower range than clarinet. I just learned from wiki that human voice goes lower than oboe. Since my immediate goal is to play songs, I must give up oboe. Easy decision. Thanks.
2) I know no musician. I will take lessons from a teacher associated with the music store. Thanks.
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2012-03-17 18:00
Oboe vs clarinet. Think about what kinds of music you like to listen to and would like to play. Jazz - forget oboe. Baroque - forget clarinet. And what sorts of group opportunities are available in your area? Concert (wind) bands always use far more clarinets than oboes. In general, since oboe players are far scarcer than clarinet players, oboe players have a better shot in getting into community orchestras.
Also, it'll be easier to find a clarinet teacher than an oboe teacher.
P.S. You can play songs on either; don't let that stop you from oboe.
And if you wish to play along with a piano, oboe might be a better bet since it is a C, not Bb instrument.
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Author: paker
Date: 2012-03-17 18:49
I listen to both. Mozart, Weber and Crusell clarinet works, Marcello and other oboe works. I have no aspiration to join a group. Just an old man's hobby......
I will be taking lessons at the same place that my daughters took piano lessons from - when they started. I just called them. Their rate is $76 for a 4 week month. It didn't go up much. Does it mean musician's income didn't go up much?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-03-18 03:12
Musician's income.........HA!!! That's a good one.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: valoboe
Date: 2012-03-18 15:40
It sounds like you prefer to take your initial lessons at the local music store. Most likely the teacher at your local music store is more familiar with teaching the clarinet than with the oboe. Talk to the instructor before you start and see if you would like studying with that person and what his/her experience is with the clarinet and oboe. Also, it is about 10x more expensive to play the oboe - for both the reeds as well as the instrument. I play both instruments and the oboe is by far, the most fickle and frustrating. This is why most elementary band teachers start the kids on flute, clarinet, and trumpet. They are not "easier" to play but they will not break the bank while you are assessing whether or not you are ready to commit to learning an instrument. Good Luck!
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Author: TianL
Date: 2012-03-19 16:32
like some of people above have said.. listen to more musics of both clarinet and oboe and decide which sound you like most. also i do think that you should take reed into consideration. the oboe reeds will end up costing you a lot more money (and time).
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2012-03-20 19:14
Check with your local High School Band Director, or University Music Dept, and ask them for names, recommendations.
Usually they will know the quality, reputation, etc of the teacher.
Music stores vary widely in lesson quality and competence. They are usually pretty cheap, but sometimes price is indicative of quality.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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