Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2015-02-27 17:58
Good answers from everyone, but I'd like to add one thing--solid fundamentals.
I'll often get private students who have been playing for a couple years. Some have good basic skills (yes!), but many present a challenge because their fundamentals (note reading, tonguing, embouchure, etc.) are lacking. It's sometimes difficult for them to go back and learn things the right way, and a lot of patience with these students is a must.
If you get a chance to work with students who are in their first year, consider yourself fortunate. If you can accomplish a few basic things with them, they will have a very strong foundation and will do well in the future. Here they are:
1. Good basic music reading skills with the basic notes and rests. Use a variety of techniques to reinforce, including singing (possibly Kodaly syllables), clapping, etc.
2. Good hand position. This isn't easy for those with small fingers, but make sure they're going in the right direction.
3. Good embouchure. Again, this isn't easy for everyone, but make sure they know what they're supposed to be doing.
4. Good breathing fundamentals
5. Good tonguing fundamentals
I could share countless stories of students (from public school teaching and private teaching) who came to me with poor fundamentals after having played for several years. Instead, I'll share one from my public school days that really says it all.
He was a young sax player who had received a few lessons from his grandfather. He wasn't far along at all, and he hadn't yet learned how to play quarter notes. I had had experience with situations like this one, and wasn't optimistic. Yet, the story has a surprising twist. The grandfather had insisted that his grandson learn the basics. The student knew how to tongue, breathe correctly, and read whole notes and half notes (without having note names written everywhere). He went on to become an excellent sax player.
Post Edited (2015-02-27 18:02)
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