 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Darrwall
Date: 2016-06-25 01:17
I took up the clarinet in my 70s and, with the aid of a structured course comprising written instructions together with sheet music, taught myself to play up to about UK grade 3 standard. The written instructions provided clear explanations of matters such as rolling the left index finger for throat A, right fingers down for the throat notes., etc.
What books (ie; music and instructions) would you recommend to enable me to make further gradual progress up to the limit of my natural ability, please?
Darrwall
PS: Having played the cornet in brass bands in my youth, my sight reading is of a reasonable standard.
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Author: Roys_toys
Date: 2016-06-25 03:24
i also started again on retirement. I had lessons but found my desire to "play well with my friends" didn't really correspond with the teachers' prime objective to work for Grade exams. So after being taught the basics, my development leaning has been driven by myself.
I found that many tutor books are excellent but cover the same ground. MOst omit stuff which we soon need, presumably because " you need a personal teacher for that" So you need help with the things that are difficult to really get across by words and diagrams.
YouTube videos are extremely useful in illustrating many aspects of playing not easily shown on the page. And they have sound !
The resources that I have found most helpful are
1/ All Tom Ridenours videos ( he even has a video on slurring down from the clarion into the right hand, a topic avoided almost universally by tutors). Also his tutor.
2/ All Michelle Andersons Clarinet Mentors videos
3/ the 3 graded tutors Elementary, Intermediate , Advanced by PRof Etheridge ( he of Clarinet for Dummies fame) . Although we will each relate differently to different approaches, I find his approach really well thought out to assist in problems arising as one passes forward. It will give you a programme for achievements at each stage.
4/ When you have a particular difficulty, search for it on YouTube. Here you have to take care, but there is lots of great advice out there.
5/ Jack Brymer's book Clarinet is dated but it will make you aware of problems and opportunities you weren't even aware existed !
I hope this is of some value.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-06-25 05:29
Darrwall -
As a new clarinetist, it's important to learn to make the smallest possible finger movements. Your fingers should get at most 1/2" above the holes and keys. They should move quickly but lightly and only from the knuckle joints. It should be like they know their correct position by radar. Some people imagine moving only their fingernails.
I cringe whenever I read about "rolling" the left index finger up on the throat A key. Think instead about keeping your hand and wrist steady and just "nudging" your finger up.
The Rubank books are excellent. The beginner's book will help you lay down the foundation for all future playing.
Your early experience should let you keep up in a group, which would help. So of course would at least a few private lessons.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Ken Shaw
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2016-06-25 16:35
Darrwall, I see you're in Mitcham, I'm Wandsworth so if you fancy any lessons please get in touch.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Darrwall
Date: 2016-06-26 23:08
Thank you all for your helpful advice. I have made a note of all your suggestions and will act on them systematically.
Ken Shaw: I have adopted your suggestion regarding throat A and noticed an improvement straight away.
Cigleris: I have emailed you.
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