 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: amy58103
Date: 2017-09-27 22:59
I am an adult, returning to the clarinet after a 20 year break.
My previous music education consisted of small group lessons in elementary school on the Bb soprano clarinet, some private lessons in middle school with the school band conductor, and some music theory classes in high school.
In middle school, I started learning the alto sax so I could join the jazz band. In high school, I learned the baritone horn because the marching band needed more brass, I played the bass clarinet in the concert band, and the baritone sax in the jazz band (I was really drawn to the lower bass lines at that time). In college, I played the alto sax in the marching band (I forget why I picked that instrument). In short, I could play several instruments, but none of them very well.
This time around I want to focus solely on the clarinet, and follow a more “classical” study. Eventually, I’d like to join a community orchestra and/or find a small chamber ensemble to play with. Right now I’m working my way through the Rubank Elementary Method to strength my embouchure, relearn the fingerings, how to count, etc.
I’m wondering what I should work on next. Originally I thought I’d just work my way through the Rubank series, but the Intermediate book isn’t really calling out to me and I don’t think I’m quite ready for the Advanced books. I know private lessons is recommended, but that isn’t in the budget right now.
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Author: shmuelyosef
Date: 2017-09-27 23:22
I'm partial to the C. Rose studies and etudes, particularly the studies. They are cheap and if I recall correctly can be downloaded as PDFs (there are even some illegal scans out there for free).
Richard Nunemaker's "The Effortless Clarinet" has some good guidance, but is thin...
I also use Maquarre's "DAILY EXERCISES FOR THE FLUTE" as clarinet study as well.
I have been "just a doubler" on clarinet for a long time (i.e. a saxophone player), but this year have been putting in a lot of time to upgrade my clarinet skills so as to play folk music and dixieland.
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Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2017-09-27 23:48
Similar experience for me as well. My advise: Find a good teacher. Patience. Practice. Don't beat yourself up if you don't get it right away. Above all... ENJOY!
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2017-09-28 00:24
The rudiment content in Rubank Elementary isn't very demanding. At the least, you should get something that presents and exercises all the scales, arpeggiated triads and scales in thirds (for when the scales eventually become easier). There's a rudiment book by J. B. Albert (published by Carl Fischer) and Book 5 of the James Collis Method series is also a rudiment book. The old standby series by Carl Baermann also includes a book of rudiment studies and graded exercises that I find more readable than Klose, the other very old stand-by. Baermann's method also includes very melodic study material that moves eventually into excerpts from some of his own compositions for clarinet.
You'll need to look at a variety of material to see just where your technical level is. Jumping from Rubank Elementary to any of the Rose books, which are quite good, may be too large a leap unless the Rubank is really very easy for you. I agree with you about the Rubank Intermediate being hard to enjoy. But you might not find the advanced book so out of reach. It's organized into separate sections of different types of material with a table telling you by keys which selections from each section go together to make a complete lesson. You don't have to do it in sequence. Start with whatever you find easier and work your way into the harder material.
There's also an etude series I used to use with students by Leon Lester running through, I think, four levels from "Developing Clarinetist" to "Advancing Clarinetist" which can lead more smoothly toward the Rose 40 Studies, which was the first of the Rose books I studied. Again, you'd need to look at them to decide if they're only a little challenging or still out of reach.
Karl
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2017-09-28 01:45
Try to budget for at least a few lessons. The teacher can recommend what to play and, most important, catch any bad habits before they become ingrained.
Perhaps, depending on your location, you might find a recommendation for a gifted student from the local college music department. But try to get a few lessons somehow.
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Author: mdj
Date: 2017-09-28 14:44
I'm a relative newbie adult learner of the instrument (about 3 years). I am not new to learning other instruments though.
For me, what has been of the utmost importance is connecting with a highly qualified teacher who can appreciate and understand an adult learners perspective.
This includes understanding the balancing act we face juggling life - work, family, house, health issues, etc... and how this factors into practice time.
How I wish I was in my younger days when there were little distractions to practice time. Doesn't always work that way in middle-age.
Anyways, I think a good teacher who works well with adults is important.
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Author: Philip DeVries
Date: 2017-09-28 16:20
I did *exactly* the same thing starting about 10 years ago, and have had a lot of fun.
I really liked the David Hite "Melodious and Progressive Studies" books for etudes and musical excercises, and two Avram Galper technique books "Tone, Technique, and Stacatto" and "Upbeat Scales and Arpeggios" for technical study. I am still using the Galper regularly.
I also found a teacher quite soon, and agree that some lessons will be well worthwhile.
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Author: amy58103
Date: 2017-09-28 17:32
Thank you for all the great suggestions so far! Several books I haven’t heard of before.
The Rubank Elementary Method is extremely easy for me, and things are coming back fairly quickly. I’m thinking it will probably take me 4 weeks to go through the book.
Rose 32 definitely looks like too big of a jump. I probably could move on to the Advanced books or Division 2 of Baermann Op. 63, but I feel like I need something slightly easier. My embouchure feels very weak and my fingers feel very “clunky.” I'm guessing it will be a couple of months until I'm ready for the altissimo register.
I did have a trial lesson with one teacher. He felt like my embouchure was OK (some bunching of my chin, which was always an issue for me) and he liked my tone. His standard method for adult students is to work through Essential Elements for Band Book 2 and then move on to a book of show tunes. That didn’t really appeal to me so I decided to not pursue additional lessons with him.
I definitely do plan on finding a teacher, but it’s going to take some time to find the “right” teacher and it’s going to cost more than what I’m willing to pay right now.
Any other suggestions for some “intermediate” method books? Things that would help improve my embouchure and finger dexterity?
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-09-28 17:36
There is nothing shameful about finding a good teacher, at any age, and being guided in your quest. I've done that several times ... as a matter of fact, my 4th clarinet lesson occurred when I was 27 years old ... after starting the clarinet when I was 11 years old, playing until 17 and suspending activity for 10-11 years ...
A good teacher that has a stalwart enthusiasm for the instrument and truly understands that you may have different problems/needs/schedule/time/goals than a younger full-time student, can really help you out ...
At the age of 65, I may again seek out and find someone to help me ... never too old to get back in the groove ...
It can be hard work, but candy coated with lots of fun, too ...
Tom
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Author: klim
Date: 2017-09-29 03:19
I began playing Bb clarinet 3 months ago after not playing for 50 years. I found a website with many free videos that I found very helpful in tuning up my embouchure, tonguing, air, choice of reeds, mouthpiece etc. Michelle Anderson instructor. Search "Clarinet Mentors".
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2017-09-29 10:37
I second the recommendation for "Clarinet Mentors". It's not like having actual lessons - but Michelle does a great job, is quite engaging, and offers lots of content for free through her youtube videos.
For a book that suits your current needs I would recommend "First Book of Practical Studies" by Nilo Hovey. It consists of short etudes that are mostly surprisingly tuneful considering how closely based they are on diatonic scales and arpeggios. He introduces a little more chromaticism in the later part of the book. Things start off very easy (and a little dry) but progress at a well measured pace. The content quickly becomes more interesting, exploring major and minor key signatures up to three sharps and three flats. From there you would probably be ready for "Melodius and Progressive Studies", which is a collection put together and edited by David Hite. Karl's suggestion of the Leon Lester books is also a good one. After that you'll be a much more accomplished player and likely ready to tackle the Rose.
SmartMusic is also very nice for self study and solo recreational playing:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=427231&t=427147
Have fun!
Anders
Post Edited (2017-09-29 10:37)
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2017-09-29 16:48
nellsonic wrote:
> I second the recommendation for "Clarinet Mentors". It's not
> like having actual lessons - but Michelle does a great job, is
> quite engaging, and offers lots of content for free through her
> youtube videos.
>
And the reason, in case it isn't clear, why it isn't like having actual lessons is that the process is one-way. There's no feedback available from the teacher (Michelle in the case of Clarinet Mentors) to tell you if you're on the right track or have misunderstood or misapplied something. That "full duplex" quality is the most important benefit of studying with a skilled teacher.
Karl
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Author: mdj
Date: 2017-09-30 12:43
kdk wrote:
> nellsonic wrote:
>
> > I second the recommendation for "Clarinet Mentors". It's not
> > like having actual lessons - but Michelle does a great job,
> is
> > quite engaging, and offers lots of content for free through
> her
> > youtube videos.
> >
>
> And the reason, in case it isn't clear, why it isn't like
> having actual lessons is that the process is one-way. There's
> no feedback available from the teacher (Michelle in the case of
> Clarinet Mentors) to tell you if you're on the right track or
> have misunderstood or misapplied something. That "full duplex"
> quality is the most important benefit of studying with a
> skilled teacher.
>
> Karl
This is a critical element to me.
For me.. as an adult learner.. this two way interaction with a 'live' teacher is critical. On the spot feedback and adjustments.
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Author: jthole
Date: 2017-10-01 17:53
My situation is a bit different, but I also returned to classical clarinet a few years ago, after twenty years. In those inbetween years, I have played the various saxes (mainly bari) but no clarinet, and strictly focused on jazz and bigband music.
The first important thing (after having fun, of course) I did was to get a good teacher. I have started with the Klose and Baermann etudes, and afterwards worked through several of the Lancelot and C. Rose etudes. In the past year, I have started working on orchestral pieces (Stamitz, Weber, Mozart).
The second important things for me was joining a concert band. Recently I have joined a clarinet choir as well. Playing together is fun, and does a lot for your listening skills.
Good luck, and have fun!
Post Edited (2017-10-01 19:34)
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2017-10-03 15:22
After a longer hiatus, I came back and made much more progress than previously. Suggestions: 1. read this bboard - it will be an incredible resource (also check out the clarinet threads on SaxOnTheWeb.net ) 2. play with a good tone (know what or who you want to emulate) and on pitch - if you don't sound good, no one will care 3. play as often and in as many different kinds of settings as you can.
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2017-10-03 21:19
You might want to join a New Horizons band if you can find one in your area. They are for beginning adult musicians. (I have read a little about them, but never played in one.)
When I joined my first community band after a 15 year break, I was fortunate that it was quite small and not playing difficult music. As they got better, I got better. That was 37 years ago. Within 10 years, that band (in Albuquerque) was much bigger and much better.
I'd also set your sights a little lower at the beginning; orchestras tend to have only 2 or 3 clarinets; community bands will have a lot of them. It could be a lot easier to find and join a band than an orchestra. Meeting other musicians is the key to getting more opportunities to play.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2017-10-05 20:37
I would get the Rubank Intermediate and work through it, even if it isn't 'calling out to you'. There are some important exercises in there - you don't want to skip on fundamentals.
The leap from Rubank elementary directly to Rose studies is too great a step.
I therefore also recommend the Melodious & Progressive Studies (book 1) Hite, Southern Music.
Plus have someone send you some scale, fingering, and articulation studies (email me offline if you want some .pdfs). Fundamentals are the key - and that starts with fingering and scale patterns.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2017-10-06 19:02
To make certain your embouchure is correct, I would suggest working your way through Larry Guy's Embouchure Building for Clarinetists. When I started playing again after 40 years, that's where I needed the most work. I learned to play the clarinet in an elementary school band from a piano teacher, so my embouchure was nowhere near correct. Learning to play correctly has made a huge difference. The Guy book is easy to work through on your own and has some excellent tips in it. I decided I was going to learn to double on the sax. Luckily, I'd been playing with a community band from the local university so had become acquainted with several of the music majors. One of them whom I'd grown to have a lot of respect for agreed to give me lessons at a reduced rate from what "professional" teachers would charge. It made for some good pocket money for him and for some really good lessons for me. If you live in a college town, I'd suggest asking around the music department to see if there's a masters degree clarinet student (or a clarinet major) willing to give lessons. They've been taking from the best teachers at the university level and have some really good information to pass along.
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