The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: How do you teach tonguing?

Author: Ed
Date: 2018-09-20 21:52

I agree that it can be difficult to teach the concept. While you can talk about it, try to describe it, etc, often it is still a mystery to some. Some have difficulty with the idea of beginning the air or in some cases continuing it as they tongue.

Some students naturally do it or figure it out. For others, I have a way that I teach it that makes it pretty quick and easy and with a minimum of explanation.

-Begin a note with the air.
-Next, stop the sound by touching the reed with the tongue, while trying to keep the air supported.
-As you are still pushing the air, remove the tongue to start the sound again.
-Repeatedly bring the tongue to and away from the reed, to "interrupt" the sound.
-Try starting the note fresh with air and the tongue on the reed, releasing the tongue as the air begins.

I hope this is clear. I take time with each step, repeating it until the student feels comfortable. When they feel confident I add the next portion. I will demonstrate so they hear what it should sound like, and make suggestions to improve the air flow, tongue placement or tongue stroke (light, hard) to make it sound best.

Most students pick this up very quickly and I find that all of the difficulties you mentioned are minimized. It can be very difficult to explain how to tongue in a way that a sound student can understand or visualize. This minimizes the talking and focusses on the end result.

Hope this helps.

Post Edited (2018-09-21 22:23)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics