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Re: Old clarinet beginner

Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2019-11-18 22:36

Hi Mike,

I'm the same. I tinkered with many instruments unsuccessfully as a teenager and switched to the clarinet at 43. I actually think that having a good mind for engineering and invention is a huge plus with the clarinet. I'm a research scientist in my career and also a bit of an inventor, and it really helps a lot. Most of the problems I've had with the clarinet have been definitely to do with the engineering of the instrument so having that kind of mind is a huge plus.

I think that finding an encouraging teacher who doesn't try to push you to get into contortions is important. If they try to make you do anything with your mouth that hurts then that is a bad sign I think. Making you feel encouraged and making it an enjoyable pastime is good, I think. Make sure to start with a soft reed (like a 1.5), as that is the way to get a sound out when you start.

I find that watching loads of youtube videos helps immensely. the clarinetmentors videos are great, especially when you are starting.

I started with "a tune a day" books and then went on to the ABRSM grade books. I found that they chose really rewarding tunes to play and that made it very enjoyable and I got certificate at the end of each. The new version of "tune a day" book 1 has a great fingering chart in it.

Good luck and please do keep posting. I will be reading along and enjoying the answers that you get too, as I also need them. :-)

Jen

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Old clarinet beginner new

Mikeisnomusician

2019-11-18 08:08