 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2019-11-30 02:56
I've "played" the clarinet since 1992 (when I bought one for $65 at a flea market in Bethesda, MD). I was 32 then and am 60 now and have never studied the clarinet *except* for a super-rare, *very* few months with Ed Cabarga of the NSO (I know, not a bad place to start, right?!). In those years, I became more of a collector than a player.
I have to say I dream of living my life over and studying clarinet. No, I can't afford to go back to school.
Two things brought these musing on today: (1) seeing a photo of young Harold Wright strolling across Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, doubtlessly on his way to or from a lesson with Ralph McLane, and (2) entering "clarinet syllabus" into Google and pulling up the one by Richard Faria at Ithaca College. I read the whole thing! (I promise never to bring xeroxes to class and to attend every faculty recital and event! Yes!).
The grass is always greener elsewhere, and I have no doubt the study of clarinet is a difficult and probably profoundly discouraging one. But how I would have enjoyed focusing on my playing in my life (instead of having it as a "hobby" after I got home from work at 6:00) and studying with someone who really knew how to play!
I've had a lot of fun, anyway. Taught myself double-lip. Now I'm working on learning German system. I guess I'm my own teacher.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2019-11-30 18:35
Bill wrote:
>... Now I'm working on learning German system...
>
Hi Bill,
I cannot offer you an advice on how to learn/study clarinet.
However, I believe that it is probably easier to perfect playing one system - French or German- rather than trying to learn both.
In fact, long time ago, I had two teachers: both played "German" system and both told me that
"French" clarinet could sound similar to German one.
In fact, when one of them played my (or other students') instrument there was not much difference in his tone compared to how he sounded playing his own clarinet.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2019-12-01 17:03
m1964 wrote:
I believe that it is probably easier to perfect
> playing one system - French or German- rather than trying to
> learn both.
I agree. What has held me back from being a much better player is my love for the equipment itself. I love how one Buffet sounds slightly different than another one. I enjoy the differences between clarinets (and mouthpieces). If I had picked one instrument and played it exclusively, I would have learned more about music and the expression of it. No question!
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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