 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Sarah
Date: 1999-05-28 21:11
I am a high school junior that is planning on going to college and majoring in music education. How neccessary are private lessons in the college admissions process? Will I be at a serious disadvantage if I have never taken private lessons before?
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Author: Evan
Date: 1999-05-29 01:16
It should not matter, if you play well, you play well, there is no way to change that. The only thing you might be lacking is some technique that can only be found with private instruction, correct emachoure ect.
Good luck
Evan
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Author: Therese
Date: 1999-05-29 01:35
I agree. Having a private instructor is not imperative to college auditions. Just look out for being prepared in all aspects of clarinet playing. As long as you know your stuff, you're good to go! Where are you planning on applying?- therese
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Author: Joey
Date: 1999-05-29 03:30
I disagree, I believe that in the educational field of music, there is, if anything, an absolute need for some instruction. If you've noticed through high school, the lessons you've taken often come in handy, and prepare you for what lies ahead. However, you only learn from a small group of directors, and usually, only one private instructor. In college, however, the music staff tends to be larger with perhaps 2 or 3 people that may specialize in clarinet. The feedback you may receive from seperate lessons could possibly provide more information than you ever got while in high school.
Another thing to consider is that even if you go into education, there will always be exams based on your ability, or recitals that require difficult pieces. Sure, in high school you may have learned every note and rythm there is, but the interpretation and musicality may still be lacking. The need for help in these two areas could still be strong even after a few years of college.
One last thing to remember is that no one stops learning. When someone thinks they know just about everything there is, out pops an unheard of style that just might throw you off, but would be an interesting technique to use in your own career. If you ask any music teacher, they'll probably tell you there is so much to learn.
Try taking occasional lessons at least. More frequent ones may provide more for any student. Good luck!
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Author: Katherine Pincock
Date: 1999-05-29 14:57
Private lessons are not immediately necessary for entering university on your instrument; as Evan said, if you can play well, you should still be accepted. However, they are extremely helpful. I came into university having taking private lessons for years; I also saw people who had had fewer or no lessons. Quite frankly, it was a lot more difficult for them to adjust. The pace of university is a lot faster in everything, class instruction and playing. Diligence can get you through, but if you have already been working on major problems, you will have a much easier time--just as if you took a university math course with some high school math behind you. As well, if you do not have private instruction before you go, you may find that you have an ingrained habit that prevents you from advancing or worse, causes you injury. I would follow Joey's recommendation, if at all possible: take at least some private lessons. They don't have to be weekly, and they don't have to be an hour long, but you should have someone helping you to prepare for what you'll find. First year university is stressful enough; you will find it significantly easier if you feel prepared for everything. Hope this helps!
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Author: Clare
Date: 1999-05-29 17:43
I'm a high school junior also, soon to be a senior. I plan to go to college for performance. I started taking private lessons in October, and I have improved by leaps and bounds. Unless your band teacher's primary instrument is the clarinet, you can't really reach your full potential unless you study with a clarinetist. However, if you're majoring in music education, you don't really need all the performance help that private lessons offer.
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