 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: sarah
Date: 2001-10-20 23:56
My teacher said that he dosn't like my tone, but can't tell if it is me or my set up. Currently I am using an E11, a marcellus m13, an opera lig, and zonda 3 1/2 reeds. He has told me to try Vandoren 3 1/2 reeds, to see if that makes my tone better. I was wondering if anyone on here had any opinions on my setup or any tips to make it better. He never told me what he didn't like about my sound but I want to make it better. Thank you.
Sarah
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John Gould
Date: 2001-10-21 00:59
Have him play your setup.(sterilize everthing, of course) He needs to be more specific if the problem is to be solved.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2001-10-21 03:10
For cryin' out :[loud], Sarah... how can you make anything better if you don't know what's wrong?
Don't change anything yet. Insist on more information. If he's being paid for the lessons he gives you, you're entitled to your money's worth - or a refund. If he can't do better than he 'doesn't like it', my opinion is that you should seek a different teacher. Don't forget the refund :|
....(grumble)
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2001-10-21 03:40
Any teacher not articulate enough to explain what he(she) means should not be teaching...Sorry, no debate on this one...
There are MANY teachers who will offer you much more...
It's time to move on...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kim L
Date: 2001-10-21 04:49
Simply ask why and how you can improve it. If he can't answer this with saying you need to change your setup or anything, then change to a better, more professional teacher.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Diane
Date: 2001-10-21 05:43
1) I agree with what's been said - to fix the problem, you have to know exactly what the problem is. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher to describe the specfic issues you're dealing with.
2) I'd guess you're already doing this (given your email address), but - listen to as many different clarinet players as possible, particularly the pros (Meyer, Stoltzman, Neidich, etc... as well as your local symphony). You may or may not like an individual's tone but you will learn what the clarinet can sound like. I'm amazed at the number of clarinetists who have never heard a professional clarinetist other than their teachers (assuming they even take lessons), including a few who want to be professional musicians.
3) This may be of minimal use because of the limits inherent to recording, but you might try to record yourself and listen to the tape. Assuming you do not have professional level recording equipment, what you hear may have several artifact secondary to the recording (your dynamics may flatten out, etc...) but it might provide some information you can use to decide how much changing you really need to do.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-10-22 04:02
Dianne's suggestion is known to many musicians.
This book may be a good reference. http://www.cco.caltech.edu/~boyk/HEAR.HTM
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-10-22 15:21
I have to agree that your teacher needs to be specific about the problem with your tone. He needs to tell you if he wants it to be darker, lighter, fuller, clearer, etc. And then he needs to tell you HOW to bring that ideal tone into being. An E-11 with the Marcellus mouthpiece and opera lig should not be a hinderance to a good tone. Switch reeds and try the Vandoren V-12 in a 3. A little lighter on the reed strength might give you the "edge" you're wanting. Also, you might try a little darker ligature like the Rovner 1-R rather than the opera lig.
Shoot for a nice dark tone with clear and clean articulation. Listen to some good clarinetists and try to imitate what they sound like. You can find some clips on the Barnes and Noble website (www.bn.com) if you browse their music CD section under "clarinet." Also, there are some clips to listen to with some of our Sneezy sponsors.
Tone is something it takes years to develop--but without good coaching you won't be able to do it. Ditch the teacher if he doesn't help you in this way. Otherwise you're wasting your money and your time.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
