 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2002-01-13 20:09
How hard is it to learn the viola when you have never played a string instrument? An orchestra at our school requires that if you want to play a wind instrumant in it you have to be able to play a string instrument, and viola is the most needed. I have learned many woodwind instruments quickly, but I don't know how hard strings are to learn.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-01-13 21:37
With viola, you not only need to learn a new instrument, in many situations you need to learn to read a new clef. It'll be a challenge but I know you're up to it.
Learning an instrument is much like learning a new language. You have to crawl before you can walk etc. but, you already know the alphabet, how to read (music). So you're one step ahead in that respect. Generally speaking, it takes about four to five years to become proficient - depending on how diligently you practice. Becoming expert at the language of music, as with any other, is an infinitely ongoing process. No one ever 'arrives', they just constantly improve.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-01-13 22:31
Cindy ... as a clarinetist (primarily) who turned to viola my only comment is ... go for it. I adore the viola as much as the clarinet. The alto clef is not a problem to learn and you'll find your brain is quite good at making the association between notes on the stave and where your fingers lye on the fingerboard.
I've played the Mozart Quintet both as violist and clarinetist - and I think Mozart's writting for each instrument is wonderful.
Just be warned - you left arm will hurt initially, until it gets used to being forced into a funny position. Your fingers (left hand) will also ache, until your form callosus (sp). But don't be put off. Enjoy your viola as much as your clarinet.
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Author: Kim L.
Date: 2002-01-14 00:23
I learned the violin last semester as part of my music ed degree. My left arm and my left fingers hurt until I got used to it, but I had a lot of fun. Go for it! Learning new instruments are great! I know how to play all of them all except for the oboe and bassoon which I am learning this semester.
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2002-01-14 02:52
Adding onto my first post: is brass hard to adjust to also? Will it ruin your embouchure?
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-01-14 02:54
In my own, humble experience - I found brass playing a bit of a bore ... I guess I just wasn't "goofy" enough to have been any good at trumpet! *ducks for cover*
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Author: Laur
Date: 2002-01-14 03:07
Is it just me.. or do clarinets not get along with trumpets ?
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-01-14 03:11
Interesting point, but having laughed at a trumpet player for fainting (due to not taking a big enough breath and then insisting on finishing a phrase) during a rehearsal, I've had a cautious relationship with all brass players since (except people who play French Horn - they seem to be delightful mostly). Also, having been a viola playing professionally, I used to get annoyed with the trumpets and trombones for playing too loud - very deafening to have 3 trombones and a couple trumpets aiming their bells at the back of your head. Hey!! Maybe that's why I like the horn players - they were over on the other side of the orchestra!!
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Author: Kim L.
Date: 2002-01-14 03:31
I had to strain my embouchure with the trumpet. Their mouthpieces are too small. But, after a few months of recovery I was okay with my clarinet. I even thought I had TMJ. :( I don't and all is well. The trombone is probably the easiest and most relaxed of the brass embouchures.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-01-14 18:13
Everybody who learns a completely different instrument says it has no effect on your clarinet embouchure as long as you keep practicing clarinet.
I tried violin but gave up. The left arm position was too uncomfortable. Also, when you play clarinet, you try to make two hand work as one. On a string instrument, the functions of the two hands are completely different. Still, you can play a string instrument and talk at the same time. I wish I could do it.
Ken Shaw
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-01-14 20:01
I wonder how many former Music Ed majors remember "string technique" class in your undergrad years?
There was nothing funnier than 12 very proficient clarinetists all trying to "master" the techniques of the violin, for 5 months. Nothing I care to boast about.
It's a good thing the class met on Friday afternoon at 4 pm (right after TGIF).
Perfect timing...GBK
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-01-14 22:50
Ok, I'm all for learning new instruments, but if you want to learn a brass instrument that's really easy, go for euphonium (baritone). Trumpet embouchures are tight on clarinetists' mouths, IMHO, and most people don't like tuba for the same reason they don't like contrabass clarinet... the all-too-interesting downbeat lines.
My personal favorite brass is French horn...
I can't seem to get far with string instruments though. Does it have anything to do with my having a weak right arm?
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-01-15 00:33
Maybe colleges, in their attempt give people useful experience on several instruments, should think about at least keeping within the species? No matter how good a clarinetist you are, there is no way you're going to sound like Gil Shaham on the violin in 5 months. The keyboard is a must, IMHO, because you can always pick out chords or at least play basic accompaniments.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2002-01-15 01:19
I knew how to play trumpet/cornet expressively only after two years from starting them. But I played in my childhood (12 years of age) guitar and only a week was necessary to play a Bach small tune expressively and to know the pressing force of the left hand is the key to the sonority. I think this is true of violin or viola.
Another thing may be to adjust your feeling to just-tone, which all good string players know by feeling. Guitar too.
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Author: Kim L.
Date: 2002-01-15 18:48
Colleges give music ed majors experiences on all instruments so that we can teach beginners on all instruments.
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Author: Kim L.
Date: 2002-01-15 19:37
To add to the above. It's really fun. We get a "preview" of what will happen when we are teaching beginners.
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