 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2002-06-16 11:23
Hello everyone,
I've been reading the posts on this forum for a few days, and first of all, what a great informative place this is! I've learnt a whole load of stuff that I never knew just from reading the posts here.
OK, so here's my introduction: I've just turned 30, and have decided to return to playing the clarinet. I played from when I was 7 years old right up until my early 20s. I played 4 times a week in the local British Legion Band (I'm in the UK) and on Saturdays in the local youth orchestra. It was an absolutely huge part of my life for many years. My big ambition in life was to be a clarinet teacher, but due to various reasons, it never happened - mainly because of my own lack of discipline and motivation.
Anyway, back to the story. Mortgages, jobs and significant others soon got in the way, as they do! I also had a wonderful teacher, but he sadly died, and I just couldn't get on with the new teacher. I moved away from where my band and musical activities were based, and let it all slip.
Eventually, due to money problems I had to sell my much loved Artley (I know, I know, people here don't think very highly of them, but I absolutely loved it, and always got on very well playing it.)
About five years ago, I decided to have another stab at playing, so I went out and bought myself another clarinet, but soon lost my motivation. I just didn't seem to to be able to juggle working full time, looking after a house, and playing. So once again, the playing slipped.
I don't even have a clarinet yet - I'm waiting for it to arrive (A YCL-20 - all I could afford at the moment - should be here in a couple of days). But, it's almost as if I've been searching for that "missing" part of my life for 10 years, and now I've realised what it is that's missing - playing.
I really, really don't want to lose my motivation this time, which at the moment is huge! So I'm really looking for some good tips about how to keep that going, and what I should be doing in terms of learning and progressing.
Also, I'd very much like to hear from others who have returned to the instrument after a long layoff, in terms of how long it took you to "get it back". Of course I'm not expecting to be able to pick it up where I left off, but I'm really worried that after all this enthusiasm, I'll finally get it in my hands only to discover that I can't play a note any more Hearing about some of the problems you encountered, and how you got past them, I'm sure would be a tremendous help to me.
In time I hope to be able to contribute useful information to this forum - and I'm really glad to be here!
Regards
Lisa
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Author: steve
Date: 2002-06-16 14:19
Lisa,
I think the best thing to do to start with is a little bit of practice but often. Don't try and do too much at a time as it won't pay off to begin with.
A little often.
steve
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-06-16 14:22
Welcome back, Lisa! A lot of members of this board are of the "returner" stock; you'll fit right in!!!
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Author: Marge
Date: 2002-06-16 15:20
It's like riding a bicycle or swimming after a long period of inactivity--you never really forget, though your skills will be rusty. If possible, find a low-key (non-audition) group to play with that rehearses regularly. Combined with some independent practice, playing with such a group can get you up to speed perhaps faster than you may think. It's hard to stay motivated with just solo practicing.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-06-16 15:56
Welcome back...you are among friends. Within a year I was "back" to where I was embochure-wise and I was away longer than you have been.
My experience has been that one must be part of some group of players to maintain enthusiasm and dedication.
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Author: clare
Date: 2002-06-16 17:24
Lisa
Welcome back to playing! I've also returned to playing after a 10 year gap and am really enjoying it. You really don't realise how much you miss it until you restart.
I'd echo what Marge & Bob have said about joining a group - it really helps, particularly if you've been used to lots of band & orchestral stuff as you clearly have - it's just plain lonely otherwise! I found my band (Barnes Concert Band, which is great fun and plays in SW London) through this website:
http://www.amateurorchestras.org.uk/
It's not a completely comprehensive database, but it has quite a lot on it for bands in GB. And sometimes following links from the various orchestras etc leads on to other groups.
Hope you find something to suit you! And, depending on where you live, who knows our paths may even cross!
Happy playing,
Clare
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Author: Mandy
Date: 2002-06-16 18:14
If you want to teach they clarinet always keep your goal in mind and you will get there,I also am going to teach.I starded almost a year ago and I am thirty in August.I will be taking my grade six next year and am loving every minute of my playing.You certainly won't go far wrong buying a Yamaha,I have just bought a Yamaha pro-clarinet,Fantastic!Keep your plastic clarinet if you eventually upgrade and you will have the perfect instrument for outdoor concerts cold rehearsal rooms,a stand-by while your other horn is repaired etc.Whereabouts in the UK are you?I am always looking for fellow enthusiasts for chats playing together and mutual support ,please feel free to email me.
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Author: Pam
Date: 2002-06-16 19:37
Welcome back! I'm another returnee after about a 20 year break. It's true that it takes a bit of time to build your embouchure back up so playing often for shorter periods of time is good advice. I'm taking private lessons now where in high school, I just took whatever lessons the school offered for free. They have really helped me at this time because I have/had some bad habits that at 20 years later I don't remember if they were things I did in high school or not. Playing with a group of some kind is definately a plus. It helps motivate me to play better than if I were just playing for myself.
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Author: Fred R
Date: 2002-06-16 22:10
Welcome back
I retuned about 6 years ago after a 12 year hiatus. you will be surprised about how much you remember an how much you can't "just do". One thing that really helped me was joining a community band. I sat with the thirds at first all those low notes and sustained tones does wonders for getting your embouchure and air control back, and playing in a group helps keep the motivation up.
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Author: Tim
Date: 2002-06-16 23:12
I let my clarinet-playing drop in my early 20s after Grade 6 and attempts to get going again were all of a "bouncing ball" nature - you know, each time you get going you don't quite get to where you were last time. A couple of years ago I started again after getting involved with my kids in a local youth theatre in the musical "Joseph", but also joined our local music centre. I also invested in a cheap alto sax for additional motivation, and the music centre have even got me on playing baritone sax! I struggled initially with breath control and embouchure (still do on the bari sax!)but the technique soon came back. The huge difference this time has been playing in a group. On top of practising the essentials I enjoy playing along/harmonising/improvising with cheesy panpipe-type cd's on my computer and playing a broader range of music than ever before is my key. Open to any other tips!
Tim
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Author: Marge
Date: 2002-06-16 23:19
Some UK community groups are listed on this page, which is part of Ron Boerger's "Community Music" set of web pages. Some probably will have their own websites, which can be accessed by links elsewhere on his site.
http://www.boerger.org/c-m/commINTL.html
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-06-17 01:00
Lisa, I'm 76 (going on 90, with false uppers, dual hearing aids and arthritis in my hands) but back at it. You don't forget the fingering (if your body will react--but it will be slower). My main problem(s) were my lip (slowly coming back) and one problem I have not solved as yet. I've lost the ability to sight read music. It just does not seem to come easily any more. I can still play by ear fine, but I can't keep on asking others to plpay it first so I can hear it. Suggestions gang? Yeh, I know--practice--practice--practice. At my age life's too short for that. Bob A
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Author: Alison
Date: 2002-06-17 02:15
Hi Lisa,
I returned at age 39 after a 17-year hiatus. We have a wonderful community music school, and I signed up for lessons. This was helpful both for the encouragement and the pointers, and also for the extra motivation to practice! Soon thereafter, I joined a community orchestra and also hooked up with other local musicians for small ensemble playing. I've been at it continuously for 11 years now! Good luck - it's a satisfaction like no other. Alison
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2002-06-17 07:59
Hi everyone,
Wow, look at all your responses! Thank you all so much for your great suggestions and for making me feel so welcome.
Bob - I was a bit worried about the sight reading too. It was never really my strong point to begin with and the part I used to dread the most about my exams. However this weekend I have bought myself a couple of study books and I'm looking through them, and i'm surprised how much of it I actually remember I think my breath control is going to be the big sticking point. Definately time to give up smoking - i seemed to be able to get away with it when I was younger but I don't think my lungs are going to be so forgiving this time around!
Clare - how typical - i've just recently moved away from South London. Barnes wasn't that far away from me either.
I've also found out that the town I live in has a wind orchestra, so my aim is to try and join that. Unfortunately you have to be grade 6+ , which was about my standard 10 years ago but i'll definately need to brush up before I put myself through the turmoil of playing in front of people. I'll keep you all posted.
Once again thanks for all your wonderful advice,
Lisa
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-06-17 08:03
I'd like to wish you a happy return, too, Lisa
I was pretty much out of circulation, just off and on, for about thirty years. Am enjoying playing again and periodic visits to Sneezy's place. Many of us re-makes are rather fond of encouraging, and occasionally ribbing, one another. We even manage to learn a thing or two while we're at it :]
So glad you found your way here.
- ron b -
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Author: David
Date: 2002-06-17 11:13
Definitely join a band. That'll sort out your reading and get you up to speed. Or an orchestra, although you generally have to wait for someone to die to get into them. Search on: Hacksaw / brakelines / piano / open window.
I rather think that you're probably nearly there there already. If you played with a Legion Band, I have great respect. They're very good, and with the amount of playing you did, you'll probably know a lot of the repetoire.
Shame the band insists on grades. Much better if they're the sort of bunch that allow people to sit in and hear what the standard is.
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