 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: william ainsworth
Date: 2002-12-13 19:35
I started at age sixty and am now seventy. I never had a teacher and used mostly Rubank books to teach myself. I am playing in a concert band but the music is often too difficult for me and I find it frustrating at times. I love to practice and usually get in about ninety minutes per day. In concert band material scales above E flat and A major are seldom used. We are advised to practice all scales, major and minor, every day. My question is, do I need to practice all scales and do I need to practice minor scales at all. With limited time, why not practice just the first seven scales? More and more people, retiring early, are taking up instruments so the answer may be important to more than just me. What do you think?
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Author: Burt
Date: 2002-12-13 20:39
I agree that the scales (and arpeggios) having more than three sharps or flats are not very common in band clarinet parts. The minor keys are fairly common and with scales like b harmonic and melodic minor, you're effectively in 5 sharps. So I would (and do) practice all the keys but giving significantly more time to the more commonly-used keys.
Incidentally, I cut back my work time to half-time as I near retirement, which has given me much more time to play (clarinet, also). Have a great time playing.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-12-13 20:40
William...Congratulations on your new love affair with the clarinet and your desire to improve.
In a way, you answered your own question in your posting when you stated: "...but the music is often too difficult for me and I find it frustrating at times..."
Much of your frustration could be from not having the solid foundation which many of us "youngsters" were privileged to have.
However...it is not too late.
You are certainly on the right track with having an exercise book to challenge yourself with. You may consider purchasing a copy of Klosé, or one of the other standard clarinet texts to use as a supplement.
We all know it is not fun to practice in Gb major, and your question as to why you should is a valid one, as you certainly haven't yet seen any Gb major scales in your band music.
But, the day will soon come (probably sooner than later) when you will encounter a piece of one, or part of that finger pattern. That is when those hours of working on Gb major (or any of the less common key signatures) will really pay off. Your brain will immediately recognize the pattern, and send the required messages to the fingers.
By picking one key signature a week (or month) to thoroughly learn, is the best approach to eventually learning them all.
Another approach is to find a friend and play duets together. Challenge yourselves to play something which is slightly above your level, as well as playing the easy and fun things.
Like a big puzzle, that is when the pieces will all come together, and you will be hooked on the clarinet, indefinitely.
Best of luck...GBK
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Author: William
Date: 2002-12-13 20:43
Practicing (and mastering) all of the major and minor scales--diatonically, in thirds and arpeggiated--is a good way to learn all the fingerings (and alternates), develop the lower and higher registers, and just gain complete technical control over your instrument. Scales and arpeggios are the note relationships that make up much of our music, and mastering them "ahead" gives the performer a certain edge when encountering new music. With even a marginal effort in learning as many scale patterns (at least two octaves) perhaps that band music which you now find "too difficult" will suddenly become easier--and more fun. A good book to follow the Rubank Advanced is the Complete Klose. It has a good comprehensive section on all of the scales you should know plus lots of other material to try them out on. I've been playing clarinet for over 45 yrs and I still practice all of the scales every day just to "warm up." Scales are basic and, like with medications, they are "good for you." Enjoy and good luck.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-12-13 22:20
It is never too late to work with a teacher either. They can often point out areas where incorrect technique may be holding you back. They can also help direct your efforts to the most productive approach for your needs. Two caveats though. Find a teacher that you are comfortable with and one who understands your goals and needs.
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Author: Hank
Date: 2002-12-13 23:54
William,
The comment above:
With even a marginal effort in learning as many scale patterns (at least two octaves) perhaps that band music which you now find "too difficult" will suddenly become easier--and more fun.
This is very true. Few communty band rehearsals go by where I don't use fragments of scales and arpeggios in a piece (and can pretty much play is at sight). Master the tough scales and studies during your practice and then many things will be "right under your fingers in rehearsal."
Hank
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Author: Pam
Date: 2002-12-14 02:56
I don't usually enjoy practicing scales myself but am finding with the Christmas concerts we are doing this year at my church how much easier one ending of a song in particular where our "house arranger" wrote a new ending that would be a piece of cake if I was better on some of my scales. As it is now, I am just faking it through a couple of measures! I think I will take some of the above advice and practice those scales and some of the exercises in the Klose book!
Playing is a lot more fun when I'm not struggling just to get something correct.
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Author: leonard a
Date: 2002-12-15 01:57
I'm 59 and am starting the clarinet now. Tried it in high school but was frustrated by difficulty covering the holes so switched to sax. Now want to take another pass at the Bb soprano. I have enjoyed taking up the sax again recently and want to add the clarinet to my arsenal if possible. Anyway, I share your joy (and frustration) at starting late.
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Author: william ainsworth
Date: 2002-12-16 14:18
I am very grateful to everyone who replied to my posting - you have inspired me to practice all scales and arpeggios. Thankfully it is not much of a chore for me because I enjoy playing scales. I am sure that you responses have helped others like myself who have taken up clarinet late in life. I have been told that I chose a difficult instrument at my age, but I just love the sound. Thanks again.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-12-16 17:44
A difficult instrument at ANY age, William Imagine that those who post here, even ocassionally, are but a small percentage of music/clarinet lovers globally. I gather from that, that the rewards by far outweigh the struggles.
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