 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jesstiggs
Date: 2007-10-10 23:11
Hi all, I`m new to these boards and also to the Clarinet, I`ve tried really hard to get a note from it but without success.
I`m assuming its me thats the problem!, I`ve tried following teaching videos online and from what I`ve read but having no luck at all, I`m also having problems finding a tutor seems no one wants to teach in my area (I`m from the UK).
Can anyone give me any hints and tips please before I lose faith in my ability to be able to play it:)
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Author: MichaelR
Date: 2007-10-11 01:27
Jesstiggs wrote:
> Hi all, I`m new to these boards and also to the Clarinet, I`ve
> tried really hard to get a note from it but without success.
No note at all? No squeak?
> Can anyone give me any hints and tips please before I lose
> faith in my ability to be able to play it:)
Share your problem with the band teacher at the local school. Or ask at your local music store for help in finding someone who knows how to play woodwinds.
Even a never-touched-one-before beginner should be able to get sound out of the instrument. It is difficult for us to imagine what could be wrong. However, what is difficult to imagine is not necessarily difficult to observe.
In the mean time, change things. Where things is how much pressure you put on the reed and mouthpiece, how much or little you take into your mouth, how hard or soft you blow. If you vary all of these you should stumble across what works.
--
Michael of Portland, OR
Be Appropriate and Follow Your Curiosity
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-10-11 03:47
Hello Jesstiggs!
My name is Henry and I live in Miami USA. I am relatively new to the Clarinet and I love it. It is a fantastic instrument. I am perhaps in no position to give you advice however, my curiosity wonders if you put the reed on the mouthpiece. I am sorry, some times, we become exited and for what you are explaining the only thing I can think of is that, the reed is missing.
When I started, I used the Essential Elements 2000 for Bb Clarinet book 1 by Hal Leonard and it worked well for me. Now I have a teacher and I continue using it.
Good Luck to you,
Henry Padilla
Post Edited (2007-10-11 03:55)
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Author: 2E
Date: 2007-10-11 04:06
sounds like either you've set up something incorrectly (like forgot to put the reed on) or theres a really really bad leak somewhere on the instrument although even with leaks you should be able to get an open G ...
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Author: Jesstiggs
Date: 2007-10-11 07:50
"No note at all? No squeak?"
Yes I have had the odd squeak from it and a friend has been able to get a deep note but not able to sustain it.
Hi Henry, yes I had put the reed on, can understand what your saying though and it would be something I`d do:D
Sadly I`m not in London or near, I live in Manchester area.
There have been times when I`ve heard the air going through the instrument as I`ve been blowing.
Thank you all for your replies:)
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Author: Mike Clarinet
Date: 2007-10-11 10:53
The Royal Northern College of Music is in Manchester, as well as the Halle orchestra. This means that there should be some decent music shops, that will probably have a list of local teachers. Do you have any children of school age? The music teacher may also be able to put you in touch with someone. Find out if there are any community bands / orchestras in the area who may be able to help you.
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Author: 2E
Date: 2007-10-11 12:29
Perhaps you've put the tip of the reed slightly above (or too far below) the tip of the mouthpiece. Try moving the top edge of the reed so its a hairs breadth below the tip of the mouthpiece. You should be able to see the tip of the reed and then a super thin black line above it (the mouthpiece tip.)
I remember when I was first learning the instrument, my teacher just said to put the reed really close to the tip of the mouthpiece so I put it slightly above. It was a good week or two until the teacher realised :p 2E
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2007-10-11 13:07
Try this for essential skills;
Assemble ONLY the short barrel, mouthpiece, reed and ligature.
Make certain to put the reed on, flat side facing the mouthpiece.
(I've seen them attached, other way 'round... it can be done.)
The ligature should be mounted below the window shaped opening beneath the reed, so that the reed may move freely. Just snug enough to keep the reed in place - not too tight, okay?
Grip the mouthpiece firmly using pressure from the lips, rather than teeth.
If you still cannot get any sound, the reed is too "stiff" for your mouthpiece.
Try these rudimentary steps and give us an update, won't you?
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-10-11 14:20
Good suggestion from SynBot. You can even just hold the reed in place with your thumb. Of course, wet the reed first.
Bob Draznik
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Author: D
Date: 2007-10-11 22:12
I'd suggest sticking Manchester Music Shop woodwind into google and seeing what you get. Then look at the sites that come up, find one you can get to, give them a ring and ask if someone on staff could spend two minutes with you to help you make a noise and do a quick check to make sure there is nothing wrong with the instrument. You need a shop with a woodwind technician really, but to be honest most shops that sell clarinets (even a very limited range) will have someone on staff who can get a noise out of a clarinet. They will want to be nice to encourage you to be a loyal customer! Might be worth contacting local Universities which have music performance programs and asking if any of the students would consider giving you a few introductory lessons to get you up and running. Music shops some times can give you places to start looking.
You didn't say how you acquired the instrument. Do you know for certain there is nothing wrong with it?
Have fun!
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2007-10-11 22:33
what size reed are you using?
what kind of clarinet do you have?
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Author: Jesstiggs
Date: 2007-10-12 10:37
I`m using a 1.5 reed was sold vanduren (sp) by the shop I bought the instrument from.
The Clarinet is the shops own brand (place called Dawsons) and is a Bflat.
I tried the tip of only partially assembling the instrument and actually got a note from it, also managed it when fully assembled:D, I found adjusting the position in whcih I was holding it helped a lot as well.
I`m on the look out for a tutor to show me all these things properly (books are fine but nothing beats 1 2 1) and can hopefully progress from here:)
Thanks to all of you for your responses and help, I`ll keep you updated on how I get on from here:)
Post Edited (2007-10-12 10:40)
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Author: Mike Clarinet
Date: 2007-10-12 12:15
Dawson's is a national chain store. My nearest one (in Reading) is not too bad, but specialises in guitars, keyboards & drums. They do keep a list of local teachers - without endorsement - so may be a good a place as any to start.
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Author: chipper
Date: 2007-10-12 17:01
Just a fun little suggestion for all you beginning players. Somehow, record your first attempts. I used a digital recorder and burned it to CD. Now, three years after I picked up the instrument it's very motivating, especially after a really bad practice session, to go back and see just how far I've come.
Good luck
C
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Author: tetiana
Date: 2007-10-15 17:30
When I took my first clarinet lesson back 8 years ago, I too could not get any sound out at all, and would almost pass out from the effort, not to mention feel terrible about why this was something that did not come naturally to me.
Do follow the suggestion of SynonymousB - it worked for me. I would actually bring the mouthpiece-barrel-reed set up with me and play it when I was in the car (alone!). I got some funny looks from other drivers when stopped at a light, (but who cares..). Kept at it - doing this repeatedly many, many times during the day. One day-eureka! It worked!
tetiana
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Author: Alphie
Date: 2007-10-15 21:19
We used to have a BBoard member called jez who lives in Manchester and plays with the BBC phil. If you do a search for his name here, you can kindly write him an e-mail and maybe get some advice how to start in your area.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2007-10-16 12:01
> how much or little you take into your mouth [Michael R]
This is critical. There's a 'sweet spot' where it works; everywhere else you'll have problems.
As for shops in Manchester: I've dealt with woodwindco.com who have a shop in Cadishead. They were very friendly and got me started on bass (which also wouldn't make a sound at first!)
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2007-10-18 15:44
Yes. This bass I had was very very very cheap and as shipped from the supplier none of the pads closed properly. Once we got that fixed that it was a heck of a lot easier.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2007-10-18 15:56
Lessons. There is no faster way to learn than lessons. Find someone you like BTW, and don't give up if you dislike the first instructor for whatever reason. Some instructors give the first lesson for free.
I've had kids come to me after two years of playing in school who can hardly make a noise. By time the hour is over, they are playing out of a Jamie Abersold book and have a great time.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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