 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ah Clem
Date: 2005-08-23 17:59
I am 48 years old and, for the first time in my life, am trying very hard to learn to play a muscal instrument (if you discount an ill-fated and most unpleasant attempt to play the violin in the fourth grade).
I have been listening to Big Band music since my father introduced me to it in my youth. Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman are my favorites (with Shaw by far in the lead).
I saw an add for a local store that was selling Clarinets, Trumpets, and a few other instruments for $99.00 about two months ago and bought a "Simba" brand (plastic-fantastic?) clarinet. I figured if I did not at least try now, I would never know if I was capable of doing this or not. I purchased two beginners books (one with two DVD's included) and have been attempting to teach myself play.
So far, it has been quite interesting and seems to be getting a little better over time. I have been experimenting with different placement of the mouth and moving the lower lip around under the reed to see what it does to the tone of the instrument (it must be getting a little better because the neighbors have stopped calling the SPCA and telling them that I am mistreating our two cats).
I can now sort of read music from (middle?) A down to G, and am attempting to work my way up into the lower end of the Clarion register.
The old, untrained fingers do not move quickly and easily.
I have been lurking on this board for a few evenings now. I am fascinated by how much knowledge is here and being freely distributed. I am greatful to all of you.
I appologize in advance for all of the questions that I will ultimately ask.
This board is a fantastic resource.
Thank you.
Ah Clem
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Author: rockymountainbo
Date: 2005-08-23 18:10
The folks on this board are great! The best advice anyone has ever given me was to play, play, play and listen to as many of the musicians you'd like to sound like. Eventually, you'll start playing the tunes and you will develop a style all your own. Have fun! I've only been seriously playing for about 4 months now and I can't put it down.
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Author: msroboto
Date: 2005-08-23 18:24
The best advice would be to get a teacher. Even if only for a few lessons. You will avoid some common errors. It will take less time to learn it right than to unlearn and then learn it right.
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Author: Doug
Date: 2005-08-23 18:57
I woud suggest you get a good teacher asap. Many years ago I taught
myself as a teenager. Biggest mistake of my life. Took my first lesson
at twenty six years of age. What a revelation. After four years of
lessons, my teacher suggested that I go to Julliard. At thirty years of
age!! No way. As a teacher of young students, I suggest that you
use Avrahm Galper books. They are excellent. The best on the market.
Can be purchased thru Luyben, Kansas City. Good luck and stay with it.
In a couple of months, get yourself a good "used" clarinet.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-08-23 19:38
Clem - You are very welcome, ask and it prob. will be answered. You are not old as compared to a number of us, like me, and some of us are starters and re-starters after years of "wisdom" attainment. You have prob. discovered our reservations [as in the "other clarinets" thread] about inexpensive [Asian?] clarinets. So the advice about finding a teacher, or at least consulting an experienced clist is doubly important, I agree. Keep in touch and enjoy our fav. inst. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: RichA
Date: 2005-08-23 20:52
Clem:
I tried taking up the clarinet 40 years ago when I was 22. After some light attemps I packed it away and decided chasing girls was much more important. About two years ago the truth finally dawned on me. I found my horn, had it refurbished, and have been taking lessons since.
The bottom line is you are never too old as long as you enjoy what you are doing. I don't know if I'll ever reach my goal of playing in a traditional jazz band, but I am certainly enjoying the time spent learning my instrument.
You are certainly correct about this board. It is an excellent source of information from some very knowledgeable and nice people. Regarding Shaw versus Goodman, overall I'll take Benny every time. But hey, differences of opinion make the world go round!
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-08-23 21:12
You're in good company here, A. C., where knowledge is freely given and experience gladly shared by most of us 'cause that's what sharing, caring folks do. Musically speaking, ever since fourth grade, as best I can recall, someone has almost always been there to share with me and I count it a humble privilege to pass along the tradition.
Your personal experience and development is of great interest and encouragement to others too. It works both ways, we all have something to gain and something to share.
Please, ask away... that's how we find out things 
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-08-23 21:56
Clem,
Also, don't forget to use the search feature of this board. This board's been up for a while and many times, your question may have been discussed in detail in the past. So don't forget to try a quick search when you're wondering about something. And if you don't find the answer, post RIGHT AWAY so we (or rather, others who actually know what they're talking about) can answer it and get it up there for others to search in the future . . .
Alexi - Who's been 'corrected' many times for forgetting to search.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Ah Clem
Date: 2005-08-24 01:46
First of all, thank you all for your kind responses.
Time for stupid question #1:
msroboto mentioned that a good teacher would allow me to avoid the usual common errors.
What are somw of the usual common errors?
(by the way, I have put my horn down for the day, so the cats now feel that it is safe to come out from hiding under the bed...).
Thank you all in advance.
Ah Clem
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Author: RichardB
Date: 2005-08-24 02:17
Welcome. I started learning last year at the age of 49. I did however find a teacher. Actually, I started because my son was taking trumpet lessons, and I asked if they happened to have a spot for clarinet lessons at the same time.
The time and $ spent on lessons for me have been very well spent. A teacher can correct errors before they become habits. Most common are mouth position, breathing, rhythm.
I would suggest you upgrade to a decent clarinet, either used or a new intermediate model such as an E11, after not too long.
I too use the books by Galper. I think they work well - build up strength before going over the break. Then expand to some of the books of music you like.
Good luck.
Richard
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2005-08-24 03:34
Welcome. I started clarinet 2.5 years ago at the age of 58. I've made a lot of progress and have even played some public performances and in the orchestra for a couple of musicals. I like to play at home with play-along Cd's. You're really in for a good time, and this board is a homey and helpful place. I agree with the comments about getting a teacher.
Good luck.
Leonard
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-08-24 06:07
Response to Clem's question #1:
Would you please eliminate the word "stupid" from your [musical] vocabulary? There is no such thing as a 'stupid' question around Mark's and GBK's level playing field
- ron b -
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-08-24 12:25
Rite as reign, Ron, I'm still learning, been playing only 76 years. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: msroboto
Date: 2005-08-24 12:56
What could you learn wrong? Well let's see.....
1. Embouchure - the way your lips are around the mouthpiece
2. Tougue position
3. Tonguing - you may develop the habit of anchor tonguing instead of tip-to-tip
4. Your hands might not be in the optimal position
5. Equipment advice - reeds / instrument
Those are just a few things. Like I said unlearning is worse than learning right.
When you are ready to graduate to another clarinet they can be of assistance. The teacher will probably tell you why the Simba might not be the clarinet you want to continue with in the long term.
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Author: senior
Date: 2005-08-24 19:21
Don Berger said:
Rite as reign, Ron, I'm still learning, been playing only 76 years. Don
Now I feel like a beginner. I have only been playing 62 years.
to Ah Clem:
Don't worry about the slow or clumsy fingers. They will come along O.K. with practise.
Have Fun.
senior
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Author: chipper
Date: 2005-08-24 19:35
Ah Clem:
I started two years ago at age 48. I take weekly lessons from a man who taught music, not one particular instrument, to the inmates at the local state pen. What I needed, and it sounds like you too, is to learn music first and the clarinet later. Although I use the clarinet to practice music I hardly see myself as a clarinetist. Perhaps with time that will come, one can only hope(and PRACTICE!). I was invited to play with our local civic band last year and the practice intimidated me. I will try again next month. Appears that two years minimum is what you need to play in public. I usually practice after 9:00 pm, and the other night on his way to bed my son said "Dad, I used to hate when you practiced at night. It was so terrible I couldn't get to sleep, but now it sounds like music." So maybe I practice a little later? Don't think so.
Stay well
C
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Author: Ah Clem
Date: 2005-08-24 19:45
Thank you all for the kind words of advice and the encouragement.
It is greatly appreciated.
Ah Clem
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Author: Gardini
Date: 2005-08-25 18:15
Clem,
I started at 45, I am 49 now. It takes time but it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I play in our local student Symphony, there are 5 or 6 of us adults, the rest - middle school and high school players. I have to work twice as hard as the kids do, just to keep up. I don't have their speed but most of them don't tune or have a mature idea of what they should sound like. My biggest mistake , before teacher, was flying fingers, not keeping them in close to the keys and moving them around way more than necessary. My teacher has threatened to smack my hands a few times, but he is way too nice of a guy for that. Good luck, enjoy....
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Author: archer1960
Date: 2005-08-26 13:22
chipper said:
"Dad, I used to hate when you practiced at night. It was so terrible I couldn't get to sleep, but now it sounds like music."
What more encouragment could you possibly want!!!
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