 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Alex M.
Date: 2006-03-28 20:00
Greetings,
I would like to begin playing the clarinet. I have been sifting through many old messages on this board for advice, and have learned much. So, first, let me thank the old-timers for all of their help and advice.
I studied piano, violin and trumpet in grade school and middle school, but each for only two years or so. I have not played an instrument since then. I have always enjoyed the sound of the clarinet, and would like to take up an instrument once again.
I need advice on the wisdom of such a choice. Is the clarinet an appropriate instrument given my age (34) and skill (absolute beginner)? I am also seeking advice on purchasing an instrument, as well as related equipment, books and manuals, etc. Last, I need advice on learning the instrument. I work in Boston, and so expect that many tutors, musicians or students are available to provide lessons. What is the best approach?
As I said, I am warmly grateful for all of the information so generously provided on this board. Thank you in advance for your help.
Alex M.
Alex M.
Massachusetts
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-03-28 21:43
I need advice on the wisdom of such a choice. Is the clarinet an appropriate instrument given my age (34) and skill (absolute beginner)?
First - you're young, and second - with piano, violin and trumpet - you're hardly a beginner. (I was 41 when I started and had nothing besides alto recorder in grade school, so there).
Welcome to the club.
--
Ben
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Author: awm34
Date: 2006-03-28 21:52
I began clarinet more than three years ago at age 68. I'm not sorry about my choice (two good friends are also clarinettists), but it's a demanding instrument. Even with weekly lessons and daily practice, it's a tough road to proficiency -- and I've always been fairly successful in other activities (business, tennis, bridge).
Should you proceed, I'd advise a good, classically trained teacher. I'm fortunate to study with a member of the Toledo Symphony. I invariably get useful tips and depart with renewed enthusiasm. I'd suggest that any new, adult student not settle for less.
Alan Messer
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-03-28 23:01
awm34 offers sage advice.
I'm so impressed by my current teacher. I'm a big problem for him because I've accrued so many bad habits. Every week, I have to un-learn things that I have been doing for 40-years. That's hard.
Get a good teacher --not just someone who can get around on the horn, but someone who knows the intimate details of playing it.
Can s/he play a C# melodic minor scale without tangling his/er pinky fingers? Can she see your problems before you realize you have them?
In terms of not settling for less, get a super instrument. Maybe you should pick your teacher first and get his/er help in picking out an instrument. A new professional level instrument (screened by a very, very experienced player) could be a good choice. That coach, however, might be able to find you an economical, previously screeched, used instrument that is capable of singing sweetly, playing in tune and helping you with all of those mild fumbles that cause a lesser horn to stumble, squeak or fail to speak.
Welcome aboard. This is fun.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2006-03-29 00:13
FYI
If you like to music theory itself, Dolmetsch online is useful. It includes theories well beyond middle school level, which may work for you to communicate with your future instructor.
http://www.dolmetsch.com/musictheory1.htm
The woodwind org. has many resources besides this BBS. Please see search section. Klarinet archive includes much more detailed info.
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Author: chipper
Date: 2006-03-29 15:31
Alex:
A few joys I have are sailing on the edge of an approaching storm front, skating really fast around a short track rink and playing clarinet with our local community band. When I peg a piece and the old timers notice it, I break into a grin like I haven't had since childhood fifty years ago. I have been playing just over two years, never played an instrument before, and it has become the joy of my life (next to my wife, of course, just in case she checks my posts)
I agree with Bob Phillips that you should get a CLARINET teacher. I had a music teacher, but that was because I had absolutly no musical background. When I return to lessons that's what I will be looking for, a clarinet teacher. I practice out of "The Progressing Clarinetist" Halberg/Rossi and refer to our High School band method book, "The Standard of Excellence" Also, if you can find a musical partner and a duet book, great. Do lots of scales, arpeggios and such. Right now I practice the chromatic scale every night. If you are fortunate enough to be allowed to sit with a community band they will provide you with a constant stream of new material and apparently this is quite a privelege as it was pointed out in a previous post. I practice the third clarinet part at home and I tell you it is nearly impossible without the timing of the rest of the band. But I can become proficcient in the riffs throughout the piece and can sometimes put them together with the band.
Bottom line, Alex, don't pass this opportunity to have fun. You're a young pup. I thought life was over at 30, but these days 50 is the new 30. You have much more time to develope your proficency than those of us who took up the instrument later (much later in some cases). The world is your oyster, embrace it.
Carl
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2006-03-29 16:02
--- "Actually, embracing an oyster sounds rather repulsive. (:" ---
Not if it's cooked correctly! ;-)
Steve
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2006-03-29 17:05
Greetings Alex, and welcome to the club!
All of the above advice and information is good and practical. But I think that most have missed one major point.
Why are you wanting to play clarinet and what do you hope to accomplish? How far do you wish to progress?
1.If you hope to make a living by playing(professional efforts)--forget it. By now at your age you must already have a well established profession. a.w.m. said above, "it's a demanding instrument. Even with weekly lessons and daily practice, it's a tough road to proficiency . Are you ready for the discipline?
2.If it's for fun, relaxation and the joy of the instrument, that's another story. IMHO you might well be advised to avoid 'throwing money at it.' Buying this, that and the other that well intentioned BB members and friends will undoubtedly recommend should be considered and set aside for the moment.
3. Find a good solid compatable teacher (not all are good at teaching adults). Pick one who want's to get to know what you want to do.
4. With his/her approval RENT an instrument for a short while to see if the bloom comes off the rose, so to speak. If after a couple of months (or a shorter period depending on your learning curve) consider buying your first instrument.
5. If I were starting over (I'm 80) I would buy one of the new Forte's and see how I got along with that. According to those who are more knowledgeable on this subject it should last you well through your initial learning curve until the methods and discipline and desire becomes too much for you to use it--after all it was designed as a 'student' instrument. And at some point in your use the "something better syndrome' will grab you. This will last past 70 until Arthritis and your pension limits your options.
Again, good luck have fun, and welcome to the club.
Bob A
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Author: Alex M.
Date: 2006-03-29 18:21
My thanks to all of you who took the time to provide helpful information. What a source of encouragement!
I am principally interested in taking up the clarinet as a source of fun, not professional pursuit. My wife is an accomplished flute player, and I look forward to someday playing with her and benefitting from her experience.
I do not want to invest heavily in this endeavor, but do want an instrument that will not discourage me from practicing and working at proficiency. To that end, I have been poring over older posts on brands, specifications, etc. I think I have narrowed it down as follows:
For the instrument, I am inclined toward the Buffet B12. I have read and heard much about the plastic/wood difference. What is the opinion among you? Is the difference great enough to warrant early investment in a wooden instrument? I think not, and so am inclined toward the plastic.
I also believe I need to purchase a mouthpiece other than the manufacturer's included model. The makers I have seen discussed on the board were Hite Premier, Fobes Debut and Vandoren. The only specific information about them (other than general qualifications of "good") was that Vandoren may be inappropriate for younger players, who might have trouble blowing. Given my situation, that consideration likely does not apply. Does anyone have specific recommendations on mouthpieces, keeping in mind my likely instrument to be the Buffet B12?
Reeds? I know nothing specific, and have seen many and contrary recommendations. Are there reliable brands for a beginning player?
Books? I need to get a good basic primer. I saw reference to the Rubank Method. Is there a preferred beginner's manual?
Lessons? Being located in Boston, I hope to find a conservatory student to offer lessons periodically. How often/how long/for how much money remains to be seen. I welcome suggestions on an approach.
With these specifics in mind, I trespass on your hospitality a little longer...
Alex M.
Massachusetts
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-03-29 19:35
Did you read the information on the Forte clarinet? From what you are telling us, that might be an excellent instrument for your needs. It would obviate buying another mouthpiece -- at least, until you get GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) like the rest of us.
Look for it with the "search" function here.
From where I stand, I would think you would prefer the Buffet E-11 over the B-12. Or even consider a used R-13. Take it from experience, it will not pay you in the long run to "cheap out" here.
You can't go wrong with the Fobes mouthpieces, IMO.
I also second the idea of finding the teacher FIRST, and letting him/her guide your instrument selection.
Good luck to you -- you will probably amaze yourself.
Susan
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Author: bufclar
Date: 2006-03-29 21:50
Hi Alex,
Congratulations on joing the clarinet family. In my humble opinion, your ideas are right on about the instrument. A Buffet B12 is a great starter instrument. The key work is good and it should serve it's purpose for a while. Deffinetly start with a plastic horn and not wood. The plastic is easy to play and take care of. I would go with a Fobes Debut mouthpiece and maybe regular cut Vandoren reeds. This set up I think will work very well for you. You can always upgrade instrument/mouthpiece whenever you like. I'm sure finding a student at one of the music schools in Boston to teach you will be quite easy, Try to find a teacher that will work well with a beginnig player and one that is not only teaching for the money. See if you can find someone that actually takes some interest in you. With Boston Conservatory, Boston University, and NEC as the big three, you should be able to find someone that is interested and paitent. I would also suggest trying to find a Grad student rather than an undergrad. The last thing you want to do as a beginning student is pick up all the problems of your teacher who is still learning the instrument themselves.
Good luck and have fun!
I really want to stress that a plastic instrument is the way to go in my opinion (I hope this does not start an argument). In my opinion, the main things you should be focusing on as a beginer is your emboucher, hand position, and fundamentals like breathing, your posture etc. I dont think these things require a fancy wood clarinet. Save your money until your playing improves. This way, you will have more to spend on lessons, books, reeds, etc. As a beginer, I assume you wont have the opportunity to perform much so why buy an expensive clarinet that will sound better than plastic. If you have a bad emboucher, breathing, and hand position, the wood is not going to sound much better than plastic any how so save your money.
This is just my take on it. I in no way intend to sound like an authority and the things I'm saying are just my opinion.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-03-30 02:22
Well, I wouldn't suggest Alex go out and get a Tosca, but I do feel that adult beginners (and Alex isn't a rank beginner at music, just at clarinet) are often better served by starting at least with an intermedite instrument.
This is because many adults progress relatively rapidly through the "beginner" stages -- stages that might take a 10-year-old several years to master can take just a matter of months for a reasonably talented adult. The adult ear may be better attuned to the finer nuances of tone, as well, and a new adult player may become dissatisfied in fairly short order with an instrument that does not allow them to be "the best that they can be".
My husband (a "rebeginner") started about two-and-a-half years ago on an intermediate Yamaha. Within the year, he could tell the difference between how he sounded on that instrument and on my R-13. Now the R-13 is his, and he's mad at me for selling my Opus (to upgrade my oboe -- my instrument of choice these days).
I'd get the best instrument I could afford.
Just my .02
Susan
Susan
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Author: SolidRockMan
Date: 2006-03-30 11:54
If you are going to buy a plastic clarinet, I would strongly recommend you go with a Forte' rather than a B12.
I played a B12 for a few years and wanted a better instrument, subject to rwo things:-
(a) I had recently bought a saxophone and couldn't justify a big outlay on a clarinet, and
(b) I didn't want to give up the convenience of plastic.
The Forte' was the answer and I have found it superior in every respect to the B12. Included in the package you will get an excellent Gennusa mouthpiece, quality barrel and accessories.
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2006-03-30 15:34
Good Morning Alex,
Please be sure to let us know what you decided --so that all us 'old farts' can sit back and either groan or say "See, I told yah so!." Enjoy, whatever decision you make.
Bob A
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Author: Alex M.
Date: 2006-03-30 16:18
** Update **
Well, I'm plunging in! Prudence dictates that I try out an instrument for a bit before I commit to buying one. I am going to rent a Buffet B12 for 3 months with a decent mouthpiece (probably a Vandoren). The outlay for the rental is only about $35 for the whole period. I am then going to take some lessons from a clarinetist in my home town of Gloucester. If after a few months I feel that I'm going somewhere, I'll invest in an instrument. By that time, I will probably reassess my needs and equipment choices.
I expect to get my instrument next week and get started right away. You can be sure I'll let you know how it goes. Or, just cock an ear toward Gloucester and listen for the squeeeeeeeeek!
Once again, thank you all for your attention, advice and encouragement!
Alex
Alex M.
Massachusetts
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-03-30 17:58
Or, just cock an ear toward Gloucester and listen for the squeeeeeeeeek!
<daydreams of New England in Autumn vacation> Lovely town. It's on my must-see-again list...<sigh>
--
Ben
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Author: TWilliamson
Date: 2006-04-01 18:36
This is a fascinating discussion for me as I am a new Clarinet player myself. My wife bought me a cheap Chinese Clarinet for Christmas and I have fallen in love with it. I have only had it for three months and so my advice below must be taken with that in mind. I would like to recommend that you purchase a book by Peter J Moore called Playing the Clarinet is EASY! http://www.drdowningmusic.com. This book has been invaluable in getting me started on the right path. One of the most important lessons is that “most clarinets leave the factory with the thumb rest in the wrong place…”
Move your thumb rest or purchase a good adjustable one.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-04-01 18:45
(...) a book by Peter J Moore called Playing the Clarinet is EASY!
Seconded. While it is - of course - no replacement for a good teacher, it explains stuff very well, with easy-to-figure-out good illustrations.
(The only peeve I have with it is that I despise ALL CAPITAL and bold when important text.)
--
Ben
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-04-01 18:56
Well said TW, I have a grandson beginning cl, and provided him with a good playing Bundy, and plan to get a Forte for him shortly, to "check it out" [LOH], and to ?evaluate it for use thru high school. Others have given it HIGH marks, just Search our archive. Earlier today I looked at several of the student-beginner-band instruction books, one in partic. gave much good advice on care, assembly as well as playing. When I recall its name, will post. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2006-04-01 22:53
I am personally interested in Arioso clarinet made by Tom Ridenour, which is made of hard rubber.
In his URL he tells how he found hard rubber is superior even than grenadilla.
I thought many good mouthpieces are made of hard rubber.Then why not clarinet? It only costs less than 800$ for a B flat clarinet.
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Author: pmgoff78
Date: 2006-04-02 22:19
Good luck to you. Welcome to the worldwide family of clarinetists!
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Author: amys
Date: 2006-04-02 23:31
I just started playing in january. i bought the Arioso student model (the one that comes with 2 barrels and an adjustable thumb rest). I'm very happy with it. I tried the Hanson student clarinet as well but I preferred the Arioso. I have also read many good things about the Forte and am quite impressed with "the doctor's" other products, which were recommended by many on this BB. I have also found Tom Ridenour's book on teaching and learning the clarinet to be quite helpful.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-04-03 01:35
Good luck with your rental clarinet.
When you pick it up, ask the shop to look it over for leaks and precise keywork.
I took a rental student-level tenor sax from the shop (an outpost fronting for a shop in a town 1-1/2 hours away), home -- and then, immediately, to a repair tech. It went back to the tech twice more before it was at all manageable.
This horn would have been a criminal imposition on a beginner. Be sure the horn is OK --so that you can accept all the difficulties --not wonder if it might be the instrument.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Alex M.
Date: 2006-04-03 14:20
Bob,
Good advice on inspecting the horn. Actually, my teacher is the head of the music department for the Gloucester elementary school system and the manager of the Cape Ann Symphony. He is picking the instrument up for me, so I am blessed to have his expertise review it.
Thanks again to all for your helpful advice.
Alex
Alex M.
Massachusetts
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2006-04-03 17:35
One other thought on wood vs plastic. If you land in a community band (which is a very good place to continue your musical growth once the basics are under control) you'll want an "outdoor" horn. A plastic clarinet is really handy for the Christmas tree lighting performance when it's 20 degrees, or the 4th of July in the rain. I recently picked up a very inexpensive umpteenth hand Bundy for just such occasions. A good quality plastic instrument is a good starter, and an excellent backup (and raises your GAS score too).
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Author: Ah Clem
Date: 2006-04-03 17:53
Alex,
I am an old beginner, having started playing (or attempting to play) last June at the age of 49.
I am not in a position to offer you any advice, but I do wish to say "Welcome" .
I cannot tell you how much I have benefitted from the information and experience provided by the very nice people on this forum.
This is, by the way, the most difficult thing that I have ever attempted, and I am enjoying every minute of it.
Ah Clem
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Author: TWilliamson
Date: 2006-04-03 22:18
I am also an aging beginner at 53. I have been playing tin whistle badly for years and this Christmas got a clarinet so that I can learn to play it badly too. Boy what an adventure! I find it a wholly fulfilling Zen like experience to sit and struggle with a piece and finally get through it without a squeak, fumble or broken finger. I even have some pieces that I can say I am proud of, "St James Infirmary" for one. I hope that you enjoy the journey you are embarking on as much as I have. Practice every day!
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Author: corks&pads
Date: 2006-04-04 17:42
AWM34 wrote: I began clarinet more than three years ago at age 68.
I've just added another name to my short list of very cool people!
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Author: Cuisleannach
Date: 2006-04-08 07:14
Most of the questions you have will be answered by a teacher, and quite specifically, especially with respect to reeds, mouthpieces, and methods.
Rubank has a couple of great books that have a lot of nice duets for flute and clarinet that are on the easier side.
A valuable ability to pick up from the beginning (something I teach with adult students right away) is the ability to transpose on sight from concert pitch. This opens up worlds of possibilities as clarinets have both the range and the temperament to play duets with all woodwinds, violin, and viola. If you can read the duests they have for like instruments (for viola you also need to be able to read alto clef) then you make yourself far more adaptable for playing in groups....the real fun of playing an instrument.
I strongly recommend a lesson every week. I give a price break for my students who book me for an hour rather than a half-hour lesson. I have a beginning recorder student (adult) who played the system by asking for an hour lesson every two weeks (once bitten twice shy, I guess). She's pretty conscientious but she's not motivated to practice for a lesson every week (a nice way of saying she'll generally slack off the first week) and she has a lot of time to develop bad habits between lessons.
Learning the clarinet is fraught with perils caused by bad habits, far more so than recorder. It is very important that these habits be eliminated early unless you really want to inflict a lot of pain and suffering down the road on yourself and your future teacher.
I certainly agree that finding a graduate student is more important than an undergrad, particularly in Boston. Grad students have a lot more time since undergrads live their lives in the practice room. Grad students are generally encouraged to teach.....at least where I went to school undergrads were emphatically urged NOT to.
The clarinet is an incredible instrument....when you get the fingering system down you'll be able to transfer to other woodwinds easily (the bassoon and the alto and bass recorders use the same fingerings in the bottom register, the rest of the woodwinds and the tenor and soprano recorders use the same fingering as the top register). It adapts to any group and is a joy to play alone. You can also take comfort in the fact that wherever you go I've found it is easier to find a good clarinet teacher than any other instrument save piano.
Have fun and happy clarinetting!
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