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Re: Just starting out

Author: blissedOUT
Date: 2007-07-29 06:59

Hey AM,
I just recently got my lips around a Clarinet as well...

My right thumb is sore too and I have a dent between my nail and knuckle.
Being a drummer, I'm used to this.
I expect a nice, padded callous to grow there with time.
Also, a corked finger-rest does help.
(Confirmed when I exchanged my two-week old beginner CSO model for a Yamaha YCL-250 today)

From the firm prodding here, I got a teacher.
I didn't want to... I wanted to be somewhat competent when I met a teacher.
(pride rears it's ugly head... like wanting to be in good shape before joining a gym)

But, I conceded, found a professional and it has helped very much.
My teacher has given me good advice and I'm definitely motivated at practice-time.
I know that I have to face this person in a week's time and I don't want to put them through
"that" again.
Luckily, they were patient, but demanding; calm, but forceful.

I do break-down my instrument between practice.
Like you, I expected to leave my Clarinet on the stand that I bought with it 24/7.
But, since the reed needs special treatment, I got into a habit of disassembling
it at the end of practice.
There is a benefit to this though: when I go through the effort to moisten the reed and assemble the instrument, it's serious... "practice-time, do not disturb".
I'm more focused on accomplishment.

Unfortunately, I'm wordy, so I'll try to address your third point quickly.
Maybe it's not so good to practice with someone around in the beginning (even with earplugs).
I've performed other instruments in front of hundreds of people without much self-consciousness, and I've taught technical subjects to complete strangers for years in 40hrs/wk classes.
But, I'm having problems getting comfortable casually playing in front of people... my teacher, my roommate, the instructional DVD.
On the DVD, they play through once as an ensemble, then allow you to solo.
I blow fine through the ensemble, then, if I'm going to squeak (choke), it's solo.
I've only played about two-weeks, but coming from other instruments I believe this is just part of learning.

Don't be too hard on yourself, and maybe clear your environment of any obstacles.
Send the spouse to the movies or a good curry...