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Re: A question for teachers

Author: GBK
Date: 2007-10-20 20:20

I've been teaching in the public schools and privately for more than 30 years and think that some of the newer clarinet beginner books available are excellent.

Specifically, the Accent on Achievement and Essential Elements 2000, used individually or in conjunction with each other, provide a stimulating visual and musical start for beginners.

Yes....we all started with Rubank Elementary, Breeze-Easy, Belwin, or the Universal method 20 and 30 years ago, but this is a different generation of children. They (sad to say) have a shorter attention span and need colors, catchy tunes and any other trick available to keep them motivated through the first year.

Quite honestly, by today's standards, Rubank's format is outdated.

There will be plenty of time for Breeze-Easy, Rubank and other standard fare, but let the kids get excited and enjoy the first months of music making by playing tunes as well as learning the elements. In addition, the enclosed play along CD's in the methods I mentioned are a bonus to have.

Of all the method books I have used over 3 decades (and I've used them all), only the Accent on Achievement and Essential Elements 2000 have motivated the kids to not only play their required lesson but to LOOK AHEAD IN THE BOOK.

Clarinet is difficult enough without having to use the same dreary books which we all used. I would strongly suggest looking into some of the newer method books which are now available...GBK

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A question for teachers new

Robyn_765

2007-10-20 14:25