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Returning player and his interested kid

Author: Beable
Date: 2017-09-20 19:58

My daughter is allowed to start band this year. When she brought home the papers, I demoed my old clarinet and flute for her. We played some youtube videos to see other instruments. She chose to try clarinet. I'm happy about that, but I want to make sure that she gets a good foundation while not pushing too hard. I'm also going to renew my playing: will start private lessons next week and joined a community band.

I'm interested in any thoughts on how I'm handling both sitations: me going back to playing and making sure that the kid gets a good start. My background is that while I was not an expert in high school (more than 20 years ago), I played in a lot of places and was functionally good at it. I was more of a musician, with clarinet being my primary instrument, than a clarinet player, if that makes sense. I am not very good now and likely need to replace my instrument.

We've rented her a beginner horn. Plays fine. If she retains interest, we'll buy a beginner instrument at some point.

I play on Mitchell Lurie 3's currently. Used to play on 4's, which I will work back to. Would starting her on 2's be appropriate? She was able to make sounds on my newish 3's, but I don't want to tire her out unnecessarily while she's getting started.

I don't think we'll be able to get her into lessons over the long term because she is already taking piano and has other after school stuff. But I'm worried about bad habits and not doing the basics correctly. I had to rework my embouchure when I went to my second teacher, and I'd rather she not have to do that. Do you think taking a small amount of private lessons would be worth it in the beginning? Or maybe after she's had the thing for a month? I will be able to help her, but I don't know how to teach fundamentals like embouchure, tonguing, etc. Worst case, I'll look up these things on youtube.

I got her the first Rubank book because that's what I learned on. Is this still a decently regarded book? I also have Foundation to Clarinet Playing by Reinecke, which is what I used after a couple years in.

I realize that I was kind of rambling, but any thoughts would be great. Thank you.

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