 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-10-20 14:25
Hello!
For those of you who give private lessons - what book would you recommend using for a beginning clarinetist? I want to start teaching my son (who is 7). I know at some point I would need to turn him over to someone who knows more, but I'm pretty sure I can at least help him with the basics.... There are so many books out there, I really don't even know how to make a choice! We have already started on the basics of music - what each kind of note looks like, names of notes, etc....
Thanks for any help you can give. I really value the opinions I get here!
-- Robyn
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Author: bill28099
Date: 2007-10-20 16:14
If I had the money to buy ONLY ONE book it would be Klose's "Celebrated Method for the Clarinet".
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-10-20 16:16
I teach from the Rubank elementary method. The Rubank is a clarinet method book as opposed to a band method book. I like the progression of the material and the amount of repetition of key concepts. The exercises are also written with proper theory and that allows me to teach theory as it relates to the music the student is working on.
It does have drawbacks, however. There are several long stretches of unmusical exercises that have to be mediated with easy etudes or another more tune based method (like Standards of Excellence).
As a teacher, I cannot stress enough teaching the proper fundamentals from the beginning. I love having students experience their first sound making with me there because of this.
I also suggest a great deal of playing with just the mouthpiece and barrel in the beginning. Learn to blow (and tongue) before adding the instrument.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Sarah Elbaz
Date: 2007-10-20 19:55
Robyn,
I think that it is wonderful that you are going to teach your son.
I like the Rubank Elementary too. But I think that with a 7 years old student the most usful method will be a music notebook and a pencil because most of the methods I know are too fast and difficult for a very young child.
Write for him the notes and very simple melodies and ask him write
melodies and play them.
I agree that it is very important that the fundamentals will be correct,
but the good time that you and you son will have is more important and since he is so young , there will be enough time to fix anything.
Good luck,
Sarah
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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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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-10-22 12:53
Thank you for the suggestions!
I am very excited to start this with him, and so is he. He has been asking for months and we had to postpone when he lost his top front teeth... I do not have the resources for a hired teacher for him, and I don't want him to lose the enthusiasm he has now for starting, which I'm afraid he will if I make him wait until 5th grade when it starts in school. At this point, I'm the best he can get, so I guess I'll just have to do my best.
I will look into these 4 books - thanks again for taking time to respond
-- Robyn
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-10-22 13:12
I've taught beginners for 24 years and never even at the start used the rubank method - to me it's the same as using John Thompson for Piano instruction.
I like the Sueta Band Method Series (there is now a new one out as the previous version went out of print) and Essential Elements 2000 which comes with a DVD - great stuff and you get a free smartmusic program which has the book in it.
I'm a clinician for SmartMusic so am biased, but am so because I love using that program
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-10-22 14:09
Dear Parent Robyn_765,
My name is Henry Padilla, I am a parent too and I congratulated you for what you are trying to accomplish. It is great to have a parent that wants to teach music to their kids. I must tell you I am not a teacher, (since your question is directed at teachers) but I felt compel to collaborate.
I totally agree with GBK. When I started playing and this happened 3 or 4 month ago, I look over all the available books to learn playing the clarinet. Of all these books, I picked two. The first one was the Play Clarinet Today and the second one was the Essential Elements 2000. They both follow or I should say their design is pretty much the same and they both have the DVD and CD, although the Play Clarinet Today comes also without the DVD. They both helped me a great deal. I ended up using the EE2000.
Then I learned here about the Smartmusic program. I also must agree with David Blumberg regarding this great program. I liked very much, it is a great tool as well. Even better when I found out that the EE2000 book is part of it. This helped a lot because I did not have to change to another method book; rather it became an asset to what I already had and already using.
The design that the EE2000 have is just like GBK describe and as a student I must concur with him 100% the visual and dynamic of the book helps considerably, in my opinion the EE2000 is the best there is.
Well, I hope that my comments as a student and my reaffirming of the comments from other members in this fantastic board help you in your new endeavor.
Best of luck,
Henry Padilla
Post Edited (2007-10-24 15:53)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-10-22 16:35
An important detail that Robyn_765 gave just occured to me while driving today, and because of it I am in complete agreement with David and GBK: the Rubank books are completely inaccessible for someone who is 7.
With the instruction that I give the students are already working with tune-based method books that usually provide CD accompaniment from their band class. Adding the Rubank to that works well in my studio.
David, I'm not familiar with the Sueta and will keep an eye out for it in the future.
So strike the Rubank off the list!!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: GBK
Date: 2007-10-22 17:12
The problem with the Ed Sueta Band Method is that it takes far too long to introduce eighth notes.
I have found that the concept of subdivision/eighth notes does not have to wait until half way through the book, as the Sueta Method does.
Both the Essential Elements 2000 and Accent on Achievement introduce eighth notes much earlier and provide simple tunes (below the break) to reinforce it.
Also - When Sueta's method does finally introduce eighth notes, it (too quickly) combines it with notes both above and below the break. Better would be to have the student play tunes and exercises with eighth notes only below the break before adding higher notes to the mix...GBK
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-10-23 12:29
I have been using Smartmusic for a month or so now and did just notice the Essential Elements book is on there, as well as the Accent on Achievement....those sound like good places to start since I already have those. I'm surprised how reasonably priced the books are! I was beginning to think EVERYTHING clarinet related would take an arm or a leg.
I will mark the Rubank off - for now. I'll save it for when he is more ready and hopefully still interested!
Thanks all!
-- Robyn
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Author: Philcoman
Date: 2007-10-23 18:47
For a treat I recommend "Learn to Play Clarinet Duets" by William Eisenhauer. You can play the first ones together after only a month or so, and they're very pretty pieces with a little give and take in them. Young musicians find it very exciting to play with another musician!
Best of luck!
"If you want to do something, you do it, and handle the obstacles as they come." --Benny Goodman
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Author: genekeyes ★2017
Date: 2007-10-24 01:53
I would like to make another suggestion.......How about starting with a good private teacher right from the beginning. An experienced teacher will start him with the proper embouchure, breathing, support, hand position etc. Learning correctly from the outset will ultimately save much time and frustration for both you and your son.
Post Edited (2007-10-24 01:54)
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-10-24 13:16
Following the rules of this board is important and necessary to maintain order. I hope no one be offended or take this posting offensively. I am going to take advantage of this opportunity to bring up a wonderful idea that just sprang out of my mind from this topic we been discussing regarding Miss Robyn 765 question to teachers.
Miss Robyn 765 came to this board asking for help regarding his intentions to teach his 7 yrs old to play the clarinet. I say that everyone has given her the best of suggestions. I my self learned a great deal from the topic and made me feel good about the decisions I have made so far.
Not all of us and just like Miss Robyn 765 pointed out have the recourses to hire a teacher. I will add to that statement that not only to hire a teacher but also to buy a 2 or 3 thousand dollars clarinet, a mouthpieces, ligatures and all the other gadgets that are necessary at one point or another.
I agree that a teacher is important for all the good reason that my friend genekeyes mention in his posting, nevertheless and like the saying says, “ We farm with the bulls we have” Maybe not exactly but something like that.
This brings up the idea I mentioned. Here we come…
I am sure we have more than plenty and very good teachers and professional clarinetist in this forum.
Perhaps some of these teachers can donate their time and teach lessons for cases like this. Perhaps something can be organized to raise funds to help people like Miss Robyn 765 to cover those expenses or for these teachers be paid.
We could organize, sponsor, promote Clarinet concerts, competitions at different levels, gigs you name it. Create like some sort of Grant program for members of the board. I am sure that there are many talented kids out there and they need all the help that they can get.
Like Edmund Burke said, “ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”
Anyway, I do not know if anyone has brought this up before, if not so I did.
Respectfully,
Henry Padilla
Post Edited (2007-10-24 16:31)
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Author: Philcoman
Date: 2007-10-24 13:55
Bravo, Henry Padilla, for that suggestion! I suppose that asking private teachers for suggestions to teach your own child can be like asking accountants for tips on doing your own taxes. One is bound to get a good deal of "hire a professional" advice. And of course, in a perfect world it *is* best to have an experienced private teacher. Unfortunately, in the real world many enthusiastic students can't afford private teachers and many private teachers can't afford to donate their time. On the other hand, I know that clarinet players are among the most generous people I've ever met wth their time and their knowledge.
I love Mr. Padilla's idea. I'll never forget the day I eavesdropped in a music store as a woman asked about the cost of renting an instrument and then had to tell her child, "Maybe next year." Is it realistic to organize such an effort as he suggests? Perhaps a way to start is to build and distribute "starter packs" for new students with limited resources -- a good student clarinet and mouthpiece, accessories, books, tips, a gift card for an online music store, etc. How to make it happen? How to establish a student's need? How to collect and disseminate materials? Are there corporate sponsors willing to get involved?
I'm asking a lot of questions for which I have no answers. Are there better minds than mine out there willing to address this?
"If you want to do something, you do it, and handle the obstacles as they come." --Benny Goodman
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-10-24 14:06
There are starte packs at music stores but almost 100% (I'd say flatly 100%, but maybe somewhere out there is an exception) they are crap. Starter packs include the stiff brush to clean the mouthpiece (I ask students if they would clean the exterior of their dad's jaguar with that brush so that they get the idea just how bad those things are) and include the small brown imitation chamois "swab" which does not much more than push the water into the tone holes. The mouthpieces which come with the starter packs are often scary too.
It's too bad that the music stores don't usually specialize in quality, just cheap "jean baptiste" style crap.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Philcoman
Date: 2007-10-24 14:08
Exactly. I'm thinking about starter kits built by people who know and care about the clarinet, provided at no cost to young students in need.
Yes, it's a pipe dream, I know.
"If you want to do something, you do it, and handle the obstacles as they come." --Benny Goodman
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Author: genekeyes ★2017
Date: 2007-10-24 14:26
I would like to apologize to Robyn. I apparently missed her second posting where she mentioned her circumstances and resources. Had I seen it, I would certainly not have made that suggestion. That being said, If she is in the NY area I would be happy to meet with her and her son and see if we could get him started.
gk
Post Edited (2007-10-24 14:27)
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2007-10-24 14:36
Good ideas above by Henry and Phil, but I wanted to address my post to Robyn's original question. Here's something no one mentioned yet...at 7 years old, many kids don't have big enough fingers or hands to play a regular clarinet. So, perhaps the kinderclari or a cheap E-flat clarinet would be needed. Ben Redwine of the Naval Academy Band started on E-flat clarinet at age 6, and now plays mainly that instrument with the band. A neckstrap can help too, if the weight of the instrument is too much for the child.
Good luck!
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Author: Mark Charette ★2017
Date: 2007-10-24 14:53
Philcoman wrote:
> Is it realistic to organize such an effort as he
> suggests?
Organize? I'm not so sure it should be organized, at least other than on a local scale ...
I give to local charities, not global ones, for a particular reason - I can see and sometimes control or designate how my gift is used. If we had a "global" cache of usable instruments, how would one determine the "most needy" or "deserving" in such a disparate mix?
I think the ideas are great, and implementable and rewarding on the small scale. I see it happen already, too. In Detroit there is a school in a less-fortunate area whose music program is completely run on donated instruments, and I've heard of teachers who tell parents "pay me when you can" - often realizing it will be "never" - when they see a student who works hard and shows promise but the parents just don't have the resources to pay for a teacher.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2007-10-24 14:53
<<Is it realistic to organize such an effort as he suggests? Perhaps a way to start is to build and distribute "starter packs" for new students with limited resources -- a good student clarinet and mouthpiece, accessories, books, tips, a gift card for an online music store, etc. >>
Isn't that pretty much what the Forte clarinet package is? I mean, if he would toss in an "Essential Elements" or a SmartMusic disc, most anyone would be good to go, at a nice price.
Susan
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-10-24 14:56
This is exactly what I am talking about. You see, making the difference.
My friend genekeyes, you are a noble and respectable individual and I admire you for that.
Very well done,
Henry Padilla
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Author: Philcoman
Date: 2007-10-24 15:19
Good to hear. I've certainly know of lots of teachers who contribute their knowledge free of charge when they can. Love to hear those stories!
You're right, of course -- locally is the most effective way to organize for many many reasons.
"If you want to do something, you do it, and handle the obstacles as they come." --Benny Goodman
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-10-24 15:28
Claritoot,
The size of the student was a concern of mine that I didn't bother bringing up within the scope of the question.
Robyn 756 could look into www.firstclarinet.com at the british teaching clarinet. It LOOKS like a piece of junk, but it sounds exactly like a clarinet and enough alike to start such a young player on.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-10-24 15:46
I want to make it clear and I mean very, very clear. Actually, I thought I did. I am not interested in making this suggestion a competitive drill of schools of thoughts. My interest goes pass thoughts.
I personally believe is true what Mr. Benny Goodman said, “If you want to do something, you do it, and handle the obstacles as they come” and for the most part every American or individual for that matter should consider following.
Nevertheless, I am beyond the what is or is not possible, I am talking about what is possible, I am taking about people willing to make a difference, people doing something meaningful for those that lack of enough resources after they have truly try and or exhausted theirs.
I am talking about using all available resources and interested individuals to give and possible receive thru a program to those in less fortuned position the help they may need.
If anyone reading these lines find them-self in trouble understanding this little point and or the possibility of this idea to be real, then you are not call for it.
This is a great nation, we have many good people around us, and they are not just only clarinetist. Most likely, you know someone.
Perhaps we just have started brainstorming on this fantastic and noble idea. Mr. Philcoman, you pointed out many questions, good ones I may add that need answers. Let us all help answer them in a positive and productive way.
This brings exactly why I took the opportunity to post it here so all the people that have access to it may contribute to make it happen.
If someone in this great board knows somebody that is good at organizing events, I thing we are on a good start.
Respectfully,
Henry Padilla
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-10-24 16:20
Tobin,
...I was going to suggest the same.
(or any other make of C clarinet which I think are more versatile in the long run than a Kinderklari or an Eefer)
--
Ben
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-10-24 16:41
Mr. Philcoman,
I like your user name for the Grant name. It will look like this:
"The Philcoman Clarinet Grant"
What do you think?
Thanks,
Henry Padilla
Post Edited (2007-10-24 16:57)
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Author: Philcoman
Date: 2007-10-24 16:50
HA! Even if I could afford to fund the grant, I'd like it to be named for someone more worthy, especially because my name is simply based on the fact that I collect Philco radios. It was your idea -- your name should be on it! Or should it be named Robyn_765, who got this all started?
"If you want to do something, you do it, and handle the obstacles as they come." --Benny Goodman
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Author: hpadi
Date: 2007-10-24 17:01
Mss. Robyn 765,
What do you think about using your username for the Grant name?
It will look like this:
"The Robyn765 Clarinet Grant"
What do you think?
Thanks,
Henry Padilla
Post Edited (2007-10-24 17:01)
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Author: Mark Charette ★2017
Date: 2007-10-24 17:08
hpadi wrote:
> Mss. Robyn 765,
>
> What do you think about using your username for the Grant
> name?
I think at this point you're _really_ hijacked a thread ...
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-10-24 17:10
WOW! Quite a response for what I thought was a simple question, but I guess that's how it goes here... I love it!
As I said earlier, my financial resources would not permit the hiring of a private teacher, as much as I would like that for myself as well as my son. I am not asking for sympathy of any kind, but we would literally need to forgo something essential for that, which is just not an option. Call me crazy but food and lodging will always supersede my desire to instill a love of art in my family! I choose to work part time from home so I can stay at home with my kids, and as such, don't have the income many others do. I am satisfied with what I do have (most of the time!) and make do as I can.
I don't see a private teacher being an option any time in the near future, which is why I want to do this - to the best of my ability - on my own. Honestly, my child is 7, and could decide within 6 months he has no interest in the clarinet specifically and would rather play - I don't know - the tuba or cello. I really don't think I can mess it up badly enough that if he decides to stick with clarinet there will be irreparable damage to his embouchure or technique. He asked me to teach him, and I plan to do just that!
I really do appreciate all of the advice/suggestions that have been offered, and I think the idea of offering pro bono services would be wonderful. I doubt I would benefit from it since I am out in the middle of nowhere in NC, but it no doubt would help a lot of people...
Thanks again everyone for all the help
-- Robyn
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-10-24 17:13
Mr Henry, I think this is HI-larious. I would be most honored to have a grant named after me, although maybe it should actually be named after my son, since it was really HIM that started all of this! His handle would be Julian2000 I guess. What do you think of that?
-- Robyn
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Author: D
Date: 2007-10-27 07:54
Robyn,
Back to the questions on instruction and books.
Never under estimate the ability of small children to play from ear and to improvise. These are natural talents which are easily and quickly lost for most of us as we become dependent on the little black dots as a crutch. You have an advantage here in that your child is not under strict instructions from a band teacher whose goal has to be to get all the kids reading as quickly as possible. I would recommend that as part of what you teach your son, you ask him to pick a tune and then go and work out how to play it. And then a little later how to write that down, and then to work out a simple harmony and how to write that down too. Perhaps teach a couple of the easier scales and arpeggios as these make life vastly easier. As it is 'that time of year' Christmas Carols with simple descants in the last verse and simple accompaniments abound, and might be a useful tool. Also, as much as possible get him playing with you or with other music. It is very very important that he be able to keep going when there is other noise going on, and that he learns when it is an is not appropriate to correct every wrong note. I think a lot of method books that I have seen leave it too late to introduce this. You can play simple duet as soon as you can play one or two notes. Play echoing games on a couple of notes, with a metronome or something running so you both have to keep in time. It helps reinforce the requirement to make a noise on demand, before that starts to become an issue as we get more het up about the right notes. Improvisation to a chord sequence or just solo is also a skill which is not often taught early on and then we become too self conscious. You have an excellent opportunity here. I hope you both enjoy it and your son remains enthusiastic.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-10-27 10:09
I started around 6 or 7 years old with a great teacher, a Vito sopranino (Eb) clarinet, and the A Tune A Day book. All were very good for a beginner, especially the teacher.
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