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Re: What holds me back...

Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2010-08-30 06:32

I see a lot of high school and university students here for whom doubling has become fashionable. The old saying for these students unfortunately rings true: jack of all trades, master of none. As Susan said, it is best to become highly proficient on one instrument before experimenting with others, for a number of reasons - embouchure stability on primary instrument, musicality and musical knowledge, credibility among students and other teachers, etc.

I didn't begin doubling until I began my second university (music ed) degree (after a performance major on flute). It was going to be a lot easier to get instrumental tutoring work if I was able to teach the clarinet. Exploring the other winds followed once I had reached a point on clarinet where I wasn't concentrating on the basics.

The thing to remember about any reed instrument (and trumpet as well) is that without extremely regular attention (at the very least every second day as a doubling instrument, every single day as a primary) there is no way you can develop and maintain the strength required of your embouchure. If you can't invest this time in addition to the things you are already doing, then it might be best to wait until you can.

I do commend you for willing to increase your knowledge for music education purposes. Exploring other instruments for our band directors here has become more widespread, and it is easy to tell the bands of those who have decent knowledge of all instruments - the differences between the 'weaker' and 'stronger' sections are only slight, if at all. Should you continue down your path of music education, I think your willingness to explore other instruments for the sake of your students and your band is a strength you should follow.

Good luck with your studies,
Rachel

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