CLARINET-AN INTRODUCTION
The Clarinet is a beautiful instrument to learn. It can be both thrilling and challenging, all in a very good way. It is a very popular instrument and really one of the easiest instruments to learn. It is relatively easy for a beginner to produce an initial sound. Take the time to listen to some classical and jazz music. Once you listen closely, you will understand what type of music you will be playing and enjoying! You will also hear the different levels available to you. Our clarinet teachers will help you to become familiar with the instrument.
CLARINET LESSONS SUMMARY
First and foremost, with any instrument, it is necessary to practice. Scales and arpeggios, even if they seem boring, are the most important thing for you to do. In clarinet lessons you will learn to practice these basic skills which are the heart of any music that was ever written for the clarinet. The more you practice these skills, the better player you will be.
Reeds are very important. The number of the reed tells you what the thickness is. The larger the number, the thicker the reed and the darker the sound. If you pick a thicker reed, please understand that it is more difficult to play because the thicker reed will not allow vibration. It is better to use a reed that is between 2 and 1/2 to 3 and 1/2 in thickness. Our clarinet teachers will help you experiment with them. Clarinet Reeds are inexpensive and you can find them at most music stores. So take the time and experiment to see what you are most comfortable with.
Posture could very well be the most difficult element in learning the clarinet. This will take some time for you to feel comfortable with. In your clarinet lessons, you will learn to sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed. It is important to make sure your feet are securely flat on the floor. Let your eyes do most of the work, by looking at the music and keeping your body completely straight. This will require some time to get used to but with practice, you will feel comfortable with this type of posture. The reason why posture is so important is because it will allow you to take very deep breaths which will allow you to produce the wonderful sound you are longing for. As you take in your deep breaths, you will see that your shoulders will relax and this will also allow your fingers to relax as well, thus allowing you to play faster and not tense up.
Holding the clarinet in your mouth can also be challenging. You have to be sure that when you place your mouth on the clarinet, the reed will not vibrate. Lessons in clarinet will teach you that your bottom lip must curl down over your bottom teeth and then you should gently bite down to where your upper lips rest. If you proceed this way you will be just as surprised as to the quality of tone you will generate. From this point on it is pure enjoyment.
Clarinet lessons in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County & Suffolk County from Kathryn Brickell Music.