[Dixielandjazz] Beginning clarinet

Fri Mar 30 15:49:57 PDT 2007

The Rubank Elementary Method is a good one but I suggest a more beginning 
book.  You didn't say if your son was enrolled in any kind of program like a 
school band or private lessons.  Rubank also has a more advanced book too. 
I think it's still in print.  If it isn't I may have a copy somewhere.

While the Rubank book is called an "elementary" book they don't mean for 
elementary students.  I really doubt the wisdom of starting a kid in a book 
such as the Arbans (or the Rubank) unless the student is really dedicated.

I say that because there are a lot of problems and things a teacher can help 
with and the teacher should pick the book.  I like the First Division Band 
Method but there are several other band methods that are good.

I would strongly suggest that the teacher after he gets past the register 
break (usually about the one year level) teach him cross fingerings.  Cross 
fingerings are usually not taught even at the high school level.  For 
example B, C and C# can be played with both little fingers and depending on 
the key and usually alternated.  Also to play E flat and A flat you must use 
the opposite hand little finger if that note is required.    In order to 
play in more than two sharps or three flats smoothly you must cross finger. 
Most kids just can't do it because no one takes the time to teach them. 
That's what all those keys are for on the sides of the clarinet.

The biggest error IMHO is that both little fingers are put down for B 
natural when only one finger (either left or right) is needed and the right 
hand fingering for B is never taught as is the left hand C.  There is 
nothing wrong with using both fingers for B (add C key) but then forever 
after the kid will finger B that way.  This is the fingering for B natural 
shown in ALL beginning methods and fingering charts and I think it's wrong 
because it has to be re learned later.

Without learning cross fingerings true facility on the instrument will never 
be obtained.  The reason I know this is I taught myself to play clarinet in 
High school without a teacher and it took me a lot of hard work to learn the 
cross fingerings and they never were as comfortable as they should have 
been.  Due to some nerve damage I can no longer cross finger and it makes 
things difficult and in some cases impossible.  I just can't get to the 
lower keys on the right side so I just don't play in the harder keys. I miss 
that.  My fingers just sort of go to the key and I can't do it.  Very 
frustrating.

I know about other books that he can get that will help him a little later 
on.  Many come with CD's these days which makes learning a whole lot faster.

We have an excellent music supplier here and I can get the number if you 
don't have a good one in your area.  The owner of the store is a Jazzer and 
could suggest things to you.

Contact me off list if you need anything else.
Larry
St. Louis
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rob McCallum" <rakmccallum at hotmail.com>
To: "Larry Walton" <larrys.bands at charter.net>
Cc: "Discussion list for dixieland jazz" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 10:39 AM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Beginning clarinet

> Hi all,
>
> My nine-year-old son has decided to study the clarinet.  I just got him 
> one, but was wondering what the best etude books are for a beginning 
> clarinet player.  Being a trombone player, I really don't know the first 
> thing @ the clarinet.  I studied out of the Arbans book when I was 
> learning.  Is there something like that for clarinet?
>
> Also, he really wants to learn to play jazz (he has really taken to the 
> Benny Goodman small group recordings).  I was in high school before I 
> began learning to improvise.  What's the most effective method for getting 
> the ear training going for that age level?
>
> Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Rob McCallum
> Solar Jazz Band
>
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