I'll be a clarinet performer soon ;-)

[Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich]

As a christmas present, I received a half-year course for an instrument of choice - this will take place in our local music school (I didn't even know it exists). And begin in January. My choice is the clarinet. I like the instrument and my wife played it 20 years ago. So we still have got the Clarinet (wow, she bought it for ~1000$ at that time, which was a lot).

Previous knowledge: Zero

I tried it yesterday, and: BIG SUCCESS. I was able to make it emit some shrill noises My goal: One day I want to be able to play an easy melody like in the finale of Sibelius' En Saga.

All in all of course my goal is not to become a musician or a second Karl Henning . It's rather about "must one have tried once in his life".

Anyway, looking forward to it.

[Opus106]

Hope have you a great time learning and playing (and a dedicated YouTube channel ).

[Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich]

Thanks. Time will tell I hope next year I'd at least be able to play some slower clarinet melodies we know from the orchestral literature. I mean, it doesn't have to sound good, but a listener should be able to guess the melody. I hope that is achievable within half a year. Exercises will be once a week one hour (I have to work!) and maybe once a week I'll find 1 or two hours time to practise.
I've got no youtube channels but I'm able to record audio without a problem. Maybe I'll disturb the GMG music beauty with my output one day
According to my wife the more quiet tones are more difficult to play. My cats weren't amused after my first tries!
And I think practising clarinet wouldn't be possible if I had  neighbours in my house.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

That's a very original Christmas present! Good luck!

[karlhenning]

What a lovely present! Have fun!

[Scarpia]

Thanks. Time will tell I hope next year I'd at least be able to play some slower clarinet melodies we know from the orchestral literature. I mean, it doesn't have to sound good, but a listener should be able to guess the melody. I hope that is achievable within half a year. Exercises will be once a week one hour (I have to work!) and maybe once a week I'll find 1 or two hours time to practise.
I've got no youtube channels but I'm able to record audio without a problem. Maybe I'll disturb the GMG music beauty with my output one day
According to my wife the more quiet tones are more difficult to play. My cats weren't amused after my first tries!
And I think practising clarinet wouldn't be possible if I had  neighbours in my house.

From what I gather, by next year you will likely be taking part in a performance of Brian's Gothic Symphony and we'll be listening to it on youtube!

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

From what I gather, by next year you will likely be taking part in a performance of Brian's Gothic Symphony and we'll be listening to it on youtube!

The 'Gothic' orchestra needs, ideally, 197 players. So Wurstwasser will be welcomed with open arms!

[david johnson]

practice like this -

10-15 minutes per day for a month focused on embouchure and tone quality as you learn the notes.  guaranteed success.  then you can adjust your practice as you need.

dj

[Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich]

10-15 minutes per day for a month focused on embouchure and tone quality as you learn the notes.

Thanks for the advice, yes, both seemed to be a central difficulty. Before my first try I thought, it was technically as easy as with a flute. Air in->tone out. I hope no flutist reads that now playing flute is probably not that easy. But you know what I mean.

@Scarpia/Jezetha: A good reminder that I still have to listen to Brians First, according to the praises it receives here... Wasn't on my focus and didn't have the time yet.

[david johnson]

push up a bit hard against your top teeth and keep a tight bottom lip for the reed to rest on.  what strength reed you using?

dj

[Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich]

push up a bit hard against your top teeth and keep a tight bottom lip for the reed to rest on.  what strength reed you using?

I used a 2.5 at my first try. We also have 1.5 and 2 here.

[david johnson]

i think the 1.5 and 2 are usually a little soft, but you're a beginner and will break them soon anyway    go ahead and use them up.
the 2.5/3 will  probably give you a better tone.
what is your mouthpiece brand/model?

dj

[Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich]

It's the one delivered with the clarinet. The only information I can find on a middle clarinet part is "Hans Kreul, Tübingen".
We've got an additional glas mouthpiece which my wife bought but rarely used ("too cold"). "Vandoren, Paris. A2".
EDIT: Expensive hobby http://www.kreul.de/klarinette/preisliste/Alle/

[(poco) Sforzando]

The 'Gothic' orchestra needs, ideally, 197 players. So Wurstwasser will be welcomed with open arms!

I have it on good authority that it can be done just as well with 195.

[karlhenning]

I have it on good authority that it can be done just as well with 195.

Corner-cutting!

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Thank you, gentlemen! : -) Now back to Wurstwasser's clarinet, before he throws his lightning bolts on us.

[karlhenning]

Reed-cutting! ; )

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

The thread's on topic again. Almost... Take it from here, W!

[MN Dave]

You'll be honking and squawking with the best of them.

[karlhenning]

It's the one delivered with the clarinet. The only information I can find on a middle clarinet part is "Hans Kreul, Tübingen".
We've got an additional glas mouthpiece which my wife bought but rarely used ("too cold"). "Vandoren, Paris. A2".
EDIT: Expensive hobby http://www.kreul.de/klarinette/preisliste/Alle/

My undergrad clarinet teacher had me buy a Borbeck mouthpiece, and I've never looked back. Fantastic tone.