Learning The Clarinet At 60+ Options

[saxafonix]

Hia
I suspect the reason people say the clarinet is harder is that it's harder to get a sound out of initially, it needs a tighter embouchure less air but tighter diaphragm (I think that's what I'm trying to say). The fingering for the alto sax starting at C4-C5 is very similar to the recorder.

I think that you should go with the instrument that gives you greatest satisfaction just getting a sound out of, if you can find a way of actually trying a few out, a good music shop shouldn't let you walk out of the door without having tried the instrument along with a few others of a similar ilk first!! Don't be put off by not getting a sound out on the first attempt, most people don't, but the seller should be patient enough to give you some pointers till you do! I would suggest finding out if you have a woodwind dealer locally who will let you try the alto sax and the clarinet and see which you like best. They may also be able to sell you a reasonable second hand one, quite often they don't display second hand ones, but they keep names of local people who are looking for a buyer. A good music shop will recondition the instrument first and provide a guarantee.

It is probably worth checking in your local library and also the internet to see if there are any adult learning groups/ensembles. I know in my area (gloucestershire) they have learn as you play ensembles especially for adults where they also loan instruments for a small fee. Hiring can be expensive, and if you continue to hire for over a year you may aswell have bought.

[stevensfo]

"You need to clarinet first if you wanna play the sax!"

It's simply not true...

I don't think anybody actually said that.

If you read the original post, he said that he wanted to play clarinet, but had been told he should consider the sax.

Someone said:

people say the clarinet is harder is that it's harder to get a sound out of initially, it needs a tighter embouchure less air but tighter diaphragm

Yes, true.

But let's put things into perspective.

I'm a good driver. Well, I think I am. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

But learning to drive gave me far, far more stress than learning the clarinet.

I taught myself to 'get a sound'. The great thing about being grown up and not having lessons is that you can relax and just experiment to your heart's content.

Loads of reeds, just experiment....experiment...change position...clarinet pointing down,,further up...undo ligature and experiment with position of reed...ad infinitum!

Then, it 'clicks'! Suddenly you have a sound.

Then you experiment with the embouchure. Tip in the mouth more...out more. Sides of mouth tighter? Position of lower lip...etc

Just have fun!

Then, one year later, you'll pick up an alto sax and be playing it within minutes!

Steve

[Suepea]

Welcome to the forums, silverstarter. I started the cello at 61 and have never looked back. I now play with a local orchestra where one of the clarinettists is 76, having started with an adult education group at the age of 70 and knowing nothing about music at all. Good luck with your playing - and have patience with yourself!

[elliewelly]

I had a student who began clarinet lessons at the age of 72, having never played anything before! He did well and asked to take his grade 1 when we both felt he was ready. He was so happy to pass, having left school at 14 without any exams. After 2 or 3 years he felt he'd learned enough to enjoy himself just playing at home, and was thinking of joining a band. Go for it and have fun!

BTW I was about 25 when I took him - I was really afraid of appearing either patronising, or too young to do the job well! But it worked out fine! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Manek]

"You need to clarinet first if you wanna play the sax!"

It's simply not true...

I don't think anybody actually said that.

I know...

But I have known of woodwind teachers (!) saying that, on occasions, and it something which silverstarter may come across too... So I decided to point it out...

[SaxFan]

I play with a light orchestra and tenor sax is very welcome for the bass parts

just try to give consideration to all aspects... then go for what pleases you most anyway!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)