Since I started having clarinet lessons earlier this year I have been really keen to find other adults to play with. And I have at last! Yesterday I went for an 'interview' at City Lit in Holborn and signed up for a Clarinet class starting in September. It's every Monday evening 6 - 7.30

Does anyone have any experience of these classes?

I can't wait until September now!

Below is the detail on what the classes cover. I've also added the link if anyone else is interested.

This course is an introduction to the solo and ensemble repertoire where technique, articulation, musicianship and tone quality are taught with jazz and classical pieces.

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What topics will we cover?

- developing a daily practice routine.
- tone development.
- finger dexterity exercises.
- jazz improvising.
- jazz and classical articulation.
- building a jazz and classical repertoire.
- ear development.
- chamber music groups

http://www.citylit.ac.uk/coursetype.php?se...trument+playing

That sounds like a *really* good class, roll on September!

From what I've heard, all the City Lit classes are very good, so I'm sure you'll have a great time!

I used to play in the City Lit big band (as, later, did an 'ex' of mine) - very good indeed! You'll have fun ...

nick

Oooh that sounds good - wish I worked closer to London - i'd never get there by 6!

Sounds brilliant, I love to go along too and am considering it although I've just sat G3 so would probably be looking at the Clarinet 3 class instead of 4 - I'd have to fork out about £10 a week for the train fare too which makes it a bit expensive. But I get the feeling this will gnaw away in my mind for the next week or so.

What was the interview like? Do you have to play? Are you carrying on with lessons at the same time?

I have just sat Grade 3 too. I went along for the interview not knowing whether I would be accepted for the Level 3 or Level 4 class although I was keen to do level 4 because it's at 6.00. I work in London, only two stops on the tube from City lit, so very easy to get too - but I live 90 mins away so the later class would mean me getting home rather late on a Monday evening.

I had a really informal chat with Graham Owen who teaches Levels 1, 2 and 3 about how long I have been playing and what my next steps were and why I wanted to join the class. He suggested I do the level 4 class. I didn't need to play for him.

I will be carrying on my lessons too - they are pretty informal. I have a friend who teaches me most Saturdays in term time when she can fit me in.

Thanks everyone for your positive responses - I'm really looking forward to the classes even more now

I hope you decide to do it and we can meet up in September

That is one disadvantage of shift work.
While I often have the house to myself at different times of the day to practice, I can never organise anything that is for the same day and time, I would miss too many lessons, shamefully.
It sounds brilliant though, I've looked at the website.
All the very best.
Regards, Peter.

90 minutes commute doesn't sound like fun - just think if you lived near work then thats 3 hours a day extra Clarinetting!
I asked hubby's opinion on the course and he said it was too much hassle to go to London every week just for a course - But what does he know?
I have joined a begineers orchestra, but like you I would like to play with other Clarinettists that are around my standard. I've got a lovely cd of Clarinet Duets and everytime I hear it I think I'd like to do that.

Its amazing how you get used to commuting. I have been doing it for so long its just part of my life. I do have time to listen to music on my i-pod though and read which is good.

You are so lucky to have a beginners orchestra to join - there is nothing like that near me (or not that I have found so far).

We don't seem too far apart so if you are keen PM me and we could arrange to get together one weekend and try out those Clarinet Duets. I live on the Kent /Sussex border

Group lessons are good fun. It's a great way to meet like minded people. When I first returned to the violin, I did group lessons. But unfortunately my class was too big, the teacher I had was too nice and not that critical of my bowing arm and technique, I got into bad habits and had a private teacher to sort out my technique. I still think group lessons is a good thing though!

Have fun

You're both most welcome to come along to the forum single reed day on 20th September, in Greenwich, if you're free. There's a thread in the forum events sub-forum, where you'll find a link to the website and application form.

Thanks Barry I'd missed this one. Sounds great, I'll put my form in the post today.

Thanks Barry - it sounds great, just the thing I am looking for - just I'm not available on that day. I'll keep a lookout for the next one.

That's a pity. Do keep an eye on the forum event calendar for more events of various descriptions across the UK.