7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Woodwind Lessons
(Sax, Flute, and Clarinet)
The following are guidelines to help you have a successful, rewarding, experience in learning woodwind instruments. We have arrived at these conclusions after many years of teaching hundreds of students.
1. Starting at the Right Age
For adults age is not the concern. Adults often just get frustrated by the challenge of getting a good tone. This is a hurdle that every wind player must overcome, so it is important to be patient no matter your age. For kids, starting 7 or 8 is a good age to start flute or clarinet, and maybe 9 for a sax because it is bigger. It takes lung power and concentration to properly play a wind instrument so each student is a bit different. Once the student’s fingers are big enough to hold the instrument and reach all of the notes, it should be ok. However, if you have a younger child that is truly motivated, you might want to try the penny whistle or the okara. These are easier wind instruments and can give smaller kids a great head start with breathing techniques and reading skills.
2. There is no substitute for private instruction
Yes, we all hear the stories about the rock star that is self-taught. Although it does rarely happen, it is far more urban myth than fact. Many top performers from popular bands continue to study privately. Even when they don’t think that they need it, often their managers and record companies require them to continue to study. Just remember that Tiger Woods still has a golf coach, so no matter how good you are you can still get better.
3. Know the teacher
There is a balance the teacher must have between musical skills and teaching skills, and a balance a student must have between being disciplined and being lax. The player has to develop a great sound and that takes direction and training from a professional. Still a good teacher does not have to be a slave driver and should be able to keep it fun and interesting while striving for the continued musical progress of the student.
Talk to the prospective instructor about your goals and ask how much time you’ll be expected to put in. Our teachers will work with a student to push when necessary and also relax the expectations when outside pressures of school or work get too heavy.
4. Performing builds confidence
Live performances are a great way to build confidence and show family and friends the strides which the student is making. Also, if the student tends to have a little stage fright, live performances in a friendly atmosphere will help him or her adjust to playing for people. Any good music program will provide periodic performance opportunities.
5. Good practice habits include
- Practice space – It is important for the parent or adult student to create a ‘zone’ in which he or she can practice without distractions. If at all possible, let a child have a ‘safe space’ in which to practice and work out their musical problems (sometimes resembling wounded animal noises).
- Practice time – As much as possible, create a consistent time every day – even if it’s only a few minutes – for the student to practice. Daily consistency is far more effective than “cramming” for the lesson.
- Repetition – Repetition is the key to success. Before a musician can make ‘music’ he first must have the mechanics mastered. Only by going over and over passages and songs until they start to become second nature will the musicality start to flow.
- Slow down - It may sound trite but it is true, “Perfect practice makes perfect.” What this means is that being exact in your practice is the way to get better faster, no matter how slow you must practice. If you practice something over and over but you are going too fast to get the notes right you will never play the tune at the level you desire.
6. Keeping motivated - Rewards are good
Once the student is making good music, the music itself is usually the only reward he or she needs. But, that doesn’t come overnight so it is important for the student to hear praise from the teacher and family members for the small improvements along the way. Also bribery sometimes works to motivate a student - “If you learn this song and play it at the upcoming showcase you can get that jacket (or whatever) that you’ve been wanting.” For adults it’s a bit tricky but if you can con your spouse into an agreement it’s pretty cool. “Honey, if I learn this song for you by Christmas will you let me get that plastic surgery I’ve been wanting?” Hey why not shoot big?
7. Purchase a Metronome/Tuner
A metronome keeps time by clicking off the beats evenly, and the tuner tells you if your instrument is in tune. The importance of rhythm and pitch cannot be overemphasized. You can have great rhythm and if the pitch is bad, you’re not going to sound good and vice versa. Fortunately, modern technology has developed to the point where these two very essential tools now come in one package. For less than $50 you can get a combination tuner/metronome at any music store and it should basically last forever.
So now you have the secrets to woodwind success. Follow them and make good music.