I am starting my first clarinet student from scratch (all my others were inherited) and she`s having trouble getting any sound out of the mouthpiece at all. I am having a terrible time describing what to do. I haven`t been teaching very long and will appreciate any advice.

I`m no teacher, but i remember some of the stuff my band teacher taught me. Tell her to relax and try not to pinch a sound out of the horn, but at the same time not to go limp so that you get a bad sound. What size reed is she playing?

She`s got a number 2 rico reed. I don`t know if her tongue is in the way, or not involved enough. She`s 8 years old, so she`s missing several teeth. Would that have anything to do with it, do you think?

Only 8 yrs old? Is that old enough?

Small mouth, teeth missing, less jaw strength.

Nevertheless, it looks like a learning experience for both of you.

Perhaps take plenty of time getting her to form an embouchure without even holding the clarinet. Make it a fun thing.

Finally, forget about any fingering, but just use open G and practice rhythms.

Good luck.

Steve

PS Dad of a 9 yr old learning piano and wondering how he`d have coped with clarinet!!

She`ll be entering 4th grade this fall, so I don`t think it`s too early. That`s when a lot of kids start to learn. Her mom wants her to have a bit of a head start.

We haven`t put the mouthpiece on the horn yet, but she`s getting a little better. She`s lacking in consintency, which I suppose will only come from practice and me reminding her of what she`s supposed to do. I still feel like I`m missing something important that will make it all click for her, but I can`t figure out what it is...