Klarinet Archive - Posting 000240.txt from 2002/04

From: Anna Benassi <acb@-----.is>
Subj: [kl] clefs continued
Date: Sat, 6 Apr 2002 09:24:02 -0500

To answer Tony's question first, I don't teach clefs much (just use
'em for playing and score reading). Most of my students are too young
(8-12 years old). Only when they are in their 'teens - and motivated
:) - have I introduced alto clef, for example. It is the first
transposition that the Icelandic syllabus requires, and it is not
required until the student takes his 5th grade exam of a total of
eight.

I use the Dandelot method of clef reading and practicing, which is
emphatically not a move-it-up-or-down method. And which - in my humble
opinion - is what makes it so efficient (once the foundation is in
place). Dandelot's method involves placing a very few key pitches in
the new clef. A beautiful example is the placement of C in alto clef:
it is on the middle line and - helpfully enough - above the first
leger line above the staff and below the first leger line below the
staff. Of course, this works in all the clefs: this lovely symmetrical
pattern is a D in bass clef, an A in tenor clef, an E in mezzo clef,
and so on.

Dandelot's exercises have us begin by reading these Cs - to continue
in alto clef - and some Gs. We go along and say note names aloud ( I
believe this is the recommended method, at least at first), or play
the notes, or whatever. Then we add new notes. Stepwise movement
relative to these Cs and Gs is next. So we read CDC patterns, GFG,
GAG, and the like. Then Dandelot begins jumping by thirds from the Cs
and Gs (so we have triad patterns and seventh chords, among other
things), and finally he has filled in the scale. But the point of
comparison is always a pitch or pattern that we learn IN THAT CLEF. As
you all can hear, it is a highly visual method. One is always free -
and encouraged - to add imagined accidentals to the exercises in order
to read the clef in any key.

Dandelot's Manuel Pratique is published by Eschig, by the way. It
briefly addresses all 7 clefs. Other books, mostly available from
French publishers and/or authors, contain exercises in switching clefs
in mid-stream, as well as other objects of delight.

Best,

Anna

---------------------------------------------------------------------