Liz Leehey's Clarinet Notes

Great Video for Bass Clarinet players and ALL clarinet players

2012-01-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a new video from NY Bass Clarinetist Michael Lowenstern.

Great Clarinet Solo: Viktor's Tale from "The Terminal"

2012-01-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun clarinet solo by John Williams from the movie "The Terminal".

(Thanks to my student Cindy for telling me about it!)

There are several recordings on You Tube. Here is one with band accompaniment:

Here is the original soundtrack:

Franz Krommer - Clarinet Concerto in E flat major (1/3)

2012-01-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Nice recording of the Krommer Concerto for Clarinet. I discovered this piece when I was at Conservatory and really enjoy it.

Variations sur un air du Pays d'Oc Louis Cahuzac Guy Dangain clarinette ...

2012-01-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

Music Students perform in Recital of Baroque Music

2012-01-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

Please join us for a recital of music from the Baroque period.

Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 1:30
St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Foxboro.

Student performers include clarinet students of Elizabeth Leehey and piano students of Maya Gurevich.
Admission is free.

WDR Big Band "This Is All I Have", Eddie Daniels (clarinet), Karolina St...

2011-12-14T04:48:00.000-08:00

For all the clarinetists in Jazz Band - listen to Eddie.

Some great E flat clarinet playing...

2011-10-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Some of my students have been playing E flat clarinet in their bands and orchestras. They often wonder about the sound quality of E flat. Yes - it is possible to get a great sound on E flat! Listen to these clips.

for more info - see Larry Guy's Intonation Training book and Peter Hadcock's book. Both have sections on specifics for E flat playing.

Lessons, practicing and band

2011-09-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

When a young student begins private instrumental lessons, there often is some confusion about the difference between practice time and lesson time. Some students and parents even refer to the lesson time as "practice", however there is a big difference between the two.

The private lesson is the time that the student spends with the teacher in a very focused one-on-one session reviewing the previously assigned music, making corrections when needed and hopefully engaging in a deeper understanding of the musical expression. There are many things covered in a private music lesson - too numerous for the scope of this article - and the lesson encompasses much more than "how to play the instrument" and "how to play the music". I'll save that topic for a later article.

Many teachers are very specific about methods for effective practicing and spend time during the lesson teaching the student "how to practice". (see my article titled" How to Practice" which begins a discussion of some of the ideas I present to students).

Practice time is the time that the student devotes to self-study of his or her music. Ideally this time is filled with the pleasure of music making and satisfaction of self expression. However in the real world, practice time often takes discipline and patience from the student and encouragement and motivation from parents.

The more the student does on their own during practice time, the further they will get in the lesson with the teacher. Students who enjoy their lessons are those who let themselves be available to self discovery and learning during practice time and bring those discoveries with them to their lesson time. And teachers who truly enjoy teaching often say how much they learn from their students!

Now - on to Band, or any school ensemble - orchestra, jazz band, chorus, etc. Ensemble time is NOT practice time, nor is it lesson time. Ensemble time is most enjoyable and effective when the students have had their lessons, practiced their music and are prepared to play their parts well during the ensemble rehearsal. The more the individual students have practiced their music on their own, the further the ensemble can grow and the more enjoyable it will be for everyone!

Happy music making!

Advice your child's first musical instrument, and knowing when is it time to upgrade

2011-09-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Many children begin their first music lessons with a student model instrument. Often this instrument is rented from an area music shop or passed down from an older sibling. It may even be an instrument that the parent used when they were a child. Whatever the case, it is essential that this beginning instrument be in proper working condition.

How do you determine the condition of the instrument? Ask the child's private music instructor. The private music teacher who is a professionally trained musician has the expertise to evaluate the instrument and direct you to the most reliable repair service if needed.

As the child develops his or her musical skills and becomes a more advanced player, the student model instrument will not continue to support that growth. Student model instruments have their limitations in tone production, intonation and technique. In order for the student to reach a deeper musical aesthetic, upgrading from the student model instrument is necessary.

Here again my most important piece of advice is to consult with the private music teacher. The child's private music instructor is the person who knows the student's playing the best and will advise you as to when the time is right for an instrument upgrade.

Experienced music instructors are very specific about the make and model of instrument and all related equipment that they use themselves and recommend for their students. It is not advisable to purchase an instrument or related equipment solely on the recommendation of the sales person at the music shop.

A music teacher who is dedicated to the training of their students will take the time to guide the parent and student through the process of selecting and purchasing an instrument. Selecting an advanced or professional model instrument can be a daunting project, but with the guidance of a professional instrumentalist and instructor, it can be an exciting experience.

New Chamber Music Program for Home-Schooled Children

2011-08-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Chamber Music Program

for Wind Instrument Players

Perduco Education, in partnership with clarinetist Elizabeth Leehey, is now offering a chamber music program for wind instrument players, including flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba.

The ensemble, consisting of a minimum of 5 players and a maximum of 10, will meet once a week, for 32 weeks, to learn ensemble skills, including reading from a score, leading the group, and blending and balancing individual parts, while developing a high standard of performance. The repertoire will be selected from a variety of styles and time periods, and suited to the level of the players. The ensemble will perform a concert in June, 2012.

Players must be 10 years of age or older, with a minimum of one year of study on their instrument. A placement evaluation with Elizabeth Leehey, the ensemble director, is required prior to acceptance into the program.

Sessions will be held at Perduco, in Foxoboro, on Thursdays from 11:00 – 12:00, beginning September 22, 2011 and continuing through May 24, 2012.

Attendance Policy: Students are expected to maintain consistent weekly attendance for the full academic year. The success of the ensemble is dependent on full participation of all players. No tuition refunds or makeup classes will be given for absences. Classes cancelled due to hazardous driving conditions or teacher absence will be made up.

Tuition: $576.00 ($18 per session)

Open House/Placement Evaluations:

Saturday, September 10, 2011, 10:00am - Noon

at Perduco

Perduco Education
16 Chestnut Street, Suite 412
Foxboro, Massachusetts 02035

Click here for application: Program Enrollment Application

For more information, or to schedule an evaluation, please contact Liz at 781.492.2576 or liz@elizabethleehey.com

Famous Clarinet Players

2011-08-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a great article for students (and their parents) to read.

Famous Clarinet Players

Back to Lessons - a Check List

2011-08-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

Are you and your clarinet ready for September?

Does you clarinet need repairs? If so, now would be a great time to call Mike Leonard to make an appointment for repairs. Visit his web site for details: http://www.leonardsmusic.com/

How many NEW reeds do you have left? How about cork grease, or a swab? Order some now - http://www.weinermusic.com/ or get them from Mike Leonard.

Do you know where your lesson books and music are? Do you need to order music?

How about a new folder for your music?

Are you planning on doing the district audition? Do you have the music and a recording of it? Have you printed out the scale sheets?

Check my web site for more info and links for the above. http://elizabethleehey.com/id14.html

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone soon and making some great music together again!

Boston Arts Consort presents Breves No. 2, Summer 2011

2011-07-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

DANZA

tango flamenco catalan

Exploring the dance music of Spain and the

influence of the Americas

With Liz Leehey, clarinet

Eva Lorca, flamenco artist

Linda Papatopoli, piano

Roberto Rios, flamenco guitar

Margarita Campos, Cajon

Friday, August 5th, 6PM

The Kaji Aso Studio

40 St. Stephen Street, Boston

(near Symphony Hall)

~~~~Free Admission~~~~

“Breves” are short, forty-five-minute sessions of Spanish music and culture presented by the Boston Arts Consort as part of the “Music Du Jour” series at the Kaji Aso Studio, and are free of charge. You can call 617-666-7973 for more information, or visit our website at www.bostonartsconsort.org.

Spring Recitals Give Music Students An Opportunity To Share Their Music

2011-06-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my teaching year is my annual studio recital.

Twelve of my clarinet students, from beginning to advanced levels, came together last week to share their music with friends and family. Each student performed a solo that they had been preparing during the school year.

The program included well known clarinet repertoire by Weber and Baermann, lesser known 20th century pieces by Cahuzac and Muzcynski and a tango by Boston composer Jose Elizondo.

The studio recital gives students an opportunity to perform a solo pieces with a professional accompanist and for a supportive audience.

The rehearsal prior to the recital often creates a wonderful feeling of comaraderie as the students hear each other play.

I'm always impressed and inspired as I observe them intently listening to each other. Not only do young students aspire to the pieces of the advanced players, but advanced students always offer comments to the younger ones. One of my advanced students told me that she enjoys listening to different interpertations of the pieces she has worked on in the past. She notices each student's personality in their own musical expression.

Emily rehearsing Louis Cahuzac: Fantaisie variée sur un vieil Air champêtre.

Renee rehearsing Weber Concertino

I'm very pleased and proud of the accomplishments of all my students.

DOS BREVES Two Short Sessions Celebrating the Music of Spain

2011-06-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Presented by the Boston Arts Consort, Linda Papatopoli, Director

The Kaji Aso Studio, 40 St. Stephen Street, Boston

Both concerts are free admission.

Breves No. 1, Friday, July 1, 6PM: FOR GUITAR AND PIANO Solo music and duets especially arranged by the performers exploring the relationship between Spanish guitar and piano composition. Tom Rohde, guitar & Linda Papatopoli, piano.

Breves No 2, Friday, August 5th, 6PM: DANZA Spain’s classical music along with flamenco and the influence of the Americas will be highlighted with flamenco artists Eva Lorca & Roberto Rios, clarinetist Liz Leehey, & pianist Linda Papatopoli.

Liz Leehey's Clarinet Studio Recital.

2011-06-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Twelve clarinet students from Sharon, Wellesley and Wrentham will perform solos with pianist Vytas Baksys. The program will include works by Weber, Saint Saens, Baermann, Cahuzac and Muczynski.

Saturday, June 11, 2011
3:30 PM
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
116 South Street, Foxborough, MA
Admission is free.

Many of these students are members of Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensembles, Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble, and Massachusetts District Bands and Orchestras. Please join us to hear the great work these students are doing! The public is invited.
INFO: www.elizabethleehey.com

As Music Students Prepare for Youth Ensemble Auditions...

2011-05-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

May and June are the months when Boston and Rhode Island youth ensembles are holding auditions for membership into next fall's groups.

You may have heard students and parents discussing BYSO or MYWE or RIPYWE. These ensembles are quite competitive and students need to prepare very well prior to the auditions. In general, students will be asked to play scales, repertoire showing contrasting musical styles and sight reading. Each ensemble has specific audition requirements, so be sure to check each website carefully! Links for these organizations can be found at http://elizabethleehey.com/id14.html.

Assuming that you can play your scales perfectly and your repertoire exceptionally well, here are a few more tips for audition success:

Pace your preparation. Students should know the exact date of their auditions and "take ownership" of the process. Hopefully your teacher will guide you through your preparation so that you will "peak" at the audition time.
Prior to your audition date, seek out players who have auditioned before and ask them what their experience was like.
Attend a rehearsal of the ensemble you would like to play in. This will give you a good idea of the level of players, the conductor and the repertoire.
Do Practice Auditions at home. You can do this with family or friends. Simulate the actual audition: about seven minutes, play a few scales, a section of your piece and a few lines of sight reading. Evaluate your performance and then work on your challenging passages/scales.
Arrive at the audition venue with plenty of time to warm up.
Wear "nice" clothes. Though not a requirement, I recommend this as "first impressions" are significant.
Be well rested and well fed. You need physical, mental and emotional energy to play your best. Don't schedule other activities the morning of your audition. And also, don't over practice the morning of your audition. Again, pace yourself.
Be sure to have all your equipment with you (music, reeds, swab, etc). Keep an extra reed in your pocket as you go into the audition room.
Beware of temperature differences between the warm up room and the audition room as this can affect your instrument and reed.
Bring along water and some food- I recommend a banana. This can have a calming affect and give you a needed energy boost.
In the warm up room, stay by yourself to do your required warm up and maintain focus. Engaging in conversation with friends can distract you.
Expect the unexpected! Some auditions are videoed, some have multiple adjudicators.

Good luck!

The benefits of Joining a Community Youth Ensemble.

2011-05-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

My best high school memories are those of band and orchestra.

I was a member of the band, select band, marching band, orchestra and even a jazz orchestra called Studio Orchestra.

We were a close-knit group of students whose dedication showed in our many performances. Marching Band highlights included a performance in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and a parade on "Main Street" in Disney World. Studio Orchestra gave us the opportunity to learn the jazz standards and perform with well-known professional jazz artists from NYC. What a great learning experience for a teenager!

I encourage my clarinet students to participate in their school band, jazz band or orchestra. Many of them are also members of youth ensembles in Boston and Rhode Island. These groups perform in local venues throughout the school year, and some of them do European performing tours during the summer. My adult students also enjoy playing in their community bands and orchestras which give them an opportunity to continue playing an instrument they learned as children, or to develop a new skill as adults.

Ensemble playing gives players the opportunity to learn a vast array of repertoire while experiencing the sound of a full band, orchestra or chamber ensemble. Students use and expand upon the techniques learned in private lessons. Musical concepts learned include:

blending and balancing individual parts within an ensemble
playing in tune and intonation tendencies of the instrument
mastering complex rhythms between voices
following a conductor
performance etiquette

Smaller chamber ensembles teach additional skills such as:

leading the group - giving the downbeat and cut-off, cueing other players
setting tempos
reading from a score

Being a member of a community music ensemble gives musicians a sense of accomplishment, camaraderie and self esteem. Players learn from each other and are motivated by those who are more advanced.

For those clarinet players who want an ensemble experience during the summer, I am running a Youth Clarinet Ensemble July 25 to 29 and an Adult Clarinet Ensemble June through August. For more information: www.elizabethleehey.com or 781-492-2576.

Concert Etiquette for "Classical Music" Concerts

2011-05-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

May and June can be the busiest months of the year for parents and students and also music teachers who are preparing their students for recitals and auditions. The Sharon Youth Concert Series begins this Saturday evening, and many Sharon private music teachers will be having their own studio recitals in the next several weeks. With this in mind, I am starting a discussion on concert etiquette for classical music concerts.

There are many types of music concerts: classical, rock, jazz, folk, flamenco, opera, etc. , and thus many types of musical experiences. Each one has it's own etiquette for the listener and performer.

Based on my personal experience as a performer and teacher, I offer these guidelines for concert etiquette in a classical music concert setting:

Plan to arrive at the venue before the concert begins. If you do arrive after the concert has begun, wait to enter the hall during applause between pieces.
Turn off all electronic devices: phones, alarms, pagers, etc.
Refrain from talking, whispering, unwrapping candy and rattling programs - the sounds of which carry throughout the performance hall.
If the piece has several "movements" or sections, hold your applause until the very end of the piece. Look at the printed concert program for guidance or look at the performer or conductor - you'll know when the piece is complete.
Refrain from taking photos while the performer is playing. This is distracting - not only to the performer, but also to the audience. Wait until the piece is over for your "Kodak Moment".
Stay for the entire concert. Intending to arrive after the concert has begun, or leaving after your child has played is disrespectful to the other performers.
Sit back and enjoy!

Sharon Youth Concerts seeking additional student performers!

2011-04-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Sharon Performing Artists Association will sponsor 3 Youth Concerts this spring - Saturdays May 7th, 21st and June 4. All will be 7 PM at the Unitarian Church of Sharon.

The concerts on May 21 and June 4 still have room for more musicians to perform. (The May 7th concert is full). Students who are Sharon residents are welcome to play (all instruments) or sing. If you have any students who are interested, please contact Elizabeth Leehey at liz@elizabethleehey.com as soon as possible.

Please forward this msg.to any Sharon parent/teacher/student who may be interested
Thanks!

Liz Leehey
www.elizabethleehey.com

Great clarinetists to listen to

2011-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Often students and parents ask me for recommendations of clarinet recordings. I would recommend any of these clarinet players as examples of fine playing:
Harold Wright
Sabine Meyer
Jon Manasse
Robert Marcellus
They each have many recordings that you can get on Amazon.com.

You Tube us filled with many wonderful clarinet performances and information. Here are just a few - in many different styles of music:
Eddie Daniels http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IkDD5ze-mY
Sergio Bosi Sergio Bosi

Mack Nuccio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g5ZLuL4gbs&feature=related

Paquito D'Rivera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g5ZLuL4gbs&feature=related

Jose Franch Ballester http://www.youtube.com/josefranchballester

Pascual Martinez Forteza http://www.youtube.com/user/clarinetny

Stanley Drucker http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR9oxnm66bY

A great resource for many performances from Clariperu: http://www.youtube.com/user/Clariperu#g/u

Thanks to all the above clarinetists for posting these great videos!

check out Eddie Daniels!

2011-03-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful video of Eddie Daniels. Thanks Eddie! and Thanks Morrie for making these videos for us to share!

Artist Aid to Japan this weekend.

2011-03-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

Artists Aid to Japan this weekend at Kaji Aso Studio. Click for more details.

Concert Announcement ¡EMBRUJO!

2011-02-26T16:10:00.000-08:00

¡EMBRUJO! The Alluring Music and Dance of Spain

How to get the most out of each clarinet lesson.

2011-02-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

A guide for students and their parents.

The more you bring to your lesson, the more you will get out of it.

The obvious - “Practice” - is the first thing that comes to mind. Certainly, the more time you spend working on your own during the week, the further we will be able to progress in your lesson.

However, there are other things to consider in having a great lesson - whether you have practiced a lot or just a little.

Reeds.

Make sure you have several reeds in your case at all times - used reeds and also new reeds. If you have time before your lesson, test out a few reeds to find one that is responding well. If you reed is not working well, I will help you - but you need to have a supply of reeds with you at your lesson.

Playing on a “good” reed is an aesthetic experience that will develop your concept of sound, embouchure, air control, phrasing, etc.

Keep tabs on your reed inventory. Order more reeds before you are down to your last one. I regularly check in with students about this, and parents are encouraged to do the same at home.

Tell me how your week has been.

When I ask you “how’s it going?” I really want to know. At the beginning of your lesson, please tell me about anything that has happened that has affected your practicing during the week: braces, illness, lots of homework, etc. I’ll adjust your lesson accordingly.

Ask questions.

If I say something that you don’t understand, please ask me to explain. Come to your lesson with questions - as you are practicing during the week, mark passages in your music that you have questions on.

Offer your opinion.

I really want to know what you think - even if you disagree with me.

Learn to be OK with making mistakes.

You are taking lessons to learn, not to be perfect. Often I will ask my students to “make mistakes” on purpose. “Mistakes” give us information to learn from - information to your embouchure, breathing, fingers, or your ears.

Be rested and well fed.

You need your brain and body to play clarinet. If you are tired or hungry, your brain and body are not going to work well. Consider this when scheduling your lessons.

It’s best NOT to practice right before your lesson.

You can warm up a little to test out your reeds, but I usually tell my students not to practice the day of their lesson. If you do, you risk tiring your embouchure and not having enough endurance for the lesson. Cramming for a lesson doesn’t work anyway.

Review the things that we covered during your lesson soon after your lesson.

After you lesson, take 5 minutes (maybe on the ride home) to mentally review the material covered in your lesson. This will help you retain more of what you just learned and keep it fresh in your mind for your next practice session at home.

Record your lesson.

Recording your lesson, or even part of it, can be very helpful for your practice at home. Also consider recording yourself practicing. You’ll be amazed at what you hear!

Teach others what you have learned.

You’ll find that you understand things better when you try to explain it to others. Get together with your friends who play instruments and play for each other.

Listen to professional recordings of your pieces.

This is easy to do since there is so much available on line now. Knowing the accompaniment part to your piece is essential to really learning and understanding the music.

Regular weekly attendance at lessons is very important.

Consistency is key for all students - children and adults. Consider this when scheduling you lesson day and time.