ClarinetMike Clinic at TMEA in February 2014!

Dr. Michael Dean, Clarinet Performing, Teaching & Consulting

Found out today that I’ll be giving a clarinet clinic at TMEA 2014 (Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention). TMEA 2014 will be held February 12-15, 2014 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, USA. I will update the precise day/time, etc. of my clinic when the official schedule is set in a few months. My clinic is being sponsored by the great folks at Music & Arts.

ClarinetMike says, “Clarinet, River Walk and the Alamo!”

Below is information from the original proposal I sent.

Primary Topic:	Beginner Ensembles Individual Practice Techniques Private Instruction
Instrument/Voice Focus:	Clarinet
Title:	How to Develop Great Clarinetists: Basics and Musical Style
Description:	The primary hindrances to clarinet performing excellence at all levels are usually weaknesses in fundamentals and knowledge of musical style. Dean will provide clarinet teachers with practical information that addresses both of these areas. Clarinet embouchure, voicing, and articulation will receive special attention. There will be time for questions and answers.
Summary:	Most of the performance limitations of clarinet students (and some pros!) stem from either problems with basics and/or a lack of knowledge of how to play with appropriate musical style (or ANY musical style!). My clinic will deal with both. I will address clarinet basics using a straightforward systematic approach. Musical style will be considered using an accessible model for phrasing.I will systematically address clarinet fundamentals such as relaxation, posture, embouchure, voicing, articulation, counting, sound projection, etc. The heart of the clinic will be information on embouchure. In the last few decades there has been a shift in clarinet pedagogy toward a better understanding of how voicing relates to clarinet embouchure. We will consider this and related issues, such as articulation. Suggestions on using a practice routine and other practice tips will be discussed. This information on how to practice will give insights to teachers on how to effectively put the basics discussed into the playing of their students.Knowledge of good phrasing and musical style (especially Romantic Style) is generally lacking in most students. The use of a simple and understandable model will be explored. I have found this model to be effective in helping students understand phrasing, dynamics and other interpretive issues.Finally, there will be time for questions and answers.