Most early clarinet struggles come down to embouchure and hand position, so your teacher gets those right early and walks you cleanly across the break. Lessons are available at home, at the teacher's studio, or online.
Kids usually start clarinet in school band, when their fingers are big enough to fully seal the open tone holes. Lessons focus on a firm embouchure, covering the holes and steady air, which is exactly what stops the squeaks.
Lessons for kidsCrossing the break into the upper register is where many young clarinetists stall, and it's where a private teacher earns their keep. Teen players get help with chair placements, the scales and prepared music for GMEA District Honor Band and All-State, and picking up bass clarinet or saxophone when the band needs it.
Lessons for teensIf you played clarinet in school, there's a good chance it's still in a closet. Getting it serviced and finding a good reed come first; then your teacher rebuilds embouchure strength and adds the music you never got to in band, whether that's Mozart, Benny Goodman or klezmer.
Lessons for adultsEvery student gets goals and a weekly practice plan. Here's roughly how clarinet lessons progress. Your teacher adjusts it to you.
First your teacher checks that reed, mouthpiece and ligature are set up right, because a bad setup causes a lot of beginner frustration. Then it's embouchure and air until you get a steady note. Beginners leave with a few low-register notes, a practice routine and a plan for choosing reeds; experienced players get targeted help with the break, tone or technique.
Most students rent a student B-flat clarinet through a music store, often with rent-to-own credit. You'll need reeds (strength 2 or 2.5 is typical to start), a ligature, a cleaning swab and cork grease. If there's an old clarinet at home, bring it to the first lesson and your teacher can tell you whether it needs new pads or is good to go. Talk to us before buying.
Love your first lesson, or your money back.
If the first lesson with your teacher isn't a great fit, tell us within 48 hours. We'll rematch you with a different teacher at no charge, or refund everything you've paid. Your choice. Your teacher still gets paid for their time; we cover it. That's how sure we are about who we send you.
Pick what fits your week. You can change it any time, and many families mix all three.
Your teacher comes to you, same day and time each week. No drive, no waiting room, no car-line shuffle. Kids learn on the instrument they actually practice on.
Learn in a real working musician's space: their instruments, their recording setup, a room built for music. A great fit for drums, advanced players and anyone who likes a change of scene.
The same teacher, live on video. Perfect for busy weeks, travel, sick days and families outside our in-home area. Many students mix online with in-person.
Almost every beginner squeaks. The usual causes are fingers not fully covering the holes, too much mouthpiece in the mouth, a chipped reed or a leaky pad. A teacher can usually spot which one it is right away.
It's the move from the clarinet's lower register to the upper one, where the fingerings change and the air has to stay steady. Every clarinetist works on it. Good hand position and air support turn it from a wall into a smooth step.
Most beginners start on a 2 or 2.5. As the embouchure gets stronger, students usually move up to a 3 or beyond. Buy a box rather than single reeds, since reeds vary a lot, and your teacher will show you how to rotate them and pick the good ones.
Yes. Bass clarinet uses nearly the same fingerings, and saxophone is a natural second instrument. Your teacher can help your child pick these up when the band needs them, which also makes them more useful in jazz band.
Often, yes. A good student clarinet can play well for decades with fresh pads and corks. Bring it to your first lesson and your teacher will tell you honestly whether to service it or start fresh with a rental.
Tell us who's learning and what they want to play. A coordinator will call within one business day with a teacher in mind.