Learning the clarinet is fun and deeply rewarding. Clarinet is one of the most expressive of wind instruments, capable of a range of sounds that can evoke many different emotions. By learning clarinet, you can experience the joy of music by playing in a band, small group, for family and friends, or by yourself.
Playing clarinet also teaches you self-discipline, creativity, problem solving, time management, patience and many other skills that will help you for your entire life!
Consistent practice is the key to progress. With practice you'll quickly improve and get to experience the true joy of music. Music is already inside you, and regular practice - even for 20 minutes a day - is the path to bringing it out. As you learn and grow, playing becomes more satisfying and more fun and you'll want to learn more!
I will ask you to practice at least five times a week. The length of your sessions depends on your level and schedule:
Beginners: 15–20 minutes per day
Intermediate and advanced students: 30–60 minutes per day
I will provide a practice record sheet so you can keep track of what you do. Consistency is more important than cramming everything into one day and results in steady progress.
Good Practice Habits
Developing good practice habits will help you experience more fun and you'll progress more quickly.
Be patient and go slow: Play at a tempo you can manage. If you practice too quickly, you’ll develop bad habits that are harder to break as time goes on. Increase tempo gradually as you improve.
Work in sections: Read the whole piece, then focus on the hardest parts. Break them down into smaller chunks, repeat, correct, and repeat again until your fingers, body, and mind remember what to do. At the end of a challenging practice session, play something that's easy so you end your practice with something more fun.
Look ahead: Train your eyes to look a few beats ahead in the music so your mind can prepare for what comes next. This takes practice, too, and we'll work on it together!
Use tools: More advanced students can use a metronome to develop steady rhythm and a tuner to refine pitch. Refinement is fun—it’s a challenge to see how far you can take your skills.
Even professional musicians practice this way. Learning music never stops, no matter how good you become. There is always something new, exciting, and beautiful to discover.
Clarinet Care
Taking good care of your clarinet keeps it sounding and playing at its best. Follow these simple steps:
Swab the inside of your clarinet after every practice session.
Keep the corks greased for a proper seal.
Play reeds in a rotating order so they last longer.
Avoid leaving your clarinet in extreme heat or cold, and after playing, store it in its case.
Schedule regular checkups with a repair technician (see the Clarinet Resources page for local music stores).
What to Bring to Lessons
To make sure each lesson goes smoothly, please bring:
Your clarinet (in good working order)
A working reed and a few extras
A folding music stand
Your lesson assignments and any assigned repertoire
A pencil
Arrive to your lesson early Please try to arrive about five minutes early so you have time to set up. That way, once the previous lesson finishes, you are ready to begin right away. Arriving early helps you make the most of your lesson time and starts you off focused and relaxed.
Performance Opportunities
Sharing music is one of the most enjoyable parts of playing an instrument. You can play with your school band, play duets with another instrument, perform in small groups or with friends, play by yourself or play for family and friends at home.
These experiences help you build confidence, create lasting memories, and remind you how much joy music brings to others.
