Clarinet lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What clarinet lessons is

A clarinet teacher covers reed handling, embouchure, fingering and breath, from first notes to scales and band or solo repertoire. People book clarinet lessons when they start a school band, have a squeaky or unstable tone, or want to play in an ensemble with a set part.

Signs you need it

  • Your reed squeaks or chirps and you cannot tell if the reed or your embouchure is the cause
  • You struggle to get the low notes to speak
  • Your band director has asked for private help with your fingerings and reed
  • Your tone changes from note to note and you cannot keep it steady
  • You want to play jazz or classical solos and need a plan

What the pro does

  • Checks how you hold the clarinet and the position of your embouchure on the mouthpiece
  • Teaches reed selection, moistening and placement on the mouthpiece
  • Shows the fingering chart and how to make smooth note changes
  • Works on breath support so the tone stays steady across the range
  • Introduces scales and band or solo repertoire at the right level

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Teacher experience with band, classical or jazz repertoire
  • Lesson length and how many lessons you book each week
  • Private lessons compared with group or band-style classes
  • Whether the teacher comes to your home or you travel to a studio
  • Clarinet type, reeds, a mouthpiece or a rental you need to buy
  • Audition or solo preparation on top of regular lessons

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number and length of lessons and whether they are private or shared
  • The method book or repertoire the plan follows
  • The cancellation and makeup policy for missed lessons
  • Whether lessons are in person, at your home or online
  • Which clarinet, reeds, mouthpiece or accessories you must buy yourself

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which method do you use, and how do you choose the next piece?
  • How will you help me with reed choice and reed care?
  • Can you help with my school band part?
  • If the student is a minor, do you run background checks, and what is your policy on parents in the room?
  • How do you fix a squeak or an unstable tone?
  • Do you teach clarinet only, or also bass and alto clarinet?

Red flags

  • Says the reed is the only problem and never checks the student's embouchure
  • Pushes you to buy a costly mouthpiece or clarinet before the first lesson
  • Skips scales and breath work to play songs only
  • Promises you will play solo repertoire in a few months

What you can do yourself

You can wet and dry reeds properly, clean the clarinet after each use, and keep reeds in a case away from heat. Do not try to adjust keys, pads or the barrel yourself, since a repair shop should handle those. Hire a teacher for embouchure, reed choice, a tone problem or band preparation.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach clarinet lessons. Check with your state or local licensing agency if you are unsure whether a teaching business needs a registration.

Clarinet lessons questions

Do I need my own clarinet before lessons?

Usually, yes, or a school or shop rental. Ask the teacher which clarinet and reeds they recommend before you buy.

How often do I need to replace reeds?

It depends on how often you play and how you care for them. Ask the teacher how to tell when a reed is worn out.

How do I book a clarinet teacher on infinibell?

Describe the lessons you want, including the clarinet type, your band part and your level. Pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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