The beautiful rich earthy tone of the clarinet is a joy to create.
Discover the versatility of the clarinet, a musical gem found in both Jazz and Classical genres, boasting the broadest range among woodwind instruments with over 3 octaves.
Immerse yourself in the joy of playing for friends and family, or take it to the next level by joining a music group or even an orchestra. Whether you’re a beginner, restarting your musical journey, guiding your child’s interest, or aspiring to elevate your skills and delve into improvisation, I offer personalized coaching to help you reach your next level of proficiency.
Let the clarinet be your gateway to a world of musical expression, and let me guide you on this enriching musical journey.
My skill level is…
BEGINNER
I want to make sure I start learning with the correct techniques.
- Care and assembly of your instrument.
- Producing your first tone.
- Let’s talk about reeds.
- How to hold your instrument.
- Your first five note and finger positions.
- Learning some simple tunes.
- Reading music.
INTERMEDIATE
I have been playing for a while, or I am re-learning from a few years absent.
- Reaching the next level with my playing.
- Choosing my repertoire.
- Getting out of that rut.
- Dynamics
- Articulation
- High Notes
- Speed
- Exam preparation.
- Improvising skills
- Understanding Chords.
ADVANCED
I can play but I would like some objective instructions, from a professional, as to how to reach my next level.
- Preparing for exams
- Preparing for University auditions
- Preparing for a career in music
- What it takes to go professional
- Tips on multi-instrument playing
- Understanding Jazz chord progressions
- Composition
- Transcriptions
JAZZ STUDIES
I would like to be able improvise and jam with my friends.
I’m looking for a method to study improvisation. I need help with understanding what the chords mean and what scales to use. I would like to develop playing by ear rather than reading music.
- Learn to improvise
- Memorising tunes
- Scales and chords
- Understanding harmony
- Transcribing
- Playing by ear
LISTENING PLAYLIST
FAQ
Yes and No. To start on the clarinet, it is relatively easy. Most people, young or old, can get a good tone very quickly and the first register is manageable. The challenge is the 2nd register. This requires your fingers to seal each finger hole or the instrument just won’t work. Most student progress to the 2nd register in their second year.
I like to think in terms of hours played.
- 2 hours – you will get a tone and learn your first 5 notes.
- 10 hours – you are learning some simple tunes and getting through the first pages of your book.
- 20 hours – sounding better, getting faster, reaching higher and lower, jamming with friends.
- 50 hours – intermediate level.
- 100+ hours – you will be able to play in ensembles or bands. You will be playing the music you love and music is part of your life.
My youngest student was 6 years old on a Kinder Clarinet. Children can manage a full size at around 8 years old.
Avoid the really cheap clarinets. If you buy from a retail store you should be in safe hands. Around $800 AUS will get you a decent beginners instrument. You can buy a used instrument but you should ask a clarinet player to try it out first. If you buy online make sure they have a phone number you can call and a system for returns and repairs.
If you are a beginner a 1.5 or 2.0 is recommended. Because reeds are made from cane, they all vary in response so try a few reeds and pick out your favourite. It’s a good idea to have a closed reed case and rotate daily a few reeds so you avoid becoming too comfortable on one soggy reed.
Clarinet Lesson Gift Voucher
- Pay $40AUS for each 30min lesson
- Simply purchase your vouchers by PayPal
- Download and Print
- You can also send a PDF to your recipient
Let’s get started
Contact me now so we can get you playing. Your journey starts with this single step.