How to Get Your Child's Clarinet Lesson Started (includes a printable checklist)

Are you thinking about signing up the clarinet lessons for your child? Depend on the school's music & art program, from the 5th/6th grade a student could select an orchestral instrument to study. The clarinet is a fun instrument to play, and it gives students an opportunity to perform in many types of musical ensembles. To learn how to play the clarinet, you need to have the right equipment to get started. The following is a checklist of some gears you should have. They will help you to get a jump on the study.

1. Clarinet - You can rent or purchase a clarinet through a music store. A student clarinet is made out of compressed plastic, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to take care of. A clarinet will come in a small case to protect it. Some accessories will be included, but the quantity might not enough, you will need to order more later on. You might find very inexpensive new clarinet in unexpected places. It is not recommended to get one of those as it will be unplayable very quickly. You would be better off getting a good quality used instrument for the same price. My suggestion is to first rent a clarinet from a reputable music store (about $25 per month), and purchase an intermediate clarinet when your child shows real improvement and commitment.

2. Reeds - The clarinet needs a reed to produce sound. The reeds are pieces of cane, cut and shaped to vibrate against your mouthpiece to produce tone. The tip of reeds is fairly thin and can break easily. They also do wear out, so I recommend young students always keep least 4 reeds so that you can rotate them and have spares available. In addition, there are different strengths. A young beginner should begin with strength 2 or 2 ½. As a student gets older, develops stronger muscles and air support, he/she may advance to stronger strength. There are many good clarinet reed brands available. Young beginners could try Rico and Mitchell Lurie.

3. Music Instructional Book and Metronome - There are many excellent method books that teach you how to play the clarinet. Usually the school will instruct students what to buy and sometimes even ask students to purchase a computer software that allows students to play along with accompaniment. In the private lesson setting, I use Avrahm Galper's Clarinet Method Book 1, repertoire books such as The Joy of Clarinet, Music Through Time Clarinet Book 1, and Norton’s The Microjazz Clarinet Collection 1. Recently the Music Development Program published a good collection of etude and repertoire books. I find they are very helpful. Metronome helps you develop a steady beat as well as maintain consistent tempo while you play. It is a must have item for your practice session. You'll find books and metronomes in the store where you rent/buy the clarinet.

4. Music Stand - It is important to hold the music at your eye-level while you read and play the clarinet. Bend down to read a book on a table would develop bad posture which will lead to poor tone quality. There are some inexpensive folding stands with carry bag, and the height is adjustable.

5. Must Have Accessories:

• Swab - This is the most important accessory you'll need. Every time you play, condensation and saliva get inside your instrument. Swab after each practice will prevent them from damaging the instrument over time. Swab out all the parts except for the mouthpiece. Silk swabs work the best and they can last for a long time. About every month, hand-wash them in cold water with a mild, unscented soap and air dry.

• Reed Holder - Your reeds will last longer if you clean and store them in a proper case, and it's the best way to organize. I recommend the Rico Reed Gard, which is a small plastic case that holds 4 reeds.

• Cork Grease - It lubricates the corks of the clarinet, makes it easier to put all clarinet joints together. How often you apply it depends on the condition of your corks and the climate you live in.

6. Optional accessories:

• Clarinet Stand - This will hold your clarinet up vertically, and will keep your instrument from tipping over, as it may if you simply tried to stand it on its own bell.

• Tuner - help you pinpoint whether your pitch is sharp or flat, helping you develop a sensitive ear.

• Thumb Rest Cushion - This can make playing more comfortable.

• Mouthpiece Patch - You could use this if you don't like to leave a teeth mark on the mouthpiece, or just to make your upper teeth feel more comfortable.

• Pad Paper - It will help you to clean the spit and condensation underneath the keypads.

Now, you are ready to begin the clarinet lessons. Enjoy the fun! Click here for a printable checklist if you like.

#MusicEducation #ClarinetLessons #Parenting