How Much Do Clarinet Lessons Cost?
From beginner to advanced: what clarinet lessons cost and how to save money
Marc Levesque
Updated 10/13/25 • 4 min read
The Average Clarinet Lesson Cost:
Clarinet lessons typically cost between $40 and $70 per hour*, depending on the teacher’s education, teaching and performance experience, location, and whether lessons are online or in person.
The average price for a one hour clarinet lesson is $68. Live online clarinet lessons using Zoom or Google Meet are usually more affordable, averaging $30 to $40 for a half hour. Local private clarinet lessons range from $40 to $50 for a half hour, while small in person group classes can cost around $20 for a half hour.
Clarinet teachers without a music degree generally charge around $40 per hour, while concert clarinetists with advanced degrees or major competition prizes may charge up to $200 per hour.
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What Determines Clarinet Lesson Costs?
When choosing a clarinet teacher, one of the first things to look at is their music background. Teachers without a music degree usually charge around $40 per hour, but their lessons may not provide the same depth or technical accuracy as those from a professionally trained instructor.
Some teachers hold a degree in another instrument, like saxophone, and also teach clarinet. They typically charge around $50 per hour and have a good general understanding of music, but may not have the advanced clarinet skills needed for detailed guidance. Over time, this can lead to habits that are harder to correct.
For the best learning experience, find a teacher with at least a bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance. Their rates usually range from $60 to $70 per hour, while teachers with a master’s or doctorate in clarinet often charge between $70 and $90 per hour.
Online clarinet lessons are usually the most affordable option. On average, lessons at a teacher’s studio cost about $10 more per hour, with a small extra charge if the teacher travels to your home.
In person lesson prices can vary depending on how many qualified clarinet teachers are in your area. If you’re looking for high quality instruction at a reasonable price, online lessons are often the best way to go.
Location
Location also plays a big role in how much clarinet lessons cost. In larger cities where living expenses are higher, lesson rates are usually more expensive than in suburban or smaller areas.
For example, in-person lessons in California can cost about 20 to 30 percent more than in Indiana, and teachers in places like New York or Chicago often charge similar higher rates. The difference for online lessons is a bit smaller, averaging around 15 percent.
If you’re looking for the cheapest possible clarinet lessons, there is the option of pre-recorded lessons.
These are typically video or app-based lessons that aim to teach you basic clarinet skills and technique for a monthly fee. Unfortunately, these lessons cannot compare to the quality of live one-on-one lessons where the teacher can customize the lesson material for you, give you live feedback in real time, and guide you to become better at practicing and performing.
Because clarinet technique is detailed and easy to get wrong without guidance, students who want to develop solid skills are usually better off taking live one-on-one lessons.
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How to Find the Most Affordable Clarinet Lessons
We surveyed over 100 clarinet teachers across our own site, Lesson With You, and two other major platforms, Wyzant and Lessonface, using a random zip code as the location. We specifically looked for teachers who hold a degree in clarinet and offer online lessons.
Lesson With You has a set rate of $65 per hour, which is more affordable than the average rate across other major lesson sites. Each clarinet teacher holds an advanced degree in clarinet and provides high quality instruction, with the first lesson offered for free. Lessons are $65 per hour, with no contracts required.
Wyzant had the highest average rate among qualified clarinet teachers, at $67 per hour. Most instructors teach multiple instruments, such as flute or saxophone, and many didn’t major specifically in clarinet.
Lessonface showed a slightly higher average rate of $68 per hour among the teachers we reviewed. However, many clarinet instructors there either don’t hold a music degree or didn’t study clarinet in college. Since several primarily teach other instruments like recorder or flute, the level of clarinet-specific instruction may vary.
Both Wyzant and Lessonface have a large number of clarinet teachers, so there are certainly good options available. However, finding teachers whose education and pricing closely match those at Lesson With You can take more time and effort.
Why Finding a Professional Clarinet Teacher Makes All the Difference
An expert clarinet teacher makes all the difference when you’re learning. They’ll show you how to breathe properly, shape your embouchure, and use your fingers with ease, so playing feels natural and fun. The right teacher can catch small mistakes early, guide you toward a clear tone, and keep you motivated as you make progress.
Some students and parents choose a cheaper or less experienced teacher and plan to switch later, which is fine, but it often takes extra time to fix bad habits or techniques learned early on. Starting with a professional clarinet teacher gives you the right foundation from the start and makes learning smoother.
What You’ll Learn in Clarinet Lessons
Clarinet lessons teach all the basics you need to play with comfort and confidence. A good teacher shows you how to sit, hold the clarinet, and breathe in a way so there is no tension in your mouth, neck, or shoulders. Learning good posture and breathing early makes playing much easier and more enjoyable.
You’ll also work on creating a clear tone, clean articulation, and smooth phrasing in different styles like classical, jazz, and pop. Along the way, you’ll learn music theory and sight reading to help you understand rhythms, symbols, and new pieces faster. Teachers also share practice tips to build finger control, vibrato, and dynamics so your playing feels natural and expressive.
Educational and Personal Benefits of Clarinet Lessons
Clarinet lessons teach more than just notes and songs. They help students focus, stay patient, and enjoy the process of learning something new. For kids, regular practice builds discipline, confidence, and creativity that carry over into school and daily life.
For adults, playing the clarinet can be a relaxing break from a busy day. It’s a fun way to de-stress, stay sharp, and feel proud as you see steady progress. No matter your age, learning the clarinet adds a sense of joy, balance, and accomplishment that lasts well beyond each lesson.
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About the author
Marc Levesque is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where he studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before attending Carnegie Mellon University to study educational technology. As a pianist, Marc made his debut with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra at age 15, playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2., and he has performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Croatia. Marc is a co-founder of Lesson With You, which fully combines his love of music, technology, and education.