Clarinet Lessons in Georgia
What clarinet lessons cost across Georgia, and how to find the right teacher.
Clarinet lesson prices across Georgia
A one-hour clarinet lesson in Georgia typically costs $60 to $96, and a half hour $33 to $52. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Atlanta area runs highest, up to $103 an hour.
Every town has two guides: a clarinet lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.
| Town | 30 minutes | One hour | Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta area | |||
| Atlanta | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| South Fulton | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Sandy Springs | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Roswell | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Johns Creek | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Mableton | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Alpharetta | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Marietta | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Stonecrest | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Brookhaven | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Smyrna | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Dunwoody | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Newnan | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Peachtree Corners | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Milton | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Peachtree City | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| East Point | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Douglasville | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Woodstock | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Tucker | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Canton | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Stockbridge | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Kennesaw | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Duluth | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Redan | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Lawrenceville | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| McDonough | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Chamblee | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Union City | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Carrollton | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Sugar Hill | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Decatur | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Cartersville | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Griffin | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Acworth | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Suwanee | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Snellville | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Candler-McAfee | $33–$54 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Fayetteville | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Forest Park | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Winder | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Holly Springs | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Villa Rica | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Conyers | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| North Decatur | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Powder Springs | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Norcross | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| North Druid Hills | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Buford | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Lithia Springs | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Fairburn | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Monroe | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Loganville | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Lilburn | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Riverdale | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Dallas | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| College Park | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Covington | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Clarkston | $34–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Vinings | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Belvedere Park | $33–$54 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Mountain Park | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Lovejoy | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Doraville | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Scottdale | $33–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Locust Grove | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Augusta area | |||
| Augusta | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Evans | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Martinez | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Grovetown | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Savannah area | |||
| Savannah | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Pooler | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Richmond Hill | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Wilmington Island | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Port Wentworth | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Rincon | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Georgetown | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Garden City | $32–$47 | $59–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Gainesville area | |||
| Gainesville | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Flowery Branch | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Warner Robins area | |||
| Warner Robins | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Perry | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Brunswick area | |||
| Brunswick | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Simons | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Kingsland area | |||
| Kingsland | $32–$46 | $58–$84 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Marys | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Braselton area | |||
| Braselton | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Jefferson | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Other Georgia towns | |||
| Albany | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Americus | $32–$48 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Athens | $32–$47 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Bainbridge | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Calhoun | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Columbus | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Dalton | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Douglas | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Dublin | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Oglethorpe | $31–$43 | $57–$80 | LessonsCosts |
| Hinesville | $32–$47 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| LaGrange | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Macon | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Milledgeville | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Moultrie | $32–$47 | $59–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Rome | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Statesboro | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Thomasville | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Tifton | $32–$47 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Valdosta | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Vidalia | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Waycross | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
No Georgia town by that name yet. Lessons are live online, so you can still start from anywhere in Georgia.
Meet a Clarinet Teacher in Georgia Before You Continue Weekly
The free first lesson is a low-pressure way to meet the teacher, experience live online clarinet instruction, and decide whether weekly lessons feel right for you or your child in Georgia.
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Live weekly lessons from home with no commute
- Build tone, reading, reed confidence, and school-band skills
- Choose 30, 45, or 60 minutes after the free lesson
Find Your Next Clarinet Teacher in Georgia
Browse clarinet teachers, compare fit and availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in Georgia.
Filter by Day & Time

Canon Cochran
Try adjusting your filters.
How clarinet learning works in Georgia
How does clarinet fit school music in Georgia?
Georgia school band commonly begins in sixth grade, which gives clarinet students a clear entry point in many districts. Fulton County Schools, Cobb County School District, and Gwinnett County Public Schools each offer sixth-grade beginning band; Decatur County Schools serves students from fifth through twelfth grade. In Fulton County, instrument use is guaranteed during the school year, while Gwinnett families arrange an instrument and receive guidance at the start of school. Because school offerings differ, private lessons can help a student build embouchure and reading skills before band begins.
When school music starts in Georgia districts
Who runs what for Georgia clarinetists?
Georgia's student clarinet route is led chiefly by school bands and the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), which runs district and All-State Band auditions. The Georgia Music Teachers Association (GMTA) offers a separate competitive route for pre-college instrumental students, including woodwinds, and also connects independent and collegiate teachers. These serve different purposes: GMEA recognizes band players through school-based auditions, while GMTA's grade-level auditions center on individual performance. Knowing which goal fits your child helps you plan lessons around the right repertoire and registration path.
Who runs what in Georgia
Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA)
- Runs
- Runs district Solo & Ensemble evaluations and All-State Band auditions.
- For
- School band students, including middle and high school clarinetists.
Georgia Music Teachers Association (GMTA)
- Runs
- Runs regional and state instrumental auditions and supports teacher programs.
- For
- Eligible pre-college, college, and adult instrumental students.
Georgia High School Association (GHSA)
- Runs
- Promotes music through Region and State competitions.
- For
- Students at public or private high schools that join.
Auditions and events in Georgia
How does a clarinetist reach Georgia's top student honors?
The clearest Georgia honor route for a school clarinetist is the GMEA All-State Band. Your school band instructor registers you, and for 2026–27 initial auditions take place in December after earlier registration. Students first audition at district level, then those who advance play a final audition; middle and high school woodwind players perform two etudes and sight-reading there. The event gathers selected players March 4–6, 2027, at The Classic Center in Athens. GMTA offers a separate grade-level route for instrumental students in grades 4–12, with competitive auditions offering a chance to advance from regional to state. Its 2026 regional video deadline is November 19.
The clarinet route in Georgia, step by step
- RegistrationSchool band instructors register students earlier in the school year; confirm the deadline with the director.
- District auditionInitial GMEA All-State Band auditions take place in December for 2026–27.
- Final auditionStudents who advance perform the final audition; selected students then join the All-State Band.
The Georgia clarinet year
MTNA Junior Performance CompetitionEntry fee: $95 per entrantStart the piece Mar to Jun
MTNA Senior Performance CompetitionEntry fee: $125 per entrant; senior brass and voice entry fee is $150Start the piece Mar to Jun
All-State BandGeorgia Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec
GMTA State AuditionsGeorgia Music Teachers AssociationStart the piece Oct to Jan
Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent
What do auditions ask you to prepare?
Georgia clarinet auditions center on etudes and sight-reading rather than a single statewide piece list. GMEA uses different etudes for middle school, grades 9–10 Concert Band, and grades 11–12 Symphonic Band, so preparation should match the student's division. GMTA's woodwind auditions also provide an individual performance goal for high school, college, and adult students. In weekly lessons, plan on three to six months to prepare an event piece well, giving time to strengthen tone, finger coordination, and the ability to read unfamiliar music.
What else is there to enter?
GMEA's Solo & Ensemble Evaluation gives elementary, middle, and high school students another performance goal outside the All-State route; district events occur in fall or spring. Clarinetists seeking an individual grade-level challenge can consider GMTA auditions, which serve pre-college and older instrumental students in eligible categories. These options suit different ambitions, from playing for feedback to working toward advancement, so a student does not need to pursue every competition to benefit from preparing a polished performance.
Clarinet events in Georgia, 2026–27
All-State Band
Georgia Music Educators Association
- When
- March 4–6, 2027
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Middle and high school students; divisions include middle school, grades 9–10, and grades 11–12
GMTA State Auditions
Georgia Music Teachers Association
- When
- April 16–17, 2027
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Pre-college piano grades 4–12; grade 12 and other eligible pre-college instrumental and voice categories
GMEA Solo & Ensemble Evaluation
Georgia Music Educators Association
- When
- Usually fall or winter; district dates vary
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Elementary, middle, and high school students; check with the district for eligible categories
MTNA Junior Performance Competition
Music Teachers National Association
- When
- State round usually fall
- Entry
- $95 per entrant
- Who
- Ages 11–14 on January 1, 2027
MTNA Senior Performance Competition
Music Teachers National Association
- When
- State round usually fall
- Entry
- $125 per entrant; senior brass and voice entry fee is $150
- Who
- Ages 15–18 on January 1, 2027; piano duet ages 11–18 with at least one partner age 15–18
Homeschool and private school students
Georgia home study students can seek resident-school extracurricular or interscholastic activities by giving the principal and superintendent written notice at least 30 calendar days before the semester begins and meeting the activity's eligibility requirements. GMEA All-State Band registration is normally handled by a school band instructor; a homeschool student should discuss registration with a private teacher, who may register them in a division without a school program if the teacher is a GMEA member and instructs the audition music. North Metro Music Education also serves homeschool students in North Metro Atlanta through performance programs.
Starting at any age
Starting a child on clarinet
Many children are ready to begin clarinet around age nine or ten, when they can manage the instrument's fingerings and steady breath. Georgia's school bands often begin in sixth grade, so lessons a year or two earlier give a child time to read music, form a steady embouchure, and feel comfortable holding the clarinet. Private instruction also supports a young player once band starts, because the teacher can address individual tone and technique while school rehearsals focus on ensemble playing.
A teen in Georgia
A Georgia teen can join school band at the usual sixth-grade entry point or continue developing through middle and high school ensembles. For a student aiming at GMEA All-State Band, the process starts with a district audition and continues to a final audition, with registration earlier in the school year and initial auditions in December for 2026–27. Weekly lessons fit alongside school rehearsals by building consistency on clarinet fundamentals and helping the player keep individual progress moving through a busy band season.
Starting or coming back as an adult
It is not too late to start clarinet or return to it as an adult in Georgia. Adult players have concert-band options: the Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band welcomes players without an audition, the Peachtree Wind Ensemble in Peachtree City has no audition requirement, and the LaGrange Community Band is an all-adult ensemble. Golden Isles Community Band in Brunswick welcomes players ready for intermediate to advanced concert band music. A teacher can meet you at your current level and help you work toward confident ensemble playing.
Finding the right teacher
What should a good clarinet teacher do?
A good clarinet teacher listens closely to tone, breath, and articulation, then chooses exercises that match the student's age, goals, and confidence. For a Georgia band student, that individual attention supports school ensemble work and, for those interested, preparation for GMEA auditions. A beginner needs patient help with the first sounds; an experienced player benefits from precise feedback on musical phrasing and technique. Training matters, but so does the fit between teacher and learner. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in clarinet, and you can choose one yourself or ask us to recommend a good match.
How do live online clarinet lessons work?
In a live Zoom clarinet lesson, the teacher hears tone and articulation in real time and sees your hands, posture, and instrument angle. Set the camera so your face and clarinet are visible, and use a quiet room where you can play freely. The teacher can demonstrate, listen to a passage, and respond as you try it again; the format is different from sharing a room, but still gives direct feedback. Because there is no commute, a weekly lesson is easier to keep through a school term. In Atlanta or Braselton, you get the same choice of teacher and the same one-on-one lesson.
What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You
Clarinet in Georgia
Where to hear clarinet
Georgia offers students ways to hear live music in different parts of the state. In Savannah, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System students can attend Savannah Music Festival general admission shows free and bring an adult family member. Athens Symphony concerts have complimentary admission, though tickets are required, and AthFest adds free outdoor music and KidsFest performances. These settings let a clarinet student hear different styles and ensemble roles beyond school band.
Where to play with others
School band is the main ensemble route for young clarinetists, while community groups give experienced players room to try other settings. In Atlanta, the Gordon Vernick Quartet’s weekly jazz jam at Red Light Café invites amateur musicians to sit in, so a clarinetist comfortable with jazz can play alongside other musicians. This offers a different kind of ensemble experience from reading concert-band parts.
Clarinet around Georgia, area by area
Atlanta area
In Marietta, Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra offers a youth ensemble route for a clarinetist interested in orchestral playing. Atlanta students in grades 4–8 can hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra through Students at the Symphony concerts, where chaperones attend free. College students in Atlanta can use the orchestra's College Pass for access to classical concerts. The area therefore offers both a way to play with other young musicians and a way to hear professional orchestral clarinet.
- Town guides
- Atlanta, South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Mableton, Alpharetta, Marietta
Augusta area
Augusta's Youth Orchestra of Greater Augusta gives young clarinetists an orchestral setting alongside the school band route. For listening, children 13 and under can attend the Candlelight Music Series concerts free. Those outings let families hear live music together, while the youth orchestra gives a student a chance to experience ensemble playing beyond school.
- School year
- Aug 5 to May 26, 40 lesson weeks (Richmond County School System)
Savannah area
Savannah offers families a free concert option through Christ Church Savannah's 2026–27 series, with tickets available at no charge and an optional donation when reserving. The concerts provide a chance to hear live music together, while a clarinet student can listen for how wind lines fit into different ensembles and musical styles.
- School year
- Aug 3 to May 21, 38 lesson weeks (Savannah-Chatham County Public School System)
- Town guides
- Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, Port Wentworth, Rincon, Georgetown, Garden City
Columbus area
Columbus Cultural Orchestra offers another ensemble setting for a clarinetist who wants to play orchestral music beyond school band. Uptown Columbus's Friday Night Concert Series brings free outdoor concerts to Broadway for all ages, so families can make listening part of a student's musical life without needing a formal concert setting. One offers a group to play with; the other a place to hear live performers.
- School year
- Aug 3 to May 21, 38 lesson weeks (Muscogee County School District)
- Town guides
- Columbus, Phenix City
Macon area
Macon's Bragg Jam Second Sunday presents free family-friendly concerts on Coleman Hill on second Sundays in spring and fall. Students with valid ID can also attend Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra concerts free. These listening options give clarinet students a chance to hear live music across settings, from outdoor performances to symphonic repertoire, and connect their band playing with a broader musical life.
- School year
- Aug 3 to May 21, 37 lesson weeks (Bibb County School District)
- Town guides
- Macon
Athens area
AthFest is a free three-day festival with outdoor live music and free KidsFest performances, giving families an informal way to hear performers together. Students can explore different styles and settings beyond formal concerts, which helps a young clarinetist hear how musical phrasing and ensemble roles change across live performances.
- School year
- Aug 5 to May 19, 38 lesson weeks (Clarke County School District)
- Town guides
- Athens
A little clarinet history in Georgia
Georgia's clarinet life includes a dedicated annual gathering: Atlanta Clarinet Day returns November 14, 2026, at Kennesaw State University with a guest artist, masterclass, recital, and clarinet choir. Atlanta-based Justin Stanley performs as principal clarinetist of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, while Athens clarinetist D. Ray McClellan is a member of the Georgia Woodwind Quintet and previously performed with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. For a student, that professional activity shows the instrument has a place in the state's chamber and orchestral music, as well as in school band.
Start Clarinet Lessons With a Free Trial
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Live weekly lessons from home with no commute
- Build tone, reading, reed confidence, and school-band skills
- Choose 30, 45, or 60 minutes after the free lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a teacher who listens carefully to tone, breath, and articulation and can adapt to your goal, whether that is beginning lessons or preparing for band auditions. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor's degree in clarinet, and you can choose one yourself or ask us to recommend a fit.
Yes, a live Zoom teacher can hear your sound and articulation and see your hands and instrument position in real time. A camera set to show your face and clarinet gives the teacher a clear view for feedback during the lesson.
Many Georgia districts begin band in sixth grade, including Fulton County Schools, Cobb County School District, and Gwinnett County Public Schools. Decatur County Schools serves students from fifth through twelfth grade, so the exact entry point depends on the district.
The main school route is GMEA All-State Band, beginning with a district audition and then a final audition for students who advance. For 2026–27, initial auditions are in December and the All-State event is March 4–6, 2027, in Athens.
Yes, a homeschool clarinetist can pursue GMEA All-State Band, but should discuss registration with a private teacher because the usual route runs through a school band instructor. A teacher may register a student in a division without a school program if the teacher is a GMEA member and teaches the audition music.
Many children are ready around age nine or ten, when they can manage the clarinet's fingerings and steady breath. Starting before Georgia's common sixth-grade band entry gives a child time to build basic reading and sound skills.
No, adults can start or return to clarinet at any age, and Georgia has community concert bands that welcome adult players. A teacher can meet you at your current level and help you work toward comfortable ensemble playing.
Clarinet lessons in Georgia typically cost about $72 an hour, or $33 to $52 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.
