Clarinet Lessons in Indiana

What clarinet lessons cost across Indiana, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 18 min read

Clarinet lesson prices across Indiana
Meet teachers
How clarinet learning works in Indiana
Auditions and events in Indiana
Starting at any age
Finding the right teacher
Clarinet in Indiana
Area by area
A little clarinet history in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions

Clarinet lesson prices across Indiana

A one-hour clarinet lesson in Indiana typically costs $58 to $84, and a half hour $32 to $46. Most towns sit close to that range. The Hammond area runs highest, up to $98 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.

Find your town

Town	30 minutes	One hour	Guides
Indianapolis area
Indianapolis	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Fishers	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Carmel	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Anderson	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Noblesville	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Greenwood	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Westfield	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Lawrence	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Plainfield	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Zionsville	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Brownsburg	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Franklin	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Greenfield	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Avon	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Shelbyville	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Lebanon	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Beech Grove	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Speedway	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Whitestown	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Martinsville	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Danville	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Bargersville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Hammond area
Hammond	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Gary	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Portage	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Merrillville	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Valparaiso	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Crown Point	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Schererville	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Hobart	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
East Chicago	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Munster	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Highland	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
St. John	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Dyer	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Griffith	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Cedar Lake	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Chesterton	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Lake Station	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Lowell	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Fort Wayne area
Fort Wayne	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
New Haven	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Huntertown	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Bluffton	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
South Bend area
South Bend	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Mishawaka	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Granger	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
Lafayette area
Lafayette	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
West Lafayette	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Elkhart area
Elkhart	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Goshen	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Jeffersonville area
Jeffersonville	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
New Albany	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Clarksville	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Muncie area
Muncie	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Yorktown	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Michigan City area
Michigan City	$31–$43	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
La Porte	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Other Indiana towns
Auburn	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Bedford	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Bloomington	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Columbus	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Connersville	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Crawfordsville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Evansville	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Frankfort	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Greensburg	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Huntington	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Jasper	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Kendallville	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Kokomo	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Logansport	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Madison	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Marion	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
New Castle	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Peru	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Plymouth	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Richmond	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Seymour	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Terre Haute	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Vincennes	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Wabash	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Warsaw	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Washington	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs

Meet a Clarinet Teacher in Indiana 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 Indiana.

One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
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Find Your Next Clarinet Teacher in Indiana

Browse clarinet teachers, compare fit and availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in Indiana.

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Canon Cochran

Bachelor’s in ClarinetPatient & ThoroughWarm & EncouragingGreat with All Ages

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 4 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Indiana via Zoom

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$0 ~~$35~~ /30 minute trial

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How clarinet learning works in Indiana

How does clarinet fit school music in Indiana?

In Indiana, clarinet usually enters school music through band, with several districts starting students in sixth grade. Elkhart Community Schools, Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation and Noblesville Schools all offer band at that level, while North Lawrence Community Schools begins in seventh grade and West Lafayette Intermediate School offers beginning band in grades five and six. These local differences affect when you or your child can play with classmates, but Indiana’s music standards include performance at every grade level. Private lessons build breath control, tone and reading skills before band begins and help students progress alongside it.

When school music starts in Indiana districts

Elkhart Community SchoolsBand6th grade

Hamilton Southeastern SchoolsBand6th grade

Penn-Harris-Madison School CorporationBand6th grade

Noblesville SchoolsBand6th grade

Greater Clark County SchoolsBeginning band6th grade

Clark-Pleasant Community School CorporationBeginning band6th grade

Westfield-Washington SchoolsCadet bandPrimarily 6th grade

Portage Township SchoolsBand6th grade

Who runs what for Indiana clarinetists?

Indiana’s student music opportunities fall into school-based events, teacher-nominated honors and independent teacher competitions, so the route depends on how a student studies. The Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) runs school solo and ensemble events, while the Indiana Music Education Association (IMEA) offers honor ensembles and festivals. The Indiana Bandmasters Association (IBA) runs All-State Band for eligible high school band students. The Indiana Music Teachers Association (IMTA) offers Hoosier Auditions, a separate path for students of member teachers and other eligible Indiana residents. Knowing who runs each event helps you choose a route that fits your school and goals.

Who runs what in Indiana

Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA)

Runs: Runs school solo and ensemble events.
For: Students from member schools.

Indiana Music Education Association (IMEA)

Runs: Runs honor ensembles, festivals and competitions.
For: Students nominated through member educators.

Indiana Bandmasters Association (IBA)

Runs: Runs All-State Band auditions and festival.
For: Grades 9–12 band students meeting eligibility rules.

Indiana Music Teachers Association (IMTA)

Runs: Runs Hoosier Auditions and student competitions.
For: Eligible students of member teachers or Indiana residents.

Auditions and events in Indiana

How does a clarinetist reach Indiana's top student honors?

For school-based honors, the route starts with your school band director: ISSMA Solo and Ensemble entries go through an active member school, while IMEA Honor Concert Band requires a director’s nomination. High school students whose band director belongs to IBA and who remain in good standing can audition for IBA All-State Band. Its audition is January 10, 2027, and the festival is March 12–14 at Purdue University in West Lafayette. A separate route is IMTA Hoosier Auditions: eligible students enter age-level district rounds in March or April, and a score of 90 percent advances to state. ISSMA district events are January 30 or February 6, 2027, with the state winds event February 27 in Indianapolis.

The clarinet route in Indiana, step by step

ISSMA school solo and ensembleA school submits entries for eligible students; district rounds lead to the state winds event.
IMEA Honor Concert BandA member band director nominates students in November; selected students confirm in December for the January conference.
IBA All-State BandEligible grades 9–12 students audition in January, with the festival in March at Purdue University in West Lafayette.
IMTA Hoosier AuditionsEligible students enter district rounds in March or April, with a state round for those who advance.

The Indiana clarinet year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

MTNA Performance Competition (Indiana State Round)Indiana Music Teachers AssociationStart the piece Apr to Jul

Start the piece Apr to JulOct 17

ISSMA District Solo and EnsembleEntry fee: $18 per solo; $10 per ensemble memberStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan to Feb

IMEA Honor Concert BandEntry fee: $205 per studentStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 14–16

ISSMA State Solo and EnsembleEntry fee: $18 per solo; $10 per ensemble memberStart the piece Aug to Nov

Start the piece Aug to NovFeb 20

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For IBA All-State, a clarinetist prepares a chromatic scale, two etudes and a sight-read excerpt; the posted etudes include parts for B-flat and E-flat clarinet. ISSMA soloists choose from the current Group I required music lists, so confirm the correct list with the school director before settling on a piece. IMTA Hoosier Auditions allow instrumental students to choose repertoire, with time limits by age level; memorization is optional below collegiate level. Students bring their own accompanist, although recorded accompaniment is allowed at district auditions. In weekly lessons, give a major event piece three to six months of preparation so there is time to build accuracy, tone and a confident performance.

What else is there to enter?

Beyond the main school-honors route, Indiana’s IMEA student festivals and competitions offer another setting for students nominated through member educators. For a clarinetist who prefers playing with others to competing, school band and community performances provide ways to share music without making a solo contest the goal.

Clarinet events in Indiana, 2026–27

ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble

Indiana State School Music Association

When: February 20 and 27, 2027
Entry: $18 per solo; $10 per ensemble member
Who: Students from ISSMA member schools who qualify at District Solo and Ensemble

IMEA Honor Concert Band

Indiana Music Education Association

When: January 14–16, 2027
Entry: $205 per student
Who: High school students nominated by IMEA member band directors

ISSMA District Solo and Ensemble

Indiana State School Music Association

When: January–February 2027
Entry: $18 per solo; $10 per ensemble member
Who: Students from ISSMA member schools; school membership and director entry required

MTNA Performance Competition (Indiana State Round)

Indiana Music Teachers Association

When: Usually mid-October each year
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Junior, Senior, and Young Artist divisions; division age limits apply

Homeschool and private school students

Indiana leaves homeschool students’ access to public-school extracurricular music, including band and ISSMA events, to the local public school. ISSMA entries also require an active member school to submit them, so a homeschool student should first ask the district whether participation is permitted and how an entry would be handled. Hoosier Auditions offer another route: IMTA members’ students and eligible Indiana residents can enter without relying on a school band entry. This gives a clarinetist a solo performance goal even when school participation is not available.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on clarinet

Clarinet is a good fit once a child can manage the instrument’s size and coordinate steady breath with both hands; many Indiana students meet band in sixth grade. Starting private lessons before then gives you or your child time to learn assembly, posture, a clear first tone and basic note reading without the pace of a full band rehearsal. Lessons also support students after school band begins, because individual feedback can address the sound and finger changes that are harder to hear in a section. A teacher can shape practice around the child’s attention span and musical interests.

A teen in Indiana

A teen clarinetist can join school band and build toward ISSMA solo events, IMEA nominations or the IBA All-State audition, depending on eligibility and goals. The calendar begins early: IMEA nominations are due in November, IBA auditions take place in January, and ISSMA district events fall in late January or early February. Weekly lessons give a student a steady place to refine tone and phrasing while school rehearsals handle ensemble playing, so preparation can fit around classes and other commitments. A teen starting later can still work toward a solo event or a school ensemble role.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults have welcoming clarinet options in Indiana. New Horizons Band of Indianapolis welcomes players at any skill level, and the Auburn Community Band in Auburn has no tryouts or dues. The Zionsville Concert Band accepts players high-school age and older without auditions and rehearses in Carmel; the Indianapolis Municipal Band is another goal for advanced players. It is not too late to begin or return. A dedicated teacher can meet you at your current level and help you prepare for the kind of community playing you want.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good clarinet teacher do?

A good clarinet teacher helps you or your child develop an easy, steady tone, relaxed breath and accurate finger changes, then connects those basics to Indiana’s school and solo opportunities when relevant. The right match depends on the goal: a beginning child needs clear, encouraging steps, while a teen preparing an audition needs detailed feedback and regular follow-through. Adults benefit from a teacher who respects their pace and musical reasons for playing. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in clarinet. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend someone who fits your needs.

How do live online clarinet lessons work?

A live Zoom clarinet lesson lets the teacher hear tone, articulation and timing in real time, and see posture, hand position and how the clarinet is held. Set the camera so the teacher can see your face, hands and instrument, and use a quiet room where you can play comfortably. The lesson is one-on-one each week with the same teacher, so feedback builds on what the student has worked on since the last session. There is no commute, and you can choose a teacher who fits rather than relying on whoever is closest. A clarinetist in Indianapolis and one in Cedar Lake get the same teacher choice and lesson.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in clarinetEvery Lesson With You clarinet teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in clarinet.

CanonBachelor’s in Clarinet

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The same teacher every weekLive, one-on-one lessons with one teacher who knows your goals.

Practice goals every weekEach lesson ends with what to practice before the next one.

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Clarinet in Indiana

Where to hear clarinet

Across Indiana, orchestral and band concerts give clarinetists a chance to hear the instrument in context. In Evansville, the Evansville Philharmonic offers one free ticket per concert to children and full-time students, including homeschooled and college students, subject to availability. In Elkhart, Summer Chill brings free outdoor concerts to NIBCO Water & Ice Park on third Fridays from July through September. These different settings help you or your child hear how clarinet contributes to both symphonic and community music.

Where to play with others

Indiana’s youth clarinetists have routes into orchestral playing as well as school band. The Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra accepts woodwind players in grades 9 through age 22 and rehearses Sundays in Munster, while the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra’s Symphony Orchestra includes winds. These ensembles give a student a chance to develop ensemble skills beyond school and hear how clarinet parts fit into a larger orchestral sound.

Clarinet around Indiana, area by area

Indianapolis area

Indianapolis has several places to hear music with clarinet in a larger ensemble. Children under 18 and students with school ID can attend most Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra concerts free, while the University of Indianapolis presents free student recitals and other public concerts unless noted otherwise. The area includes Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Anderson, Noblesville, Greenwood, Westfield and Lawrence.

Town guides: Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Anderson, Noblesville, Greenwood, Westfield, Lawrence

Fort Wayne area

Fort Wayne offers a community-band route for clarinetists who want to play with others. The Fort Wayne Area Community Band lists clarinet among the instruments on its application, while young players can look to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic youth orchestras for an ensemble goal. The area includes Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown and Bluffton.

School year: Aug 12 to May 25, 39 lesson weeks (Fort Wayne Community Schools)
Town guides: Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, Bluffton

South Bend area

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s Chris Wilson Community Play-Along Concert is free and open to all ages at Potawatomi Park, an inviting way for families to take part in music together. Young clarinetists can also work toward playing in the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra. The area includes South Bend, Mishawaka and Granger.

School year: Aug 19 to Jun 4, 39 lesson weeks (South Bend Community School Corporation)
Town guides: South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger

Lafayette area

Lafayette High School’s band has clarinet sections and places students in concert bands through a spring audition process, giving school clarinetists a path into larger ensemble playing. Wabash Valley Youth Symphony concerts are free and open to the public, so families can hear orchestral music. The area includes Lafayette and West Lafayette.

School year: Aug 6 to May 25, 39 lesson weeks (Tippecanoe School Corporation)
Town guides: Lafayette, West Lafayette

Bloomington area

Bloomington’s Hoosier Youth Philharmonic gives young clarinetists an orchestral ensemble goal. A child or full-time student with valid ID can also get a $12 ticket to IU Opera and Ballet Theater performances. Adults who want to play with others can join Bloomington Community Band, which welcomes adult band-instrument players without auditions. These opportunities are centered in Bloomington.

School year: Aug 5 to May 20, 38 lesson weeks (Monroe County Community School Corporation)
Town guides: Bloomington

Muncie area

In Muncie, Ball State Symphony Orchestra concerts offer students one free advance ticket per ID before 5 p.m. on concert day, or a $5 ticket at the door. The Three Trails Music Series offers free, all-ages concerts at Canan Commons and Ball State’s Brown Family Amphitheater. These give young clarinetists a chance to hear orchestral and community music. The area includes Muncie and Yorktown.

School year: Aug 12 to May 28, 38 lesson weeks (Muncie Community Schools)
Town guides: Muncie, Yorktown

Michigan City area

Michigan City Municipal Band concerts are free on Thursday evenings from mid-June through mid-August, giving clarinet students a regular chance to hear band repertoire. Michigan City Chamber Music Festival concerts and activities are also free, including children’s concerts. In La Porte, the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra has held an open principal clarinet audition for its 2026–27 season. The area includes Michigan City and La Porte.

School year: Aug 12 to May 26, 38 lesson weeks (Michigan City Area Schools)
Town guides: Michigan City, La Porte

A little clarinet history in Indiana

Indiana’s clarinet story includes instrument making as well as student performance. C.G. Conn began making musical instruments in Elkhart in 1875, helping establish the city’s band-instrument industry. Fox Products, based on a family farm in South Whitley, introduced its Model 5800 clarinet in 2025 and began sales in 2026. These Indiana connections show that the instrument has a place in the state’s manufacturing history as well as its school bands. For a student, that context makes clarinet study part of a local tradition of building and playing band instruments.

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

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good clarinet teacher in Indiana?

Choose a teacher who can explain tone, breathing and finger technique in a way that suits your age and goals. Our teachers hold at least a bachelor's degree in clarinet, and the right match should support the kind of playing you want to do.

Do live video clarinet lessons really work?

Yes. Over Zoom, a teacher can hear your tone, articulation and timing and see your posture, hands and instrument in real time. You can set up at home and get feedback without a commute.

When do Indiana schools start teaching clarinet?

Indiana districts often introduce clarinet through school band, but the starting grade differs by district. West Lafayette Intermediate School offers beginning band in grades five and six, while North Lawrence Community Schools begins in seventh grade.

How does a clarinetist reach Indiana's top student honors?

A high school clarinetist can pursue IBA All-State Band if their school band director belongs to IBA and they remain in good standing in band. ISSMA Solo and Ensemble and IMEA Honor Concert Band offer other school-based routes, while IMTA Hoosier Auditions provide an independent teacher-competition path.

Can homeschool students enter Indiana music contests?

Yes, homeschool students can pursue IMTA Hoosier Auditions if they meet its eligibility rules. ISSMA Solo and Ensemble entries require a member school, and public-school extracurricular access is decided by the local district.

What age should a child start clarinet lessons?

A child can start when they can manage the instrument’s size and coordinate steady breath with both hands. Starting before many Indiana schools begin sixth-grade band gives time to build a clear tone and basic reading skills.

Is it too late to learn clarinet as an adult in Indiana?

No, adults can start or return to clarinet at any age, and Indiana has adult community bands that welcome band-instrument players. A teacher can begin at your current level and help you work toward the kind of playing you enjoy.

How much are clarinet lessons in Indiana?

Clarinet lessons in Indiana typically cost about $65 an hour, or $32 to $46 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Clarinet lesson prices across Indiana

Meet a Clarinet Teacher in Indiana Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Clarinet Teacher in Indiana

Canon Cochran

How clarinet learning works in Indiana

How does clarinet fit school music in Indiana?

Who runs what for Indiana clarinetists?

Auditions and events in Indiana

How does a clarinetist reach Indiana's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on clarinet

A teen in Indiana

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good clarinet teacher do?

How do live online clarinet lessons work?

Clarinet in Indiana

Where to hear clarinet

Where to play with others

Clarinet around Indiana, area by area

Indianapolis area

Fort Wayne area

South Bend area

Lafayette area

Bloomington area

Muncie area

Michigan City area

A little clarinet history in Indiana

Start Clarinet Lessons With a Free Trial

More for Indiana

Frequently Asked Questions