Clarinet Lessons in New Jersey

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

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 17 min read

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

Clarinet lesson prices across New Jersey

A one-hour clarinet lesson in New Jersey typically costs $78 to $125, and a half hour $42 to $68. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Newark area runs highest, up to $135 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
Newark area
Newark	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Jersey City	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Paterson	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Elizabeth	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Clifton	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Bayonne	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
East Orange	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Passaic	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Union City	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Hoboken	$45–$73	$84–$134	Lessons Costs
New Brunswick	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
Perth Amboy	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Plainfield	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
West New York	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Hackensack	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Sayreville	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Linden	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Kearny	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Fort Lee	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Fair Lawn	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Garfield	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Long Branch	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Westfield	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Rahway	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Englewood	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Bergenfield	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
Paramus	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Ridgewood	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Lodi	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Cliffside Park	$44–$72	$83–$133	Lessons Costs
Carteret	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
South Plainfield	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
North Plainfield	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Somerset	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Summit	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Roselle	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Hillsborough	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Secaucus	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Elmwood Park	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Parsippany	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Morristown	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Harrison	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Palisades Park	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Hawthorne	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Iselin	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Tinton Falls	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Point Pleasant	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Ocean Acres	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Rutherford	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Colonia	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Dover	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Preakness	$41–$67	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Dumont	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Avenel	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
New Milford	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
North Arlington	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Madison	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
South River	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Princeton Meadows	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Tenafly	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Asbury Park	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Metuchen	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Highland Park	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Fairview	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Short Hills	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
West Freehold	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Ramsey	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Edgewater	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Middlesex	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Hopatcong	$40–$66	$76–$120	Lessons Costs
Bradley Gardens	$41–$67	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Roselle Park	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
New Providence	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Eatontown	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Florham Park	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Somerville	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Ridgefield Park	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Franklin Park	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Holiday City-Berkeley	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Red Bank	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Fords	$42–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Oakland	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Upper Montclair	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Bound Brook	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Glen Rock	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Hasbrouck Heights	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
River Edge	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Robertsville	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Wallington	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Guttenberg	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Ringwood	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Martinsville	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Ridgefield	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Westwood	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Wanaque	$40–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Beachwood	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Franklin Lakes	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
East Franklin	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Pompton Lakes	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Lake Hiawatha	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Little Ferry	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Pompton Plains	$41–$66	$76–$122	Lessons Costs
Totowa	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Lincoln Park	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Oak Ridge	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Manville	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
The Hills	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Budd Lake	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Trenton area
Trenton	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Princeton	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Mercerville	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Hamilton Square	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
White Horse	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Camden area
Camden	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Sicklerville	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Glassboro	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Lindenwold	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Springdale	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Williamstown	$35–$57	$66–$104	Lessons Costs
Moorestown-Lenola	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Cherry Hill Mall	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Westmont	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Echelon	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Bellmawr	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Greentree	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Gloucester City	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Marlton	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Pine Hill	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Vineland area
Vineland	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Millville	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Atlantic City area
Atlantic City	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Pleasantville	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Hammonton	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Ocean City	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
McKee City	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Somers Point	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Other New Jersey towns
Phillipsburg	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs

Meet a Clarinet Teacher in New Jersey 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 New Jersey.

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

Find Your Next Clarinet Teacher in New Jersey

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

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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 New Jersey via Zoom

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

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How clarinet learning works in New Jersey

How does clarinet fit school music in New Jersey?

New Jersey schools provide sequential music instruction from kindergarten through grade 12, but clarinet usually enters through band rather than a separate clarinet class. The starting point differs by district: Princeton's elementary band begins in third grade, Cherry Hill and Fair Lawn begin in fourth, and Newark's First Avenue School offers band in grades 5 through 8. That means your child may encounter band at different ages depending on the district; in Clifton, families can use a school-owned instrument for the school year.

When school music starts in New Jersey districts

Newark Board of EducationBand at first avenue school5

Bayonne School DistrictBayonne high school band i9

Camden City School DistrictBand i at eastside high school9

Woodbridge Township School DistrictIselin middle school band6

Hoboken Public School DistrictMiddle school novice band6

Cherry Hill Township School DistrictBand4

Fair Lawn Public SchoolsElementary instrumental band4

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School DistrictCentral middle school band6

Who runs what for New Jersey clarinetists?

New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) connects school players to regional honors groups and the All-State High School Band, while New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA) runs student competitions and recital auditions for member students. The regional step matters because All-State eligibility starts with participation in an affiliated Region Honors Band or Orchestra. NJMTA's competitions offer a separate route for clarinetists pursuing solo recognition, so a family can choose between ensemble honors and an individual performance goal.

Who runs what in New Jersey

New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA)

Runs: Runs regional honors pathways and All-State Band auditions.
For: High school school-ensemble students with regional participation.

New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA)

Runs: Offers young musicians competitions and spring recital auditions.
For: Students of NJMTA member teachers.

North Jersey School Music Association (NJSMA)

Runs: Serves as Region I of NJMEA.
For: Students in North Jersey school music programs.

South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association (SJBODA)

Runs: Serves student band and orchestra programs as an NJMEA region organization.
For: South Jersey band and orchestra students.

Auditions and events in New Jersey

How does a clarinetist reach New Jersey's top student honors?

After qualifying for the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) All-State High School Band, a clarinetist auditions in Edison on January 23 or 24, 2027, at JP Stevens High School. The concerts are February 20 at the Atlantic City Convention Center and February 21 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, so the audition is the point to plan toward first. A separate solo-performance route is the Music Teachers National Association junior competition, open to students ages 11 to 14 on January 1, 2027, and including woodwind. State competition winners or representatives advance to Eastern Division video competition.

The clarinet route in New Jersey, step by step

All-State auditionEligible high school clarinetists audition January 23–24, 2027, at JP Stevens High School in Edison.
All-State concertsThe 2027 concerts follow in February, with performances in Atlantic City and Newark.
Junior competitionStudents ages 11–14 on January 1, 2027, may enter the MTNA junior woodwind competition.

The New Jersey clarinet year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

Young Musicians CompetitionEntry fee: $80 per solo entry; $45 per ensemble studentStart the piece Apr to Jul

Start the piece Apr to JulOct 31

2027 All-State Band AuditionsNew Jersey Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 23–24

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For New Jersey clarinet students entering a New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA) event, memorization is optional, so you can focus on a steady, well-shaped performance rather than learning the music by heart. If the event requires accompaniment, arrange for an accompanist in advance, include that person's name on the registration form, and do not ask your teacher to accompany you. In weekly lessons, an event piece usually takes three to six months to prepare, giving you time to refine tone, articulation, and musical control.

What else is there to enter?

For a solo goal outside All-State, NJMTA offers young musicians competitions and spring recital auditions, with woodwind players able to perform without memorizing. Its competitions charge $80 per solo and $45 per ensemble member, and students generally need to have studied with their current teacher for six months. Students who prefer playing with others rather than competing can look toward youth wind ensembles such as Youth Orchestras of Essex County, which includes instrumental students ages 6 to 17.

Clarinet events in New Jersey, 2026–27

2027 All-State Band Auditions

New Jersey Music Educators Association

When: January 23–24, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: High school students; school music program participation and director endorsement may be required

Young Musicians Competition

New Jersey Music Teachers Association

When: Usually late October each year
Entry: $80 per solo entry; $45 per ensemble student
Who: Students of any age; entrants are grouped by age as of October 1. Teacher eligibility and study-duration requirements apply

Starting at any age

Starting a child on clarinet

Clarinet often suits a child around age nine or ten, when the hands can cover its keys comfortably and steady breathing is developing. In New Jersey, school band begins as early as third grade in Princeton and fourth grade in Cherry Hill and Fair Lawn, though other districts start later. Private lessons before band starts help a child learn a relaxed embouchure, clear tone, and basic reading, so the first school rehearsals feel less like learning everything at once.

A teen in New Jersey

A teen who is new to clarinet can begin privately and join a school band when the district offers a place; Bayonne High School Band I, for example, expects at least a year of instrument experience. For students aiming at All-State, the route begins with an affiliated regional honors band or orchestra before the high school audition. Weekly lessons can build the sound and confidence needed for school playing while leaving room to prepare more deliberately when an honors opportunity becomes the goal.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can play clarinet with the Tri-County Symphonic Band in Collingswood, which welcomes interested musicians and lists openings for all instruments. The Original Hobo Band in Pitman also welcomes woodwind players to sit in without auditions. It is not too late to start or return; a dedicated teacher can meet you at your current reading and playing level, then help you build toward ensemble parts at a pace that fits your life.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good clarinet teacher do?

A strong clarinet teacher listens for an easy, centered tone and helps the student coordinate breath, tongue, fingers, and reading without tension. That foundation matters for New Jersey students who want to move from school band toward a regional honors ensemble or All-State audition, but the right pace depends on the student's age, goals, and temperament. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor's degree in clarinet. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one who fits the way you or your child learns.

How do live online clarinet lessons work?

In a live Zoom lesson, your teacher can hear tone, articulation, and rhythm in real time and see your embouchure, hands, and posture when the camera is set at face height and angled toward the clarinet. A quiet room, music stand, and phone or computer are enough to begin. There is no commute, and you can work with a teacher who fits rather than limiting the choice to whoever is closest. A weekly online lesson in Trenton or Fairview brings the same teacher choice and one-on-one attention.

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

Meet the teachers below

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.

Switch or pause anytimeSwitch teachers at no cost, or pause with 24 hours' notice. There's no term to sign up for.

Clarinet in New Jersey

Where to hear clarinet

New Brunswick offers another way to hear clarinet in context: State Theatre New Jersey’s Symphony Scholars program gives participating instrumental students and one family member free tickets to its classical series, followed by a meet-and-greet. Students with a school ID can also get 20% off many State Theatre events. In Jersey City, the Jersey City Jazz Festival centers its programming on the last weekend in May and offers a Student Pass for ages 12–21, a useful chance to hear jazz phrasing and improvisation.

Where to play with others

Young clarinetists can find ensemble playing through Youth Orchestras of Essex County, whose youth wind and jazz/world music ensembles include instrumental students ages 6 to 17. Adults have options too: the Waldwick Community Band lists clarinet openings and rehearses most Thursdays in Paramus, while Moorestown Community Band accepts clarinetists for its September-to-June season. These groups give students a path from school band into broader ensemble experience, while adult players can return to music without needing a school connection.

Clarinet around New Jersey, area by area

Trenton area

In Princeton, the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra accepts instrumentalists entering grades 4 through 12 by audition video, offering a youth ensemble goal for clarinetists. For listening, Trenton's Summer Concert Series presents free live music across jazz, blues, R&B, and Latin styles. Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts are free as well, with tickets available about a week before each performance, so families can hear ensemble music in a quieter setting.

Town guides: Trenton, Princeton, Mercerville, Hamilton Square, White Horse

Vineland area

Vineland's Giampietro Park Concert Series brings free evening concerts to the Enrico Serra Band Shell, giving clarinet students a local place to hear live music. Students across New Jersey can also use a valid student ID to reserve $10 New Jersey Symphony tickets. The contrast between a community concert in Vineland and a symphony performance helps a developing player hear how wind color changes across musical settings.

Town guides: Vineland, Millville

Atlantic City area

Atlantic City's Boardwalk summer concert series offers free performances at Kennedy Plaza, while Ventnor's summer series has free Saturday concerts at Newport Avenue Beach and Wednesday concerts at Ski Beach. These public events are useful for young clarinetists because they make live music an easy part of a family outing. Listening for wind lines and melody in outdoor performances can strengthen a student's sense of phrasing beyond school band.

Town guides: Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Hammonton, Ocean City, McKee City, Somers Point

A little clarinet history in New Jersey

New Jersey has a distinct clarinet history through musicians born here. Carmen Cicero, born in Newark in 1926, began clarinet lessons as a child and was selected as first clarinetist in the New Jersey All-State Orchestra. Jazz clarinetist Allan Vaché was born in Rahway in 1953. Their paths show that the instrument belongs both to formal student ensembles and to jazz, giving a young player room to develop a clear classical sound or explore improvisation as skills grow.

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 New Jersey?

Choose a teacher who can explain tone, breathing, and finger technique in a way that fits your learning style and goal. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree in clarinet, and you can choose one or ask for a recommendation.

Do live video clarinet lessons really work?

Yes, a live video lesson lets a teacher hear your sound and see your embouchure, hand position, and posture in real time. A camera aimed at your face and clarinet, plus a stand and quiet room, gives the teacher useful feedback without a commute.

When do New Jersey schools start teaching clarinet?

It depends on the district's band program, since clarinet is generally learned through band rather than a separate class. Princeton's elementary band begins in third grade, Cherry Hill and Fair Lawn start in fourth, and Newark's First Avenue School offers band in grades 5 through 8.

How does a clarinetist reach New Jersey's top student honors?

For NJMEA All-State High School Band, a student first participates in an affiliated Region Honors Band or Orchestra during the prior school year, then auditions if eligible. Clarinetists prepare the required solo and scales, with 2027 auditions scheduled for January 23 and 24.

Can homeschool students enter New Jersey music contests?

The NJMEA All-State Band route is tied to school ensemble participation and affiliated regional honors eligibility, so it is not a general open-entry contest. NJMTA's young musicians competitions and recital auditions offer a separate possibility for students who meet its participation rules through a member teacher.

What age should a child start clarinet lessons?

Many children are ready around age nine or ten, when their hands can cover the keys and they can manage steady breathing. Starting before a district's band entry point gives time to build tone and reading, especially where band begins in fourth grade or later.

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

No, adults can start or return at any age and build toward playing with others. The Tri-County Symphonic Band in Collingswood welcomes interested musicians, and The Original Hobo Band in Pitman welcomes woodwind players to sit in without auditions.

How much are clarinet lessons in New Jersey?

Clarinet lessons in New Jersey typically cost about $93 an hour, or $42 to $68 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 New Jersey

Meet a Clarinet Teacher in New Jersey Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Clarinet Teacher in New Jersey

Canon Cochran

How clarinet learning works in New Jersey

How does clarinet fit school music in New Jersey?

Who runs what for New Jersey clarinetists?

Auditions and events in New Jersey

How does a clarinetist reach New Jersey's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Starting at any age

Starting a child on clarinet

A teen in New Jersey

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 New Jersey

Where to hear clarinet

Where to play with others

Clarinet around New Jersey, area by area

Trenton area

Vineland area

Atlantic City area

A little clarinet history in New Jersey

Start Clarinet Lessons With a Free Trial

More for New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions