How to Find an
Exceptional Clarinet Teacher
Fnding a clarinet teacher who matches your style, sound, and goals
Rose Park
5/5/23 • updated 5/9/25 • 4 min read
Whether online or in person, the clarinet teacher you choose will play a huge role in your musical journey. A great teacher can help you master the basics and inspire you to keep growing as a musician.
Before signing up for lessons, take a little time to think about what matters most. A teacher’s background, teaching style, and policies can all affect how much you learn and how motivated you feel. Here are some things to consider when choosing the clarinet teacher who is right for you.
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Start strong with the right clarinet teacher
- shape the lessons around your goals and pace
- make playing the clarinet exciting and enjoyable
- encourage you to keep practicing and improving
- give clear feedback that helps fix technique and sound
- introduce you to new music and expand your repertoire
A lot of clarinet players begin with a cheaper, less experienced teacher, then switch later to someone more advanced. The problem is that habits with posture, embouchure, tone, or fingering can be hard to fix once they settle in. Starting with a professional teacher saves you frustration and helps you progress faster.
Every clarinet teacher has their own style too. Some focus on the technique and one piece at a time, while others like exploring creativity with different songs. The key is to find a teacher whose approach matches your goals and keeps you motivated.
Review the teacher's educational background
Degree Requirements
- Did you major in clarinet performance or another area of music?
- Do you hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance?
- During your studies, did you take courses in clarinet pedagogy, music education, theory, or music history?
For Parents: If you are searching for a clarinet teacher for your child, it can be a good idea to look for someone who majored in music education with a focus on clarinet. These teachers are often skilled at introducing the basics, such as reading music, learning rhythm, building breath control, and developing a solid foundation on the instrument.
As your child grows more confident — usually within the first year or two — you may want to transition to a teacher with an advanced degree in clarinet performance. At that stage, a more specialized teacher can guide your child through harder pieces, polish their sound, and prepare them for recitals, auditions, or ensemble playing.
Performing Experience
As you search for the right clarinet teacher, take a look at their performance background. Have they played live concerts, toured with orchestras, or performed with other musicians in the US or abroad? A quick visit to their website and bio can tell you a lot. If they have posted recordings, spend a few minutes listening — it’s a great way to hear their sound and style.
You can also check whether they mention performing in woodwind ensembles, orchestras, or competitions. These kinds of experiences often show both skill and a real passion for the clarinet.
Teaching Experience in Clarinet
Your potential clarinet teacher should have at least three years of teaching experience. This shows they know how to build a strong foundation while keeping lessons enjoyable. A good teacher can also introduce you to a variety of styles, from Classical to Pop and Contemporary, so you can explore what you enjoy most.
Some instructors also teach other woodwinds like flute or saxophone, but it’s usually best to choose someone who specializes in clarinet. This shows dedication to the instrument and can give you the detailed guidance you need on tone, embouchure, and technique.
Background Check
Not every music teacher lists this online, but you should check if the potential clarinet teacher has done and passed a comprehensive background check, especially if the lesson is for your child. Some online clarinet lesson websites, such as Lesson With You, offer free trial lessons with expert instructors who are fully background checked.
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Questions to ask when contacting a clarinet teacher
About the clarinet lessons
- How much does each clarinet lesson cost?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Do you have a cancellation policy, and are there any fees involved?
- If I need to miss a clarinet lesson, can I reschedule?
- Do you offer weekly clarinet lessons or lesson packages?
- Is there a family discount if more than one student takes clarinet lessons with you?
About the curriculum
- How many clarinet students do you currently teach, and what ages or levels do you focus on?
- How do you create a lesson plan? Is the curriculum customized for each clarinet player?
- Do you expect students to participate in recitals, juries, or competitions?
- What practice habits do you expect from beginners versus advanced clarinet students?
- Do you use clarinet method books? If not, what music or materials will the student work on?
- How do you motivate clarinet students to practice and improve?
- Do you give daily or weekly assignments to help students stay on track?
- How do you approach teaching embouchure, breath control, and tone development on the clarinet?
Try a trial clarinet lesson first
When you contact potential clarinet teachers, ask if they offer a trial lesson. Taking a trial lesson will give you fresh insights on a couple of things:
- Does the teacher speak clearly, ask good questions, and listen to the student’s answers?
- How do they start and guide the lesson? Is it engaging and enjoyable? Do they play the clarinet often to demonstrate techniques?
- What is their personality like — encouraging, calm, or maybe a bit strict? Do they seem easy to connect with?
- How often do they give feedback, and is it clear and detailed? Do they correct posture, tone, or embouchure while keeping the student motivated?
- How does the lesson wrap up? If they assign practice, does the student leave knowing exactly what to work on next?
Making your final clarinet teacher choice
Lesson Costs
According to our recent clarinet lesson cost guide, the average price for a half-hour clarinet lesson is about $35. Live online clarinet lessons through video calls usually range between $25 and $35 for a half hour. In-person private clarinet lessons average closer to $40 for a half hour, while group clarinet classes can be more affordable at around $20 per half hour.
Teacher background also plays a big role. Clarinet instructors without a music degree may charge about $35 an hour, while professional clarinet teachers with advanced degrees often charge between $60 and $80 an hour.
Flexible Scheduling
Lesson Reviews
When looking for a clarinet teacher, whether online or in person, always check their lesson reviews. For online clarinet lessons, reviews are often listed on the teacher’s profile. If most reviews are positive, that’s a strong sign the teacher provides high-quality clarinet instruction.
For in-person lessons, ask friends, neighbors, or local musicians for recommendations. You can also find a clarinet teacher online and ask if they teach nearby.
Long-term Commitment or Contracts
Need help with finding a clarinet instructor?
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Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.