The cost of a clarinet lesson can vary depending on factors such as the teacher's experience, the lesson's length, and whether it's in-person or online. According to the Musician’s Union, the minimum rate for an hour lesson in 2025 should be £42.50, although in London it might be a slightly higher fee

You can typically start learning the clarinet around 9 to 10 years old, though this can vary depending on the individual. Here’s why:

1. Physical Requirements:

• Mouthpiece and Embouchure: The clarinet uses a reed and mouthpiece that require a certain level of lip strength and control (embouchure), which can be difficult for younger children to manage. By around age 9 or 10, most kids have developed enough facial muscle strength to play effectively.

• Breath Control: The clarinet requires a good amount of air support, and younger kids may not have developed the lung capacity needed for playing the instrument well.

2. Instrument Size and Finger Reach:

• The clarinet is a bit longer than some other woodwind instruments, so it requires kids to have enough hand span and finger dexterity to cover the keys properly. Around 9 or 10 years old is typically when kids have the coordination to handle the size of the clarinet.

Adults can start learning the clarinet at any age. It’s a great instrument for adult beginners, and many people take it up later in life. While it may take time to develop the embouchure and breath control, with practice, adults can become proficient on the clarinet.

The clarinet can be a bit challenging to learn at first, but with practice and proper guidance, it becomes more manageable over time. Like most woodwind instruments, it requires coordination, technique, and patience.

The first few months can be tough as you adjust to the physical demands of the instrument. However, once you get past the initial learning curve, it becomes much easier. Playing simple songs is achievable within a few weeks or months, and you'll notice rapid improvements if you stick with consistent practice.

Yes, you can definitely learn the clarinet both online and in-person. The choice between online or in-person lessons depends on your preferences, resources, and the type of learning experience you're seeking.

Pros of in-person learning can be: personalised instruction (a teacher can give you immediate, hands-on feedback), and social interaction (if you’re learning as part of a group, in-person lessons are a great way to meet other students and gain ensemble experience).

Whereas pros of online lessons can be: flexibility (you can choose lessons that fit into your schedule and often don’t need to travel), affordability (online lessons can sometimes be less expensive than in-person lessons because they save on travel costs for both you and the teacher), and a wide range of teachers (with online learning, you have access to teachers from all over the world, so you can find someone with the perfect teaching style and expertise).

The amount of practice needed to improve your clarinet playing depends on your goals, current skill level, and how quickly you want to progress. However, general guidelines would suggest 20-30 mins a day for beginners, 30-60 mins a day for intermediate students, and 1-2 hours a day for advanced players

You don’t have to own your own clarinet, or certainly not to begin with, while you’re still figuring out if you like it.

We offer a clarinet rental service at a very competitive price and with a minimum term of 2 month, allowing you to try it out without a large upfront cost. You will even have the option of buying a new instrument further down the line.

Speak to us to find out more about our stock and prices.