Clarinet Lessons in Box Hill
One reed and one breath at a time: at home in classical, jazz and everything in between.
- Formats
- 1-on-1
Clarinet lessons in Box Hill, Melbourne. One-on-one with professional clarinet teachers at our studio, starting from embouchure, breath and the reed.
The clarinet is a single-reed woodwind with a wide range: warm at the bottom, bright at the top. It turns up in classical music, jazz, klezmer and film scores, and in every concert band and orchestra.
Lessons stay relaxed, and the basics of embouchure, breath and tonguing are taken seriously from the first lesson. A lesson usually includes long notes and breathing, scales and fingering, the current piece, and some reading and theory.
Teachers bring the music students enjoy into lessons. Complete beginners are welcome; the teacher starts with embouchure and breath. Adults are welcome too.
Clarinet follows the Haydn Pathway too: Foundation, Development, Mastery and Performance. Students who would like to sit exams can ask us. To see whether the clarinet suits your child, book a trial lesson through the form below or give us a call. We teach in person at our Box Hill studio.
What you'll learn
- EmbouchureTop teeth on the mouthpiece, lower lip over the bottom teeth; first sounds on the mouthpiece alone
- BreathingLong notes and tonguing for a clear, steady sound
- Reed basicsFitting, wetting and storing reeds, and choosing a strength
- FingeringFrom the first notes to full scales, and crossing the break with the register key
- Tone and intonationListening to your own sound and adjusting breath and lips
- Reading music and theoryNotes, rhythm and time signatures, matching the page to the sound
- TechniqueTonguing, slurs and where to breathe
- Assembly and carePutting it together in order, cork grease, and swabbing out after playing
Our clarinet teachers in Box Hill
Clarinet lessons are one-on-one with professional teachers, in person at our Box Hill studio. On the clarinet a good sound starts with embouchure, breath and the reed, so that's where the teacher's attention goes first, with fingers and intonation layered on top.
A lesson usually includes long notes and breathing, scales and fingering, the current piece, and some reading and theory. The teacher sets what to practise during the week. Students who would like to sit exams can ask us.
Your first clarinet lesson
The first lesson usually starts before the whole clarinet is put together. The teacher shows how the reed goes on the mouthpiece, how to wet it, where the top teeth and lower lip go, and gets a first note out of the mouthpiece on its own.
Once the sound is steady, the rest of the instrument goes on piece by piece, and the teacher shows how to hold it, where the thumb rest sits and the first few fingerings. In the early weeks, practice at home is mostly long notes and embouchure, with tunes added as the sound settles.
Ask us about the instrument itself when you enquire.
When to start the clarinet
The clarinet needs fingers that can cover the tone holes and enough breath to keep a note going. Many teachers suggest waiting until the front adult teeth are through and the hands have grown into the instrument, often around the middle primary years; some start younger children on a lighter beginner clarinet.
There is no single right age. If you're not sure, book a trial lesson and the teacher will see how your child goes and suggest a starting point. Classical or jazz, tell us what they'd like to play.
Step by step through the Pathway
Every instrument follows the same four stages: Foundation, Development, Mastery and Performance. You always know where your child is and what comes next.
Frequently asked questions
What age can my child start the clarinet?
Many teachers suggest waiting until the front adult teeth are through and the fingers can cover the tone holes, often around the middle primary years. Lighter beginner clarinets let some children start earlier. The teacher will meet your child at a trial lesson and advise.
What is a reed, and how often does it need replacing?
A reed is a thin sliver of cane clipped to the mouthpiece; it vibrates when you blow and makes the sound. Reeds wear out, going soft or splitting, so they need replacing from time to time. Beginners usually start on a softer reed, and the teacher will recommend a strength.
Can a complete beginner learn the clarinet?
Yes. Beginners start from scratch; the teacher begins with embouchure and breath.
Can my child sit clarinet exams?
Students who would like to sit exams can ask us, and the teacher will advise based on where they are up to.
How long is a clarinet lesson?
Lessons run for 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Ask us when you enrol and we will help you choose a length.
How much do clarinet lessons cost?
We do not publish prices on the website. Send us an enquiry using the form below, call 0410 957 668 or scan our WeChat code, and we will let you know.
Do I need my own clarinet for lessons?
It's best to have your own. If you don't have one yet, the school can hire one out; ask us when you enrol.
Do you offer online clarinet lessons?
No. All lessons are in person at our Box Hill studio.
How do I book a trial lesson?
Fill in the enquiry form below, call 0410 957 668 or scan our WeChat code, and we will get back to you with a time.
Interested in Clarinet lessons?
Leave your details and we'll get in touch, or scan our WeChat code.
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