Getting started with any musical instrument can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re going to play an acoustic instrument. (No need to plug it in.)
After years of playing and teaching the clarinet, I have discovered that there are some very practical things you can do as a parent when choosing a beginner clarinet for your children.
By following this advice you can save money and in some cases a lot of money and start your children on their musical path with as little stress as possible.
Every year, many parents sell the musical instruments their children have been playing while in middle and high school. Some quit, others buy new instruments… whatever the reason, this happens every year, especially in the spring and Christmas season.
This is a great opportunity for you to save some money! Many times you will be able to purchase instruments at a very reasonable cost. Usually significantly less than what you’ll pay on a long-term rental.
3 myths about how to find a good clarinet
- You need to spend tons of money to get a good starting instrument
- You need to have a professional model instrument so that your children have the musical advantage
- You need to buy a wooden clarinet.
This is what you should be looking for in a beginner clarinet.
- A clarinet that is in good playable condition, new or used. (Nothing is more daunting for a beginner than trying to play an instrument he doesn’t play…if the teacher/professional doesn’t know how to play it…you have a problem
- If it’s a wooden clarinet, make sure it doesn’t have any cracks, chips, or rusty keys (this is a sign of water damage and may require expensive repairs)
- You want a clarinet with a good mouthpiece: Many clarinets come with what is known as a standard mouthpiece. Even when you buy a high-end clarinet, they usually come with a terrible mouthpiece. I don’t know why, however, that is the reality in most cases.
All the professional clarinetists I know do not play with the mouthpieces that originally came with their instruments.
Some things you should know about the clarinet:
- Unlike their woodwind brothers and sisters: flute, saxophone, bassoon, and other woodwind instruments, clarinets do not retain their value except in rare cases. I won’t bore you with the reasons why right now, but it’s true.
- Don’t be afraid to start with a synthetic clarinet. Many are built especially tough because they are designed for beginners.
Where should you look?
- Talk to private music teachers who are not associated with a music store, they will often know of people looking to sell their instruments.
- Contact local schools – talk to band directors about kids who may be selling their clarinets (sometimes they have bulletin boards they advertise on)
- Be careful if you buy on the Internet (Make sure there is a return policy)