Is your child just starting to learn to play the clarinet? When you rent or purchase a clarinet for your child, be sure to purchase a music stand too! Students need to have their music placed on a music stand while practicing/playing. Be sure to set the height of the music stand high enough so that the music is eye-level for the student. This will help them keep their head level, in proper position for playing clarinet. For more information on clarinet playing, or to inquire about private lessons, visit my web site: www.elizabethleehey.com
Many parents are surprised when I tell then that you need your adult teeth to play the clarinet. Yes, you need your teeth - especially the front top and bottom teeth. You also need to be big enough to hold the instrument and reach the holes and keys. So with those things in mind, the youngest age to start learning the clarinet successfully is age 9. In general, there are not smaller clarinets to start learning on, as there are with violins and cellos. There is a "C" clarinet which is a little smaller and easier to handle, but is it not the same pitch as the clarinets that are played in school bands, etc. There is also an even smaller "E Flat" clarinet, but this instrument is more difficult
