Tips for parents of first year clarinet students

Is your child starting clarinet this school year? Are you wondering where to get an instrument? Or maybe you have an old clarinet to pass down. Here are some tips to help you get started:

If you don't already have an instrument, I recommend renting a clarinet instead of buying one. You can "rent to own" in most music stores. Student model clarinets are best for young beginners.

Here are two local music stores I recommend:

If you are in the Sharon, MA area, check out Joe Saravo at Music and Arts in Walpole, MA. 508-668-1709 for rentals and repairs.

If you are in the Concord, MA area, I highly recommend Leonard's Music in Bedford for rentals and repairs.

The rental clarinet will include a mouthpiece and cap, ligature, swab, cork grease and maybe a few reeds to get you stated. You will need to purchase more reeds. I recommend purchasing a box of Vandoren Traditional reeds in strength 2.5.

Additionally you will need a music stand. Most music stores will have this as well.

If you have an old clarinet that you are passing down to your child, please have me look at it, or bring it to the above mentioned stores to make sure it is in proper working condition.

It's really not a good idea to purchase a clarinet online. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

For information on private clarinet lessons in Sharon, MA or Concord, MA, please visit my website www.elizabethleehey.com or email me at emlpml@comcast.net.