Years ago, when I wanted to learn an instrument, I had an exhaustive list, but the clarinet was always close to my heart. When clarinet captured my interest, the first thing that I did was ask colleagues if clarinet was hard to learn.
The clarinet is not hard to learn. The Clarinet takes a year or two to learn and master the basics but is certainly like every other instrument in terms of difficulty. Practicing clarinet an hour a day can turn you proficient in 6 months. It is also a more straightforward woodwind instrument to learn and is ideal for people of all ages.
This article will share my experiences with learning clarinet and how things have transformed over time.
How Hard Is It To Learn To Play The Clarinet?
The clarinet is easy to learn and requires minimal air pressure compared to other woodwind instruments like the flute. However, similar to any other instrument, you may have to spend enough time learning basics or find it hard to learn.
Initially, the clarinet seems hard to play because you have to master the reed and make a sound that may seem daunting at first.
Beginner players find the reed difficult. You have to know how to put it onto the clarinet and how to wet it, and which reed to get.
It needn’t be an issue and like anything new, you will be using your reeds into time and wonder why you found them so difficult.
All you have to do is to wet the reed. Hold it in your mouth while you assemble your instrument. Then place the reed onto the clarinet and put the ligature around it. Make sure you position it correctly.
If you are having any difficulty this video will help Assemble the mouthpiece, barrel, and reed. I highly recommend this Youtube channel by Dr. Selfridge Music, he is a great tutor and explains everything clearly.
Also, making a sound can take time some people have no issue while others may not make a sound for a few attempts. Don’t let this deter you this is natural and you will soon be playing.
The sheer volume of keys makes the clarinet seem more difficult than it is. If you have played the recorder it is similar to the clarinet. It is bigger and heavier than the recorder (hence the thumb rest) but the skills are transferable.
To further fasten your learning curve, you should stay cautious about common clarinet mistakes.
Some of the common reasons for clarinet to appear like a complex instrument include tight ligature, excessive cork grease, poor reeds that don’t rotate, insufficient mouthpiece, and broken equipment. These reasons are more likely to lengthen the pace of learning and make the instrument look complex. (Source)
When I initially started learning clarinet, my teacher listed common mistakes and provided methods to avoid them. That has made the clarinet a lot easier to understand than any other instrument.
How Long Does It Take To Learn To Play The Clarinet?
It takes a couple of months to play perfect easy beginner songs but an hour to make your first attempt. It takes a couple of years to become proficient. The duration also depends on your learning ability, experience, interest, and practice.
In an article by Knowledge Burrow, playing a song fluently takes a year, while mastering the clarinet library takes over 12 years.
- To know the exact duration it takes to learn the clarinet, you need to ask yourself a few things.
- Do I want to play as a hobby or turn it into a career?
- Is there a musical experience earlier?
- How qualified and cooperative is the teacher to travel with me in my learning process?
- Can I afford a quality instrument?
- Am I a slow learner or a fast learner?
Before you kickstart your first class, you need to find answers to these questions.
You are more likely to learn faster if –
- You have prior experience playing an instrument.
- You are a fast learner.
- You have a quality instrument that does not waste your time fixing repairs.
- You have a reliable teacher who wants to see you grow and ace the instrument.
I stress a lot on the quality of an instrument because it can influence your interest, performance, and dedication over time.
If you are still unsure about it, a video indicates how clarinets from different price ranges can sound differently.
Why Is The Clarinet The Best Instrument To Learn?
When I initially enquired my friends about the clarinet, I have heard them say it is the best instrument to kickstart a musical journey. Over the years, I have found that to be entirely true.
The clarinet is a beginner-friendly, easy-to-handle instrument with 17 keys that can turn you into a “Mozart” in a year or two. Investing in a clarinet can let you play different styles of music at no additional cost. That’s how versatile this instrument is.
London Music Co. strongly recommends beginners to learn clarinet as it is versatile, affordable, beginner-friendly, portable, ideal for bands, and develops fine motor skills.
- The Clarinet Is A Fitness Aid
It can be surprising to know how an instrument can fine-tune your motor skills and coordination.
Among various reasons listed, the most favorite is clarinet as a fitness aid. Woodwind instruments are known to involve your respiratory system. The clarinet is no different! Playing clarinet demands complete activation of lungs and regulates breathing. As a result, it strengthens your respiratory system and muscles.
Not to forget, it corrects your posture. One investment is more likely to offer a wide range of benefits.
In addition to these health benefits, clarinet improves mental health conditions. With more time spent practicing clarinet, your mind relieves stress.
I have found significant changes in my body since I started playing it. Clarinet has undoubtedly improved coordination and controlled stress levels.
The Clarinet Is Versatile
When you take up other woodwind instruments, you may have to buy a new one when you want to try a different genre. This lack of versatility is why many learners discontinue learning other instruments in the mid.
It is feasible to reap huge benefits with a one-time investment with clarinet. As soon as you buy a quality instrument, clarinet lets you play multiple genres from jazz to rock, pop, and what not!
The Clarinet Is Affordable
According to Normans Musical Instruments, the best-selling clarinet costs as low as 200 GBP (about $175). Isn’t that cheaper for a host of features it offers?
Whether you are a working professional or a college student wanting to explore this fantastic instrument, you need to spend only 200 GBP (about $175). Your clarity journey begins right there!
As you advance, you can learn to maintain it effectively with the guidance of your instructor.
Clarinet’s Acoustic Is Outstanding
Chief Musician Cynthia Wolverton played clarinet for the United States Navy Band and asserted how the clarinet range is outstanding.
The acoustic is free-flowing, smooth, and expressive. As you progress further in your clarinet journey, you can go ahead with a bass clarinet that has a reed and enhances acoustics further.
The clarinet is probably the sole reed instrument containing cylindrical bores to balance sounds. Learning this instrument is going to make you sound unique as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard To Play The Clarinet With Braces?
Playing clarinet with braces can initially remain uncomfortable since it cuts lower lip. With the proper embouchure habit, playing clarinet with braces can turn into a piece of cake.
According to Jenny Maclay, a clarinet expert, the clarinet has the most negligible effect of braces and does not interrupt your learning journey.
- Teeth correction is inevitable; so is your clarinet. If you wear braces, you can take the precautionary measures mentioned below.
- Inform your music teacher. This is the first thing you should do as the teacher devises a better teaching strategy based on the condition of teeth.
- Go for soft reeds, so braces do not hurt your lips any further.
- Retain the same embouchure and request a change to your instructor only when it hurts a lot.
- Take adequate breaks, so your mouth does not get strained.
- Purchase a lip protector to cushion the lower lip if you wear braces.
- Floss your teeth regularly, as this practice can control pain caused by braces.
That’s it! Pick your clarinet and begin playing.
Is The Clarinet Harder To Play Than The Flute?
The clarinet is beginner-friendly but contains a reed which is not evident in a flute. The reed can be a challenge to beginners as all the elements of making it wet and putting it onto the clarinet seem difficult. There are lots of lessons on this and you will be putting your reed onto your clarinet in no time.
Both are a challenge to make a sound to start with.
Likewise, a clarinet is easier to learn than a flute because the former involves simple strategies for fingering and balancing to produce a good sound. The latter can appear lighter but still needs more expertise than a clarinet.
A flute is comparatively more effortless if you have prior experience with instruments, as you can quickly balance sounds. I would strongly recommend clarinet for a person just kickstarting a musical journey.
Is The Clarinet Harder Than The Saxophone To Play?
The clarinet is comparatively more complicated than saxophone as the former involves reeds, embouchure specifications, tuning, registers, and more fingerings. But, the saxophone is a lot harder to master because it has advanced techniques with limited fingering options.
The saxophone is challenging for low scales and demands adequate mouthpiece techniques. However, clarinet is versatile enough to blend between registers, but the fingering requires more time.
Perhaps, switching from clarinet to saxophone or vice versa is easier. The only requirement is to learn/unlearn specific techniques like fingering and registers when switching between instruments.
Conclusion
The clarinet is a beautiful instrument to learn, play, and master if you are a novice. As a clarinet player, I should affirm that the clarinet gets you addicted at some point, and you can enjoy blending between registers.
I initially found clarinet harder to learn, but I never looked back when I learned the basics. I have always found clarinet a lot easier and more enjoyable than other instruments like saxophone and flute because of its range of sounds, usability, and versatility.
Moreover, you can also develop your expertise in music with the clarinet as it is the only instrument with reeds. To kickstart your musical journey today, look for an instructor and clear your doubts. Watch as many videos on YouTube as possible.
Once you start the journey, the clarinet will turn into your best friend!