Clarinet

Because of the versatility to play in different music genres, the soothing tune, the portability, and the growing popularity of this wonderful instrument, it is no wonder why more and more parents want their children to learn how to play the clarinet.

If your child has shown some signs of being interested in a clarinet, it could be that you as a parent would be thrilled by this show of interest and confused with which and what instrument to buy. If that is the situation, here would be some tips on how you can get the right clarinet for your child.

Know the Seller

With clarinets being available on music stores, pawnshops, online selling sites, and many other similar sources, it might be difficult for you as a parent to choose where to buy your child's first clarinet.

Asking for opinions from reliable sources such as your child's music instructor, local musicians, and experts would be very helpful in making a decision as to where to buy. As much as possible, try to stay away from pawnshops or 2nd hand sellers unless someone who is highly reliable has given you advise to do so.

Choosing Between Different Types

One of the most common questions that parents would ask is if there are different types of clarinets. Just as most wind instruments would be classified according to range that would include, tenor, baritone, soprano, and alto, the clarinet is also classified according to different ranges. With that, you have to choose what range would best fit your child.

For beginners, the most common type that they should start with is the Bb soprano clarinet since it has the features that are fit for a beginner however, this can vary depending on what the instructor would think is best for your child.

After your child has mastered on type of clarinet, the instructor may want your child to move into another clarinet with a different range. This would allow your child to know more about clarinet playing and be better at it.

Choosing Between Different Sizes

Clarinets also come in different sizes so that people of all ages can play it. For your child, you have to choose a clarinet that is reasonably small so that your child can manage.

When it comes to choosing the right size of clarinet, it is very important that you pick a size that is right for your child; more importantly, the clarinet must not be too big or heavy for your child to manage. Another reason as to why the Bb soprano clarinet is best for beginners is because this type is lighter than most other types. However, your child can start with a larger type if he or she can manage.

If your child ends up with a clarinet that is too big and heavy for him or her to manage, this might make practices big burdens for him or her. Furthermore, his or her productivity and skill in playing the clarinet would be very much affected. For more information on this matter, make sure to coordinate with your child's instructor and the seller of the clarinet.

Choosing Between Different Materials

With so many materials that can be made into clarinets, it might be difficult for you to choose which material would best fit your child. With that, here are some things that you should consider when choosing between different materials.

Different materials would indicate different levels of skill, different types of music, and different tones produced when referring to the clarinet. Just like choosing between different sizes or ranges, your child also has to have a clarinet that has the material that would be fit for him or her.

First, you have to know if your child's instructor has any preference for any material. Usually, competent schools will give out this information. Since the instructor knows best when it comes to these matters, it is best to take the instructor's advise.

Some materials that your child can choose from would be the ABS plastic body, polyblend composite, and the Grenadilla wood body. Typically, the ABS plastic body is what beginners would start with and the Grenadilla wood body is what is preferred by most expert clarinet players.