Basic Clarinet Course

Clarinet lessons for young children focus on a gentle early introduction. Very young students begin with the chalumeau, a simplified instrument (similar to a recorder but with a clarinet’s mouthpiece) with a limited range, ideal for their first steps.

As they progress, children and adolescents are introduced to key foundational skills, including breathing (correct technique and lung capacity development), sound production (starting with intonation and gradually focusing on flexibility and dynamics), correct posture, instrumental technique and reed preparation, the delicate strip of material that attaches to the mouthpiece to produce sound.

The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole offers students with no prior musical experience two paths to begin playing clarinet: Suoninsieme, a two-year group clarinet course with peers, or individual weekly clarinet lessons.

In both cases, students participate in group activities such as introductory theory courses and the children’s choral workshop, which is designed as a fun and playful workshop to help children become familiar with the concepts of sound, silence, duration and pitch while enhancing motor coordination and encouraging interaction with peers.

The same approach is applied to early ensemble experiences, through which children learn to play together.

As students advance in clarinet studies they build breath control through specific exercises, improving sound control while focusing on natural movements and correct posture.

In these lessons children and adolescents delve into various aspects of instrumental technique, learning to refine posture and emotional control, expand and fine-tune breathing techniques, and explore the most significant clarinet repertoire.

Progress in clarinet studies requires regular lesson attendance and consistent individual practice, enabling students to join ensembles such as Fiesole Harmonie, chamber music groups, and eventually the Orchestra dei Ragazzi.

The pre-academic clarinet course has three levels (basic, intermediate, and advanced), with progression based on certification exams that assess both practical and theoretical skills. These competencies allow students to perform increasingly interesting and complex pieces, thanks to the ongoing support and encouragement from their teachers and the rewarding experience of playing in ensembles.

Each level includes complementary courses specified in the clarinet curriculum, including chamber music and group sessions focused on music history and theory.

Upon completing this program, students will have acquired the necessary foundation to tackle more challenging repertoires, potentially continuing to academic clarinet studies if adequately prepared.

Students may also opt for non-curricular clarinet lessons (minimum age 11) without certification exams, while still meeting the school’s high instructional standards.

Performing publicly is a vital part of a musician’s development and a highly formative experience for all children and adolescents.

The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole places great importance on ensemble playing from the beginning of each course. Therefore, clarinet students are involved in concerts, recitals, and other performance opportunities, whether individually, in small ensembles, or in orchestra.

For very young children, it is recommended to start with introductory music programs before beginning clarinet lessons. This includes the Musicami course (0 to 6 years, based on E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory) and rhythmic-choral activities (ages 3 to 9), which provide a natural foundation for learning clarinet.