What is a Clarinet?
The clarinet is a versatile and expressive instrument, known for its warm, rich tone and incredible range. It can play soft and mellow or bright and energetic, making it a staple in concert bands, orchestras, jazz, and even pop music! The clarinet uses a single reed—a thin piece of wood that vibrates against the mouthpiece when air is blown through it. This creates the clarinet’s signature sound, which can blend beautifully with other instruments or stand out in a solo.
You’ll hear the clarinet everywhere—from Mozart’s famous clarinet concertos to big band jazz, film scores, and modern pop. Learning the clarinet helps develop breath control, coordination, and musical expression in a fun and rewarding way.
Some famous clarinetists include Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Sabine Meyer, Richard Stoltzman, and Martin Fröst.
Renting a Clarinet
Renting a clarinet is a great way to let your child explore music without a big upfront cost. Kids grow, interests change, and a rental gives them the flexibility to try without the commitment of buying. Plus, our program makes it easy and affordable!
We offer two rental options:
🎵 Like-New – A high-quality, professionally inspected clarinet with minor cosmetic blemishes. Budget-friendly, with protection for damage, theft, and maintenance. Every payment up to 36 months, minus tax, goes toward purchasing a brand-new clarinet of choice. (Rent-to-Purchase)
🎵 New – A never-used clarinet with the same protection and the option to own it after paying it off. (Rent-to-Own)
Every student rental includes:
✔ Clarinet, case, cork grease, cleaning swab, and their first two reeds
✔ 4-month trial period
✔ Protection coverage (for accidents, theft, and maintenance)
✔ Free school delivery
✔ Easy purchase plans
✔ Legendary Brighton Music Center service!
With flexible plans and expert support, getting started has never been easier. Let’s make music happen! 🎶
Clarinet Care & Maintenance
A well-cared-for clarinet plays better and lasts longer! Here are the must-have supplies every clarinetist should have:
✨ Cleaning Swab – Pull through the instrument after playing to remove moisture and prevent buildup.
✨ Reed Case – Keeps reeds safe and dry, preventing warping or cracking. Pro Tip: take the reed off the mouthpiece every time after you are done playing!
✨ Cork Grease – Helps the joints fit smoothly without damage.
✨ Reeds (Multiple!) – Clarinet reeds can be delicate, so having extras on hand is essential.
✨ Proper Case – Always store the clarinet in its case when not in use to protect it from damage.
Regular cleaning and careful handling will keep a clarinet sounding great! Need supplies? We’ve got everything your clarinetist needs! 🎶
Types of Clarinets
As your child progresses, they may need a clarinet that matches their growing skills. Clarinets come in three main levels, with differences in materials and keywork:
🎵 Student – Made of durable resin (plastic), these are designed for beginners. They’re easy to play, lightweight, and built to withstand the wear and tear of learning.
🎵 Intermediate – A step up with a grenadilla wood body, which produces a warmer, richer tone. These clarinets often have better keywork for smoother playing and more precision.
🎵 Professional – Crafted from high-quality grenadilla or other fine woods, these offer the best tone, projection, and key responsiveness. They often include advanced key systems, like the full Boehm system, which provides additional range and technical options for serious musicians.
Exploring More Clarinets
As your child grows as a musician, they may come across other members of the clarinet family, each with its own unique role and sound.
🎵 Bass Clarinet – A larger, lower-pitched clarinet with a deep, resonant tone, often used in concert bands, orchestras, and jazz.
🎵 E-flat Clarinet – A smaller, higher-pitched clarinet, often used in advanced band and orchestral music for bright, piercing melodies.
🎵 Alto & Contra Clarinets – Larger clarinets with even deeper tones, primarily used in clarinet choirs and specialty ensembles.
If your child is ready to upgrade their clarinet, we’re here to help! Schedule a demo appointment to try out step-up clarinets and find the perfect fit. Experience the difference in sound, feel, and performance—because the right clarinet can make all the difference! 🎶