why should i play the clarinet?

• The clarinet is small and easy to transport

The clarinet can fit into a backpack and be stored in a school locker.  This is not the case with a cello, harp or tuba!

• The cost of playing the clarinet is significantly less compared with a violin or piano

Beginner clarinets can be rented for a low monthly cost from local music stores. The cost of accessories and music can stay low when sourced well and properly cared for.

• The clarinet is highly diverse in its playing styles and outlets

Classical, jazz, pop, rock, funk, new age – the clarinet does it all!

Orchestra, concert band, marching band, clarinet choirs, chamber music, jazz band and combo, musicals, rock bands – the clarinet is a member in them all!

• Once you play the clarinet, many other instruments are easily learned

You can transfer the skills you’ve learned on the clarinet to saxophone, flute, bassoon and oboe.  You become a more well-round musician and your employability increases.  Want to play in the pit orchestra of Broadway musicals? You’ll need to know how to play all the woodwind instruments!

• Smart people make music

It has been scientifically shown that those who partake in the act of music making, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, score higher on academic testing, place higher in university qualifying. But, in the words of Lamar Burton, “you don’t have to take my word for it”:

• Think learning an instrument is just for children?

Think Again! Adult learners garner the same increased benefits as their younger counterparts. Read the following articles to learn about how music can help you.

1. https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/2014-06-01-why-play-music-adults
2. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/01/140103-music-lessons-brain-aging-cognitive-neuroscience/

• Most importantly, playing an instrument is fun and you will have the opportunity to create beautiful music!

The majority of people rarely get an opportunity to experience what it is like to make music either in a solo situation or as part of a group of others. This is an experience not to be missed!

Here is a list of resources to further convince of the benefits of music

• http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/strategies/topics/Arts%20in%20Education/brewer.htm
• http://www.effectivemusicteaching.com/articles/directors/18-benefits-of-playing-a-musical-instrument/
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201311/musical-training-optimizes-brain-function
• https://mic.com/articles/124032/personality-studies-show-the-difference-between-people-who-play-music-and-everyone-else#.rZq7Lvd8N
• http://time.com/3634995/study-kids-engaged-music-class-for-benefits-northwestern/
• http://www.livescience.com/40597-playing-musical-instrument-good-health.html
• https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/2014-06-01-why-play-music-adults
• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/01/140103-music-lessons-brain-aging-cognitive-neuroscience/
• http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-playing-an-instrument-benefits-your-brain-anita-collins
• http://daniellevitin.com/publicpage/books/this-is-your-brain-on-music/
• http://cmmw.unimelb.edu.au
• http://www.dana.org
• http://www.brams.org/en/
• https://musicandlearning.com/