What age to start clarinet lessons, do you think?

[Cadelaide]

We have a clarinet and a flute here at home. DD is asking for clarinet lessons but she's only 7, what d'you reckon?

definatly, if she's showing an interest. I think 7 is fine. Do you play? if so, could you teach her ?

I would get her recorder lessons first. I'm sure I've heard that seven is physically too young for clarinet.

My DH is a woodwind teacher in schools.

He thinks that both may be a bit of a stretch for her little fingers but the flute may be better as it has a closed key system.

The recorder is a very useful starting point at age 7 and may be more appropriate for the first year.

DH is around at the moment if you want further advice.

DD expressed interest in learning the flute when she was 6. I found a teacher who suggested she start on recorder first for several reasons: missing front teeth, weight of flute, small size of dd's hands.

Dd is now almost 8, and has loved learning to read music and play the recorder. I think it is a great starting point, though must soon have a conversation with teacher about when dd will be ready to switch to flute.

I'd say a child needs their 2nd set of teeth before starting the clarinet.

Clarinet's quite heavy. Especially on that right hand thumb.

I started with recorder. Perrrsonally.