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Professional woodwind educator and co-founder of Puget Woodwind Studio, teaching clarinet and saxophone to students of all ages and levels.
Bachelor of Music with Distinction from Northwestern University. Former Principal Clarinet of the South Bend Symphony (9 years); performed with Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, Auburn Symphony, and Seattle Symphony. Nearly 30 years of teaching experience.
One of Seattle's leading musical voices, active as both a performer and dedicated teacher of saxophone and clarinet.
Graduated Cum Laude from Cornish College of the Arts (2007). Has taught clarinet, flute, and saxophone privately since 2007 across Seattle's jazz and classical scenes.
What to look for
Clarinet sits comfortably in orchestral, jazz, klezmer, and chamber settings. Some Seattle teachers focus primarily on classical technique and conservatory repertoire; others have deep jazz and contemporary backgrounds. If your student is heading toward school band, ask whether the teacher has experience with middle and high school audition prep.
Student-model clarinets are widely available for rent near Seattle. The bigger variable is reeds — the thin piece that creates the sound. Teachers who are active performers have strong opinions on reed brands, strengths, and break-in process. Ask your teacher before buying a box of reeds you may need to replace.
Clarinet has a steep early learning curve driven by embouchure — the way lips, jaw, and facial muscles interact with the mouthpiece and reed. Bad habits learned early are hard to unlearn. Getting a good teacher for the first 6–12 months sets the tone for everything that follows.
Local coverage
This page covers clarinet teacher searches in Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area. Teachers listed serve neighborhoods across Seattle — from Capitol Hill and Ballard to the Central District and West Seattle — as well as nearby Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and Shoreline. Many offer online lessons in addition to in-person instruction.
Looking for clarinet lessons in another city? Start from the clarinet lesson hub or use the Tutoraro search to pick your city directly.
Want more detail on pricing and what to look for? Read our complete guide: Best clarinet teachers in Seattle, WA →
Common questions
Most clarinet teachers in Seattle recommend starting around age 8–10, once a student has enough hand size to cover the tone holes and sufficient breath control to produce a consistent tone. Younger students may benefit from recorder or flute first to build foundations. Adults can begin clarinet at any age and often progress quickly with focused practice.
Renting first is almost always the right move. Student-model Bb clarinets are available for rent at music shops throughout Seattle. Your teacher can recommend a specific model and help you avoid poorly made instruments. Once you're committed, your teacher can guide you on purchasing a quality step-up or professional model.
Private clarinet lessons in Seattle typically run $50–$90 per 30- or 60-minute session. Rates depend on lesson length, the teacher's credentials and performance background, and whether lessons are in-home or at a studio. Teachers with orchestral experience often charge toward the higher end of that range.
Yes. Clarinet is among the most common instruments in school concert bands and is an excellent choice for students interested in their school's music program. Private lessons alongside band class help students develop stronger technique faster. Many Seattle-area clarinet teachers have experience with middle and high school audition prep.
Clarinet is extremely versatile. Classical repertoire is the most common starting point, but clarinet plays a central role in jazz, klezmer, folk, and chamber music. Ask teachers about their performance background to confirm their specialties match your goals.
Also on Tutoraro
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