Do you have to be a certain age to begin learning to play the clarinet?

Answer 1

Many schools start their "full" music programs in 3rd grade, some as early as 2nd grade.

Hand size and finger coordination limit very young players. By age 6~7 kids can usually begin with a Clarinet, particularly if it is a smaller Eb (e-flat) sopranino clarinet - particularly if they have a real interest and aren't being pushed into it.

There is a "Kinder Clarinet" that uses a simplified key system for very young players. However, they're rather expensive, particularly given the short time before your young student would transition to a standard clarinet (and have to learn a new key layout)

There is a review of the Kinder Clarinet here: http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Clarinets/kinderclarinet.htm

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