Berkeley Parents Network: Clarinet Lessons

Berkeley Parents Network

Clarinet Lessons

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Classes & Lessons > Music Lessons > Clarinet Lessons

Clarinet Teachers
Where to Buy a Clarinet

Clarinet Teachers

Feb 2005

I recently dusted off my clarinet after a very long hiatus and am now considering taking lessons. The archives include only a few recommendations for clarinet teachers so I'm wondering if there are any additional recommendations available regarding instructors who work with adults. I would prefer an instructor located in Berkeley or very close by to minimize travel time. My past repertoire has been exclusively classical-oriented and I continue to lean in this direction. Thanks. Amy

Ken Durling teaches both classical and jazz clarinet (as well as piano, flute, and sax). He's a composer and photographer, a very creative guy with great knowledge and patience. I know him as my son's sax teacher for many years, but I assume he teaches adults too. He'll teach at your home or at Tupper & Reed. kdurling

I was in the same boat (actually, the next boat over) when I decided to pick up the saxophone again after 25 (!) years. Fortunately, a friend doing much the same thing told me about Alan Pollack. I have been taking lessons from Alan for almost two years, and cannot recommend him too highly. I'm having a lot of fun, and getting really good training ... I may even be proficient before my kids grow up.

I know that Alan also teaches clarinet -- in fact, I think it was his first instrument. My orientation is mostly to jazz, but even so, he stresses a fair amount of classical work to develop technique. I assume that if you wanted to study mostly classical, he'd be glad to oblige. I know that he conducts classical orchestras, and some opera. (In addition to teaching, he is the founding director of the Mendocino Music Festival, and is the conductor of an orchestra in Sacramento).

Alan is in Berkeley, on the Northside. His number is 528-7214. aj

I dusted off my clarinet and took the beginning woodwinds class at Laney. It was a small ensemble, meeting once a week. Not so much classical as standards, but at $26 for 16 weeks of instruction from a local jazz talent and music teacher (John Calloway), it sure was cheaper than a private tutor (fun, too)! anon

I would highly recommend Ernie Mansfield of Mansfield Music. He can be contacted at (510) 524-2055. He has many years of experience teaching both children and adults and Clarinet happens to be one of the 5 or 6 instruments he teaches. Good luck with your return to the Clarinet - Ernie will make it a lot easier and a lot of fun. Jonathan

I strongly recommend Ernie Mansfield of Mansfield Music! He is an amazing musician and an even better teacher. He teaches many musical instruments, but I know he is a great clarinet teacher! He is great with kids and great with adults. Being a parent himself, I know he understands the importance of doing something just for us! Check him out! Ernie Mansfield (510) 524-2055 Mansfield Music -- Music Lessons: flute, sax, clarinet, piano, guitar http://www.mansfieldmusic.com - -- Good Luck! -- Dani

August 2003

Looking for clarinet teacher for intermediate, returning 7th student in south Berkeley area. chardak

Ken Durling is an excellent teacher - kdurling AT earthlink.net or 843-4419. He teaches classical and jazz clarinet, flute, sax, and piano. He was our son's sax teacher for many years, and our son is now a music major in college - a testimony to Ken!

I highly recommend Larry London as a clarinet teacher and music composition teacher. He is a skilled performer in a large number of local symphonies, a conductor, and a composer and composition teacher. He has recently composed film scores. Larry is friendly, a good teacher, competent, and works well with children and adults. His phone number is 409-2416, and his e-mail address is LawrenceLondon AT yahoo.com. Linda

Oct 2002

Looking for clarinet/continuing, saxaphone/beginner teacher for 6th grade girl. Thanks!

Ken Durling teaches both clarinet and sax to all levels - classical and jazz. He's wonderful! 843 4419 or kdurling (at) earthlink.net. gearhart

To the parent requesting a clarinet teacher for her child: My son, Andrew Harris, teaches beginning clarinet lessons and has been playing clarinet since 4th grade. He is a sophmore at BHS, playing clarinet in the pep band. He has worked at Cazadero Music camp as a mentor, won the Duke Elllington Award for his playing, and also is the songwriter/lead guitarist for a rock and roll band that plays locally. He really enjoys teaching, and has openings for 2 students. He charges $10.00/hour and can be reached after school at 527-7325. Fran

Feb 2000

I'd like to highly recommend a wonderful clarinet teacher named Peter Josheff. 527-5059. He teaches in the Claremont Hotel area. My son studied happily with him for several years. He's great for beginners and advanced students- very positive and supportive. He has 2 concerts each year for all of his students, which are really delightful and the kids learn a great deal from that experience as well.

Winifred

Regarding clarinet lessons, contact Allan Pollack at 528-0454. Allan, the founder and conductor of the Mendocino Music Festival, lives in Berkeley. He is an outstanding teacher of clarinet and saxophone for both kids and adults. S

Sept 1998

Peter Josheff lives in Albany, near Solano Ave, and may be taking students. He's at: 527-5059. He's an excellent classical and new-music clarinetist, with some experience in other genres too.

If the student is also interested in jazz and/or klezmer music, I'd recommend Ben Goldberg at 444-8606 - though he lives in Oakland... Dan

I recommend Ian Willson for clarinet lesson . He lives in Albany and has a private studio in Oakland as well as teaches at Tupper & Reed in Berkeley. His phone number is 510-763-1773. He is the perfect combination of trained, relaxed, understanding, but true to the music. He is very good with young people and was my own saxophone teacher. I can't wait to have him teach my son piano and woodwinds when he is old enough. Wendy

Where to Buy a Clarinet

June 2003

I am looking for a good quality wooden B flat clarinet for my 9 year old and don't mind it being used. Would prefer a Buffet brand or one of similar quality. I would also appreciate any referrals for clarinet teachers in the berkeley or north oakland area who enjoy teaching music to children. Thanks so m pegisisrn

Try eBay. We found an excellent deal on a new Yamaha student model that was exactly what we were looking for. Seller was actually a music store in Scarsdale, NY. You might also check their website (www.ardsleymusic.com) -- they seemed to have a lot of stuff. Norm

I bought an excellent-condition, second-hand piccolo at Best Music on Broadway (formerly on 14th) in Oakland last year and am very pleased with it. I think I got a great deal. They have practice rooms where you can try out the new instrument (or a variety of them) if you like. I admit I initially felt sheepish but was glad I did--the tone in the new piccolo is awesome. (as shrill instruments go) Jennie

Is your 9-yr-old just starting clarinet now (quite a normal age to do so)? Many considerations; I'll list a few, and provoke you (and anyone else reading) to contact me.

Especially if the school group-lesson offering is adequate, lessons right away may not be necessary--and can even be counter-productive if one's child is not providing the initiative. Waiting a year or two is often key--in my case leading me to a self-motivated passion for music-making.

Recent plastic (resonite) clarinet models such as Bundy appear to me, miraculously, to be higher quality than when we bought mine in 1982. Certainly an alternative to a school-borrowed instrument is a great idea; but if you don't get savvy help test-driving a used instrument, even if a Buffet or comparable, you could wind up with something harder for your child to learn on than an assembly-line plastic. Some folks even assert that the resistance of a plastic is more appropriate for a beginner; I would point out that the reward of replacing one's plastic model with a wooden one (in my case, a brand-new one bought three years later, chosen with the aid of my teacher from maybe 20 or 30 candidates) is a wonderful thing. When one has a little playing experience, the subtlety of the timbral difference can be appreciated.

As for local private teachers, I am one option to explore. I'm not a full- or even a part-time private instructor (or even musician!), but my varied experience in music performance and music education (including over 20 students over the years and a current foray into professional chamber music coaching) makes me an interesting choice to consider. Good luck and perhaps I'll hear from you-- Asher Davison

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.