Live Clarinet Lessons
See below to schedule a free, sample lesson
“Best
decision ever—our son went from beginner to perfect NYSSMA scores and 1st chair
in just two years.”
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Live Clarinet Lessons - Finding a world-class clarinet teacher shouldn't depend on your zip code. Whether you are a local student in the Watertown/Cape Vincent area or an aspiring player halfway across the globe, you now have access to the same high-level mentorship that defined my 26-year career in the United States Military Academy’s premier musical ensemble.
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Old Glory Triumphant March
SGM (R) Christopher Jones Career Highlights
SGM(R) Chris Jones played clarinet with the West Point Band for 26-years. He can help you with improved chair placements, better site-reading, higher NYSMMA or solo and ensemble scores, honor band/college/military band auditions, and help adult players return to music. Schedule your free, trial lesson now.
Live Clarinet Lessons - Who I Teach?
From Beginners to "Rebooters"
Clarinet is a journey, not a destination. I welcome students of all ages and stages:
· Middle & High Schoolers: Preparing for chair placements, honor bands, or college auditions? We will refine your technique and musicality to make you stand out.
· Adult "Rebooters": If you’ve returned to the clarinet after years away, I can help you find your sound again and bypass the frustrations of self-study.
· Home School Students: My lessons provide the discipline, focus, and structured curriculum that perfectly complement a home-study environment.
· Professional Aspirants: Looking for that competitive edge for conservatory auditions? Are you preparing for a Military Band audition? Let’s dive deep into the nuances of the repertoire.
Live Virtual Clarinet Lessons --- Contact Chris via Clarinet-Now.com Contact, Facebook ClarinetNow, or Twitter ClarinetNow.
Flexible Lessons for a
Modern World
Geography is no longer a barrier to great music. I offer three ways to study that fit your lifestyle:
1. 100% Virtual Lessons: Using FaceTime, Zoom or Google Meet, I’ve taught students as far away as Hong Kong. It’s convenient, effective, and allows you to learn from the comfort of your own home.
2. In-Person (Watertown/Cape Vincent, NY): If you live in Northern New York—from Thousand Islands to Sackets Harbor—you can visit my studio for traditional face-to-face instruction.
3. The Hybrid Model: Many of my local students choose a mix—visiting the studio once a month for an intensive in-person session and using virtual lessons for the weeks in between.
Beyond the Notes: What You’ll Gain
Learning the clarinet is about more than fingerings. In my studio, we focus on the Twelve Benefits of Clarinet Lessons, including:
· Technical Mastery: Solving "crossing the break," articulation hurdles, and hand position issues once and for all.
· Audition Strategy: Learning how to manage nerves and perform with confidence when it matters most. Get a better chair!
· Musical Literacy: Deepening your understanding of theory and phrasing so you aren't just playing notes, but telling a story.
Live Virtual Clarinet Lessons --- Contact Chris via Clarinet-Now.com Contact, Facebook ClarinetNow, or Twitter ClarinetNow.
Why Study Live Clarinet Lessons
with Chris Jones?
When you choose a teacher, you aren't just paying for a 30-minute time slot; you are investing in decades of professional experience. My teaching philosophy is built on a foundation of elite performance and pedagogical excellence.
· A Legacy of Excellence: I spent 26 years as a clarinetist in the West Point Band, performing at the highest level for world leaders and national events.
· The Opperman Pedagogy: I spent 10 years studying in New York City with the legendary Kalmen Opperman. This world-renowned technical foundation is the "secret sauce" I pass on to my students to help them achieve effortless facility and a beautiful tone.
· Proven Results: From serving as an Adjunct Professor at Nyack and Marist Colleges to helping hundreds of private students ace their NYSSMA solos and earn chairs in All-State and All-County ensembles, my students don't just play—they excel.
Ready to Start? Join the Waiting List
Because I am committed to giving every student my full attention, my studio often operates at maximum capacity. By joining the Clarinet-Now Remote Lesson Waiting List, you ensure that you are the first to be notified when a weekly slot becomes available.
Don’t settle for "good enough" instruction. Learn the techniques used by the pros and start reaching your goals today.
Or, you can contact Chris directly here: Clarinet-Now.com Contact, Facebook ClarinetNow.
Boost your progress between lessons by subscribing to @ClarinetNow on YouTube. My channel features high-definition tutorials and "play-along" practice sessions designed to solve the exact technical hurdles we discuss in class—from mastering the break to refining your articulation. For those looking to achieve elite-level finger speed, my book, Bumblebee Loops (available on Amazon), provides the ultimate roadmap. It breaks down the most challenging passages of Rimsky-Korsakov’s masterpiece into bite-sized, repetitive "loops" that program your muscle memory for effortless virtuosity. Whether through video or print, I provide the tools you need to succeed.
Go get your ClarinetNow and practice! Stop scrolling, go practice!
Learn more about ClarinetNow Clarinet Lessons here.
Fly Fast on this videoIf you like the video, get the book here and work on page 4, measures 5-8 lower octave.
Greatest Left Hand tip everGet BBLoops for as little as $3.99
Fly Fast with the Greatest Left Hand tip everOne of the best left hand exercises for clarinet on BBLoops page 10 measures 1-8 on the above video.
