Woodwinds

For beginners who want to get started in school band, the flute, clarinet or alto saxophone are popular first choices. All are physically accessible for smaller children and have time-honored teaching methods, plenty of beginner resources and an approachable learning curve.

Switching is definitely manageable, especially within instrument families like the saxophones and clarinets. With practice, transitions outside those families are equally attainable. Many saxophonists, for example, double on clarinet or flute, and vice versa. Prior woodwind experience will give you a real head start, with breath control concepts, fingering technique and reading skills transferring to different degrees across instruments.

The key difference is how they produce sound. Woodwinds generate sound when the player causes a reed to vibrate against a mouthpiece (as with the clarinet and saxophone) or blows a stream of air across the embouchure hole (as with the flute). Brass instruments — trumpets, trombones, tubas, etc. — produce sound when a player creates vibrations by buzzing their lips into a mouthpiece. Despite the name, woodwinds aren’t always made of wood; saxophones, for example, are made of metal but are classified as woodwinds.

Yes, regular maintenance keeps woodwinds playing their best. After each use, swab the interior to remove moisture, which can damage pads and cause mold. Cork joints should be greased periodically, and pads — the covers that seal the tone holes — will eventually need replacing. Reed instruments require fresh reeds on a regular basis. A professional cleaning and adjustment once or twice a year is also recommended for optimal performance.

Absolutely! Whether you’re just starting out in your school music program or pursuing advanced jazz and classical repertoire, our versatile woodwind teachers are ready to help you reach your musical goals. At 250 stores nationwide, we offer lessons on flute, clarinet, saxophone and other woodwind instruments. Get started today in the nation’s #1 music lessons program.