Beginner Clarinet Note Reading Guide
How to Read Music on the Clarinet
What Is This Book?
How to Read Music on the Clarinet is a kid-friendly method designed to make clarinet note reading simple, clear, and frustration-free. It uses a gradual approach with only a few notes at a time so students can quickly start playing real songs while truly learning to read the music, not just memorizing fingerings.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for young beginning clarinet players, typically ages 7–12.
It works well for school band programs, private clarinet lessons, and home learners who are just getting started.
It is also a helpful resource for students who can play a few easy songs by ear but still struggle to read standard music notation on the clarinet.
What Makes This Book Easy for Kids to Learn?
The book limits the number of notes in each song to six or fewer, helping kids focus on a small, manageable set of pitches at a time.
Each song is first printed with letter names inside the note heads, giving students instant visual support as they learn.
The same song then appears again on the facing page without letter names, gently guiding students toward true music reading.
The layout encourages repetition, confidence building, and stress-free practice so kids associate clarinet playing and reading with success and fun.
What Music Does the Book Include?
This book contains dozens of short, easy songs written specifically for beginning clarinet players.
Each piece is crafted to use no more than six different notes, making it perfect for early readers.
The songs are melodically simple and tuneful, designed so students can enjoy playing while strengthening their note-reading skills.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
This book focuses on the music itself and does not include additional extras.
What’s Inside the Book?
Dozens of beginner-friendly clarinet songs
All songs limited to six or fewer different notes
Each piece printed once with letter names inside the note heads
The same pieces reprinted on the opposite page without letter names
A step-by-step transition from supported reading to full notation reading
A frustration-free structure that lets students switch back to the lettered version if needed
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Reading clarinet notes on the staff
Recognizing notes both with and without letter-name helpers
Connecting written notes to correct clarinet fingerings
Developing steady rhythm through simple songs
Building confidence playing from standard music notation
Improving focus and consistency in practice
How to Use This Book
Start each new song by having the student play the version with letter names inside the note heads until they feel comfortable.
When the song feels easy, move to the matching version on the facing page without letters and encourage the student to read only the notation.
If the student gets stuck or frustrated, return briefly to the lettered version, then try again without letters.
Teachers can assign pairs of songs (with and without letters) for weekly lessons; parents can listen as students play both versions to reinforce progress.
The material can be used alongside band methods in school ensembles to give extra support with clarinet note reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book suitable for absolute beginners on clarinet?
Yes. The songs use very few notes at a time and the letter names inside the note heads make it ideal for new players.
Can this be used with a school band method?
Yes. It works well as a supplemental book to reinforce note reading for students already using a standard band method in class.
Do students need a teacher to use this book?
A teacher is helpful but not required. The clear layout makes it accessible for home learners with help from a parent or guardian.
Does this book teach clarinet fingerings?
The focus is on reading notes, but students will naturally connect notes to fingerings as they play the songs.
Are there versions of this book for other instruments?
Yes. There are versions for violin, flute, clarinet and trumpet.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.