The Clarineo in Secondary schools
As a training instrument
The average 11 or 12 year-old makes faster progress on the Clarineo than on any other mainstream instrument. The most logical transition for someone starting on the Clarineo is to clarinet (the transition is virtually immediate) but, just the same, if the child changes to other wind instruments after, say, two years, he or she would be well ahead.
Clarineo and the saxophone
Although invented as long ago as 1840, the saxophone has an instantly-recognizable image. For teenagers it conjures up glamour and sophistication. No wonder so many school children want to play saxophones. But how many will continue once they realise it needs practising?
A way to find out which children are most likely to persevere is to start prospective saxophone players on difficult-to-damage Clarineo, which is approximately one third of the price of the cheapest decent saxophone. Note that saxophones are vulnerable to careless treatment and expensive to repair
Non-redundancy
The Clarineo is not made redundant if a child goes on to another instrument. There is every benefit in the child keeping the Clarineo: a C instrument is practical for amateur music making, being able to play straight from the part of many other instruments.
Amateur woodwind players
If you want to take up an instrument as an adult - perhaps when you retire - the Clarineo is ideal. It has a lovely sound, you can learn to play simple tunes quite soon and you can take it anywhere - it doesn't need electricity, just enthusiasm!
Making music with others is enjoyable and a good way of getting to know new people; and the Clarineo is the most practical instrument for that. The Clarineo is one third the weight of the clarinet and is not affected by rain and extremes of temperature - so take it with you on holiday. However, its biggest advantage for amateurs is its key - C, the same key as pianos, guitars, flutes, violins, vocal music and recorders. This means the Clarineo can play the music of many other instruments and all written songs straight off their music.
If you want to teach yourself that's quite possible. A 'First Steps' pack with a DVD, tutor book and CD will start you off playing correctly.
