Private clarinet lessons offer something no band class or ensemble setting can provide: individualized attention tailored to the student’s specific needs, goals, and pace of development. In a one-on-one environment, students learn not only WHAT to practice, but HOW to practice, how to listen critically, diagnose problems, and build habits that lead to real, lasting improvement. Whether a student is just beginning, preparing for auditions, or working toward advanced repertoire, private lessons accelerate progress and foster confidence, musical independence, and a genuine love for music.

My goal in every lesson is to equip students with the tools to guide their own musical growth, both now and in the future. Through clear instruction, thoughtful goal-setting, and a focus on WHY we practice and perform, students learn to take ownership of their progress and develop skills that extend far beyond the clarinet.

Lessons in Athens, GA

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Lesson Formats

Lessons are available in 30, 45, and 60 minute formats to accommodate different ages, experience levels, and schedules. Shorter lessons are ideal for younger beginners who benefit from frequent guidance in manageable segments, while longer lessons allow more advanced students to explore technique, tone, repertoire, and musicianship in greater depth. In addition to in-person instruction, I offer high-quality online lessons, making guidance accessible regardless of location. Online lessons provide the same individualized feedback and structure, and they are an excellent option for busy families or students who live outside the local area. If you live in the Atlanta Metro Area, please contact William Pu Music Academy for lesson inquiries.

  • Best for beginning students, the 30 minute lesson keeps instruction short and manageable for retaining basic musicianship. In addition, playing the clarinet does require facial muscle stamina and most beginning students need to work their way to longer playing sessions. Usually students will work their way to 45 and 60 minute lessons fairly quick, but this change will always be guided by the progress of the pupil. It is NOT recommended for more advanced students as it is not enough time to get through all the materials usually involved in their level.

  • Once the student is able to absorb more detailed concepts and can play for longer periods of time without a break, we may decide to increase the lesson time. 45 minutes is a good middle-ground for students who are progressing well before making the jump to full-hour lessons.

  • Most students fall withing the hour lesson category. By now the student can play for long periods of time without tiring and are working on large concepts which take more time to workshop. They are also working on larger pieces of music in addition to warm-ups and etudes. 60 minutes is the standard for all private music instruction as it gives enough time to work through all of the different tasks fully.

  • While not as effective as in-person lessons, online lessons can be of value for those living far away and who cannot fit travel time into their schedules. Online lessons are not very efficient for teaching beginners, as much of instrumental music require close contact to diagnose and fix problems. This is akin to learning a sport over the internet. Having only one camera angle at one distance with a varying internet connection can be hindering to learning. However, if the lesson is mainly over music concepts, it is sufficient to communicate them to the student.

Studio Policies

  • Lessons are on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Weekly lessons are strongly encourage given that frequent, consistent instruction is more beneficial than infrequent and sporadic. Lessons are scheduled at the beginning of the semester at a set time, and should not change week to week except in a case-by-case basis.

    Lessons are taught at St. James Church in Athens, GA. If you are in the Atlanta Metro Area, please contact William Pu Music Academy for lesson inquiries.

  • Cancellations must be communicated at least 24 hours ahead of the lesson. The lesson can then be rescheduled within the next 30 days without penalty. If not made up, the lesson will be considered completed and the client charged the full amount, to be added to the next lesson fee. If an absence is communicated within 24 hours, or not at all, the lesson will be considered completed and the client charged the full amount, to be added to the next lesson fee. No makeup will be given.

    If I have to cancel due to illness or emergency, a makeup will be given and no financial penalties accessed to the client.

    These policies are in place to protect the predictability of my income as well as all students’ time.

  • Students are expected to invest in themselves through consistent, daily practice. Lessons are there to diagnose and solve problems on the work completed through the week, not as the only time students work with the instrument.

    Many musicians agree that setting time goals for practice is not as important as taking the amount of time it takes to complete the tasks of the day. Further guidance is given to individual students based on there needs in the lesson. However, to give a guide for students to get started the following are good suggestions. If need, these times can be split over the course of the day into manageable and logical chunks.

    • If taking 30 minute lessons, students should aim for 30 minutes each day.

    • If taking 45 minute lessons, students should aim for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    • If taking 1 hour lessons, students should aim for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes or more.

  • Students are required to have the following materials. I can recommend and assist in the acquisition of these materials if needed. The first three on the list must be discussed with me before purchase!

    • A clarinet in good working order. It is highly recommended that you talk to me before purchasing an instrument!

    • Good, undamaged reeds. The number, strength, and type of reeds required changes with the student level. Please talk with me first before changing and purchasing reeds!

    • A good, undamaged mouthpiece. This can have the single-most profound effect on the students playing, and it is far cheaper than buying a whole new instrument. I highly recommend purchasing a professional mouthpiece ASAP! Please talk with me first though!

    • A swab for cleaning the clarinet.

    • A wire music stand.

    • A tuner and metronome. These are crucial, and I lovingly call them the musical “Lie Detectors.”

    • Any sheet music materials assigned. Copies can be given if needed while waiting for music to arrive, but this is limited to the first week. Having the proper editions of music is important, and I will provide links and information on this for the students.

  • Lesson are priced as follows:

    • 30 Minutes - $40

    • 45 Minutes - $50

    • 60 Minutes - $60

    Fees are due prior to each lesson. Cash and check (Made out to Connor Croasmun) are accepted, with Venmo available at request.

    The first missed payment will simply be transferred to the next lesson fee. A second issue will result in no lesson for the week. A third will result in the forfeiture of lesson enrollment altogether.

  • Communication can be sent to crcroasmunclarinet@gmail.com. My phone number can be given on a need-basis.