Find and Book a Music Teacher with Music Exploration!

Music Exploration helps match students with the best music teachers. Whether you are looking to take lessons for fun or you're dedicated to music and want to build a career, we have passionate music teachers ready to help beginner, intermediate and advanced students of all ages rock out and achieve their goals.

With many music lesson types including guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons and mandolin lessons, we are sure to have the perfect fit for you.

So, let's get you started. In the search box at the top of the page simply enter the type of lesson you are interested in taking and the area or zipcode if you know it. Need help with your search or have questions about our teachers or the booking process? Give us a call at 410-635-4035 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and one of our friendly student counselors will help you find the teacher that suits your needs – it's that easy!

Finding A Good Quality Music Teacher

There are many options these days when trying to find a way to learn an instrument.  Many children want to play some kind of musical instrument. Given the limited attention most school band teachers can give (sometimes they see band students twice a week in a large group), if a student really wants to succeed, they need private lessons.  Parents are then tasked with the chore of finding a suitable music teacher for piano lessons, guitar lessons, etc. 

How do you find such a music teacher in Carroll County, for instance?  Sometimes finding a good guitar teacher or saxophone teacher can be as easy as asking the local band teacher for references; however, many people go to local music stores, if they are available.  Another great way to find a teacher is through word of mouth.  In addition, many students have responded to signs they've seen alongside the road.  The only way to truly know if you've found the right teacher for you or your child is to take the step of contacting the music teacher and giving it a try.  At Music Exploration, we've given guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, mandolin lessons, saxophone lessons, and clarinet lessons to students from Carroll County and Baltimore County.  We've had students from as young as 5 years old to people in their mid-60's.  We are equal opportunity musicians! 

From One Clarinet to Another

Most people think of the typical Bb clarinet when picturing a clarinet.  However, there are several styles or types of clarinet.  http://musiced.about.com/od/beginnersguide/a/clarinettypes.htm  The most commonly found in bands are the Bb, alto, and bass clarinets.  How hard is it to move from one type of clarinet to another?  Not hard at all! 

The great thing about playing different keys or versions of the same instrument is that the fingerings for the different notes are basically the same, with minor differences.  The main playing distinction between the different clarinets, besides the obvious size differences and pitch ranges, is the size of the mouth piece.  This can take some getting used to.  However, once you have been practicing regularly, your embouchure (the muscles around your mouth) adjust.

When teaching private clarinet lessons in Eldersburg, I always stress the importance of practicing on a regular basis.   Playing different instruments at the same time, makes this even more crucial.  For example, I have one student who plays Bb clarinet and bass clarinet.  Sometimes, due to availability of the bass clarinet, he practices his bass clarinet music on his Bb clarinet.  Therefore, while the fingerings are basically the same, it's important for him to have practice time on both mouthpieces, since the size difference is significant.  While initially challenging, the transition is not that difficult.

Back to the different types of clarinets, as mentioned earlier, the most commonly found clarinets in school bands are the Bb, alto, and bass clarinet.  The Bb clarinet has the smallest mouthpiece of these three.  The alto clarinet mouthpiece is very similar in size to an alto saxophone mouthpiece (which is convenient for those who play both instruments), and the bass clarinet, obviously, has the biggest mouthpiece.  Going from a small mouthpiece to a considerably larger one can be challenging, but, again, with consistent practice, you can do it. 

Instrument care and accessories for the different types of clarinets is basically the same.  You need a proper reed, cleaning swab, cork grease, and, in the case of the alto and bass clarinets, a neck strap. 

If you are a clarinet player and you have the opportunity, I encourage you to try one of the other types of clarinets to expand your playing experiences.  It's fun!!

How to Choose the Best Saxophone & Clarinet Reed

        When teaching clarinet and saxophone lesson, I am often asked about what kind of reed the student should have for their instrument. If you are a clarinet or saxophone player, you know the importance of having a reed that works well for you. Having the right thickness of reed can make the difference between struggling to get a decent sound out or playing smoothly. As your playing abilities improve, the type and thickness of reed you use may change, as the type of reed you use can directly affect your playing, since the vibration of the reed is what makes the sound in these woodwind instruments.

       Clarinet and saxophone reeds come in different strengths. All are numbered in degree from 1 - 5. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the thicker the reed and the less resistance to vibration the player gets when blowing. Beginner players will typically use a reed strength of 2 or 2.5, depending on the brand. There are several reed-making companies; however, some of the most popular include Rico, Rico Royal, and Vandoren.

      It is important to take proper care of your instrument and reed. Before attaching the reed to the mouthpiece, the saxophone and clarinet player usually sucks on the reed for a minute to get it moist. A good reed can last several months or longer, if cared for properly. However, if the reed becomes chipped, cracked, or suddenly difficult to play, it is time to replace it. Additionally, if the player finds the reeds are wearing out quickly, it may be time to go to a higher strength because more experienced players use higher strength reeds as their embouchure (mouth muscles) develop.