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how hard is it to switch from flute to clarinet?

I did it when I was a freshman, it was really easy for me. The fingerings are very similar, and after about a month I was better than a few of the people that had been playing for 3 years.

but why would you want to switch?!

i play both and i must say the hardest part, is swithing back and forth. when u first start, if u play for to long, and ur playing it right, ur lower lip will go numb.

It will feel different. and also the fingerings are some what the same but its going to be hard to get used to holding it and just the feeling of it. took me a week but i learn things fast. i'm on my 5 insterment. so that doesn't say much. mrgreen

The fingering and stuff is no problem. I just switched for a change in my music class. We all had to learn something new. The only thing was it took me a little while to get a noise out of the clarinet because I've been playing flute so long. When you're playing the flute you use alot of air but the clarinet requires alot more pressure xd . It's easy once you get the hang of it though.

If you want to, go or it. It's not terribly difficult to learn to play clarinet decently. It's no harder than flute to become proficient at it. However, there's no real benefit to be had from choosing the clarinet over the flute. People who take up clarinet in high school or later are usually just doubling it for jazz and you can't double flute and clarinet in the average jazz band - usually it's the alto saxes that choose either flute or clarinet to double. Occasionally, you'll find a double reed player choosing clarinet for marching band but flute (or really piccolo) is more important than clarinet unless your marching band has more than 10 clarinets per 80 players so you can actually get parts written for you that are meant to be heard. Usually, other people that switch go from flute/clarinet/trumpet to an instrument with less competition so they can get better parts. Only switch if you're totally in love with clarinet and willing to work really hard for little external gratification or other recognition.

I'm a flautist of 8 (active) years as well as ex-section leader. My sister was a clarinet player and tried to teach me. I think there are just two hard parts that would be associated with switching:
1. New mouth positions, and
2. Reading the music on a lower octave (more or less)

There is also one major draw-back to the clarinet; it costs more to maintain.
You have cork grease, reeds, taking care of the ligature, taking care of the corks, reeds, more pads than the flute, reeds... reeds?
Anyways, the clarinet does have a beautiful sound, and if you are prepared to dedicate yourself to it, then I say go for it.
Good luck to you regardless of your decision.

nonense!!! it shouldnt be that hard- the fingerings wil probably be a little different but u can do it! 3nodding heart domokun xp xd whee 4laugh rofl mrgreen xp heart xd 3nodding