GETTING AN INSTRUMENT
A Student Yamaha clarinet costs around $700. This is not wood, but plastic, and this is just fine for a beginner. Here in Austin, you should rent the clarinet for about $45 a month at your local music store, with the rental being applicable to the purchase price. A professional clarinet will be handmade out of wood, and the best kind is a Buffet brand, but Yamaha makes good professional clarinets also. Strait Music: Austin, Texas Full Line Music Store
REEDS
The beginning student should use reeds that are 2.0/2.5 and 3.0 in hardness and these should be rotated during practice so there is always a good reed on hand. These can be purchased on Amazon in a 10 pack. always HAVE A SPARE BOX ON HAND. I recommend Rico reeds for the beginner. These cost $2 per reed as opposed to the VanDoren brand which are $4 or more per reed. A beginner will constantly be breaking reeds. Professionals use Van Doren reeds or make their own because the quality of the cane does affect the sound. However, a beginner will not notice this until they are more experienced.
CORK GREASE
Get this in a “lipstick” form. It is needed to keep the joints sliding together easily.
CLEANING SUPPLIES
Be sure you get a clarinet swab to soak up moisture. This should be included in your rental.
BOOKS
Essential Elements Book 1 for Clarinet – this has recorded tracks found online that will help make practicing more interesting.
The Essential Elements books also come in Christmas Favorites and Broadway Favorites and Film Favorites. I highly recommend these for extra FUN practice!
For additional material, get the Rubank Method for Clarinet Book 1
MUSIC STAND
A regular folding stand with a case, or a more sturdy version – still portable, or a very sturdy stand for use just at home . . . any of these will work fine.