Instrument Clinics 101

Instrument clinics, sometimes referred to as workshops, offer musicians the opportunity to experience and explore a variety of instruments, techniques and brands all under the guidance of an expert. From budding musicians to those wanting to learn more about their instruments capabilities or anyone ready to learn special skills, clinics are a great resource.  Here is a quick guide to music instrument clinics to help you get the most out of your experience! 

What to expect at a music clinic?

Music clinics range from instrument introductions to more specialized professional development clinics for intermediate to advanced musicians.  
 
For Beginning Musicians
With the help of music instrument specialists, musicians learn what each instrument’s unique elements are which can help them determine which instrument is best suited to their music education goals.

• Opportunity to get to know a variety of different instruments 
• How to hold and use the instrument
• How to make a sound
• Opportunity to play next to and work with more advanced musicians 
  
   

For Intermediate and Advanced Musicians
Work with instrument specialists to advance techniques, knowledge and practice skills to the next level.  

• Learn more about the instrument capabilities and nuances
• Get better acquainted with physical or tonal capacity
• Master a particularly difficult technique or skill 

Three popular music clinics

Here are a few different types of common music clinics and clinics: 

• Master Class clinics - Master Classes are a workshop based clinic, where expert musicians will work on either a specific technique or a piece students' are working, and provide specific feedback, almost like a lesson.  They generally offer beginning to advanced level techniques taught by expert musicians, who will spend anywhere from 2 hours to a full day of in-depth work with their instrument of choice (Guitar, Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, Keyboard, Improvisation, Sight-reading, Singing).  Students will gain a better understanding of unique techniques and skills, as well as have a chance to interview and learn from some of the top musicians in their field.  
• Vendor clinics - Speciality vendors and instrument manufacturers host clinics dedicated to their brand and products.  Attending a vendor clinic is a great opportunity to connect with their team of experts, learn more about what makes their craftsmanship unique, and test out their instruments and accessories in person.  This can also be a good way to see if stepping up to a higher quality investment piece is a good fit for you before making the financial commitment.  
• Performance clinics - Ever wanted to know what it was like to play with a band or orchestra?  Performance clinics  allow musicians to play in tandem with others from their community.  Participants will learn about the structure and components of various group organizations and will often have the opportunity to perform as a group at the end of the clinic.  These clinics can span anywhere from a full day of intensive practice to week-long clinics, depending on the group size and intensity/skill level.  
  
   

Benefits of attending  a music clinic? 

• Receive immediate feedback from professional musicians 
• Develop specific and unique skills based on each clinician’s skillset
• Learn from a variety of different types of instructors and master musicians 
• Develop performance skills and confidence
• Connect with other musicians and students in your community 
  
   

How to get the most out of attending a clinic:

• Bring your own instrument - While some beginner clinics will have instruments available for rent, if you have one, bring your own instrument to the event.  Clinics are a great opportunity to learn more about the intricacies of your own personal instrument, its unique sound, feel, and functionality. 
• Bring all necessary accessories - Some clinics will include a special focus on elements like mouth pieces or tuning or other speciality functions related to your instrument.  Make sure to prepare and bring all related accessories so you can make the most of all portions of the day’s events.  
• Register in advance and arrive on time - Clinics are usually kept small, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance.  And arriving on time guarantees you a great seat.
• Come with questions - Think about what specifically you hope to learn from that clinic or professional, maybe something about a specific instrument or maybe career advice or tips.  Write down some questions in advance so you are prepared for a Q&A session if offered.

Clinics at PM Music Center 

Check out PM Music Center’s event page for live updates to our ongoing events calendar!

Upcoming:

• June 14, 2025: Ukulele Circle 
  

Past:

• April 10, 2025: Saxophone Workshop with Jody Espina: President & Founder of JodyJazz - including Reed demonstration, breathing techniques, mouthpiece selection, and personalized fittings
• May 10, 2025: Schilke Clinic, Brass Instruments