Hi

i really want to start learning clarinet but i'm mainly interested in jazz rather than classical. In starting lessons, should I try and find a jazz-specific teacher? or should i just learn the basics first and worry about which road to follow later?

any advice you can give me much appreciated!!

Hi!
I play the piano, clarinet, flute and piccolo, and I enjoy each one! To answer your question, I think you should definitely take the basics first. I actually prefer jazz on the clarinet and piano, but I don't think you should be specific in your repertoire genre!( Look at the posh long words! I've probably not even used them right!)

You should make your horizons as broad as possible! You should do both! If you've got to grade 5 or something and you still want to specifically do jazz, then it's probably okay to do so! But until then, try and play a mix of pieces!

Good luck!