a decorative image of Sax, Flute, Clarinet & Recorder lessons

Play, Learn, and Shine – Sax, Flute, Clarinet & Recorder!

All Ages

Looking to master one of the woodwind instruments? Our personalized lessons are available in Oakville, Etobicoke, and online, and are tailored for children, teens, and adults. You might be surprised to learn that taking woodwind lessons comes with plenty of health benefits:

  • Strengthen your breath
  • Improve posture and build core strength
  • Gain confidence and calm under pressure
  • Enhance hand-eye coordination

Who We Are

Music, a shared treasure within our community, thrives at the heart of Orrett Music Academy. Founded by Dave Orrett, an expert composer and performer, the academy embodies a philosophy where community and passion for music come first. Dave’s unique and engaging teaching techniques, rooted in a lifetime of musical devotion, serve as a cornerstone for our approach. At Orrett Music Academy, each lesson is not just about learning notes; it’s about embarking on a musical adventure, fostering a deep, enduring love for music in every student.

Explore Our Woodwind Classes

golden saxophone on wooden background

Saxophone

All Ages

The saxophone is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a smooth introduction to woodwind instruments. It’s easy to start with, and you’ll quickly be playing notes even with basic technique. As you progress, you’ll refine your skills and explore more advanced techniques.

Woman flutist performs on a musical instrument

Flute

Age 9+

Flute lessons offer a great introduction to woodwind instruments, combining portability with rich musical possibilities. With its role in bands and orchestras, the flute is a versatile instrument that can fit into many musical settings, making it a fantastic choice for students of all ages.

Closeup of hands playing the clarinet

Clarinet

Age 9+

While easy to start, the clarinet requires strength and technique to master, making it an ideal choice for children 9-10 years and older. With its portability and the opportunity to join bands and orchestras, the clarinet is a versatile and rewarding instrument to learn.

kid holding a recorder

Recorder

All Ages

Recorder lessons are a perfect starting point for young children, offering a simple and accessible introduction to woodwind instruments. With its easy-to-learn finger patterns and lightweight design, the recorder helps build foundational skills like breath control and coordination. Ideal for children as young as 4, it’s a fun and cost-effective way to begin their musical journey.

Sax Lessons

The saxophone is a great choice for beginners, offering an easier start with notes that come quickly even with basic technique. Unlike the clarinet or flute, the saxophone is more forgiving in the early stages. As you advance, focus on developing proper posture, breathing, embouchure, and hand coordination. The saxophone is available in Alto, Soprano, and Tenor varieties.

The Cost of a Saxophone

Saxophones typically start around $1,000. We recommend renting one until you’re fully committed, and our music coordinator can provide trusted rental options.

Is Your Child Too Young for Sax Lessons?

Starting music early encourages a love of learning, but it’s important to choose the right instrument. If a child lacks the physical strength to handle an adult-sized saxophone, it can lead to frustration.

For younger children, we recommend the Mini Musicians program (ages 3-8) or starting with recorder lessons as a foundation. Once ready, the Alto saxophone is a great choice for smaller hands.

Flute Lessons

The flute is a popular choice for its portability and light weight, making it a perfect fit for marching bands, school bands, and even orchestras! While learning to play may seem tricky at first, it’s all about mastering the mouth position to create that sweet sound. With a little practice, your child will be playing beautiful melodies in no time.

The Cost of a Flute

Flutes typically range from $500 to $1,000 for a student model, with higher-end instruments going up from there. For younger players, a curved flute may be needed for a comfortable fit. We recommend renting a flute until you’re sure about the commitment — talk to our music coordinator for rental options.

Is Your Child Too Young for Flute Lessons?

Flute lessons are great for kids in 3rd grade and up, but if they’re younger, we have a couple of fun options to get them started. Our Mini Musicians program (ages 3-8) and recorder lessons are the perfect introduction to music before jumping into the flute.

A close up photo of flute and hands.
Clarinet on a wooden table.

Clarinet Lessons

Clarinet lessons offer a fun, rewarding challenge! The reed mouthpiece creates sound through vibration, similar to blowing a blade of grass between your thumbs. While all standard clarinets are the same size, advanced players may use specialized alto or E-flat versions. The best part? You’ll be playing simple tunes within a couple of weeks, and it’s a portable, easy-to-store instrument!

The Cost of a Clarinet

Clarinet prices range from around $500 for a basic model, with high-quality versions running into the thousands. We recommend renting a clarinet until you’re committed to the instrument — our clarinet instructor can help guide you, and our music coordinator has great rental options. The only other cost? Reeds, which are affordable at about $25 for a box of 10.

Is Your Child Too Young for Clarinet Lessons?

Clarinet lessons are ideal for kids around 9-10 years old, when they have the arm strength to properly hold the instrument. For younger students, we suggest starting with our Mini Musicians program (ages 3-8) or private recorder lessons. Ready to get started? Let’s make some noise!

Recorder Lessons

The recorder is the perfect first step for young musicians! With its small size and simple finger patterns, it’s an ideal woodwind instrument for beginners. The open holes make it easier for little hands to play, and it’s a fun, accessible way to kickstart a musical journey.

The Cost of a Recorder

Recorders are super affordable, with plastic models available for under $10, and wooden versions running up to $100. They’re budget-friendly compared to other woodwinds and easy to maintain or replace if needed.

Is Your Child Too Young for Recorder Lessons?

Recorder lessons are great for kids as young as 4, as long as they can focus for 10-30 minutes. Our Mini Musicians program introduces the recorder as the primary instrument in Levels 2 or 3 for children ages 4-5. Let’s get them playing and having fun!

A boy playing a recorder.

How It Works

Begin your musical adventure with us at Orrett Music Academy. Our approach is simple yet effective, guiding students through their musical passions with one-on-one lessons and group lessons. Nestled in the heart of Etobicoke, we’re here to make your musical journey enjoyable and fulfilling. Join a welcoming community of learners and discover your child’s musical potential in a supportive environment.

Begin your child’s musical journey at Orrett Music Academy. Share with us about your child, and let us tailor a custom musical education plan that resonates with their unique interests and aspirations.

Experience our teaching firsthand. Schedule trial lessons with our dedicated teachers to find the perfect match for your child’s musical education.

Join us in nurturing your child’s love for music. We’re committed to being there every step of the way, ensuring a supportive and enriching musical journey.

Mini Recitals

Get ready to showcase your musical progress! Our Mini Recitals provide a supportive and exciting opportunity for students of all levels—whether you’re learning piano, drums, guitar, or any other instrument—to perform in front of family and friends. Build confidence, celebrate your achievements, and enjoy the joy of live music.

Testimonials

We have 3 children who all play piano. We had 3 teachers before being introduced to Dave Orrett of Orrett Music Academy; my children all say Dave is the best and the most fun teacher ever. He organizes recitals and is very encouraging and supportive of all his students.

Stephen C.

Parent

I’ve been taking piano lessons with the Orrett Music Academy for as long as I can remember and Dave has become more of a friend then a teacher. The atmosphere here is great!

Riley W.

Student

My favorite thing about this school is that you feel like there is no limit on your music. You can express your feelings in a way that sounds and feels so beautiful, that way is playing music! I’m very thankful. This school is one of the best things that happened to me.

Mina V.

Student

I have learned so much more than I ever would without the Orrett Music Academy because Christian and the teachers are very helpful!

Adam C. R.

Student

I have learned a lot more when I started going to this music school. My piano teacher is very funny and it is fun going to piano lessons!

Carly C.

Student

Dave and the staff at the Orrett Music Academy really go out of their way to make us feel at-home. They constantly ensure that we are involved in the process of learning which really personalizes the experience for our family. We started with one daughter taking piano lessons, then added my son on guitar, and now Mom (me) is taking voice lessons. I truly can’t say enough about my 4 years at OMA and tell my friends every chance I get.

Kim B.

Parent

Let us know you’re interested and we’ll be in touch to schedule your trial lesson.

Book a Trial

Trial Lesson - New Form

Student Info

Private Lessons
Intro Piano (4-8)
Classical Piano (5+)
Modern Piano (5+)
Voice (5+)
Violin (4+)
Ukulele (5+)
Drum Kit (7+)
Guitar (7+)
Bass Guitar (7+)
Private Musical Theatre (5+)
Acting (8+)
Not Sure
Group Classes
Steps To Music Group Classes (3-4 & 4-5)
Musical Theatre Group Classes (5-7 & 8-12 & 12-17)
Enriched Musical Theatre Group Class (10-17)
Pop Choir (5-7 & 8-11)
Pop/Rock Band (7-17)
Adult Beginner Guitar Circle (18+)
Adult Band (18+)

Second Student Info

Private Lessons
Intro Piano (4-8)
Classical Piano (5+)
Modern Piano (5+)
Voice (5+)
Violin (4+)
Ukulele (5+)
Drum Kit (7+)
Guitar (7+)
Bass Guitar (7+)
Private Musical Theatre (5+)
Acting (8+)
Not Sure
Group Classes
Steps To Music Group Classes (3-4 & 4-5)
Musical Theatre Group Classes (5-7 & 8-12 & 12-17)
Enriched Musical Theatre Group Class (10-17)
Pop Choir (5-7 & 8-11)
Pop/Rock Band (7-17)
Adult Beginner Guitar Circle (18+)
Adult Band (18+)

Third Student Info

Private Lessons
Intro Piano (4-8)
Classical Piano (5+)
Modern Piano (5+)
Voice (5+)
Violin (4+)
Ukulele (5+)
Drum Kit (7+)
Guitar (7+)
Bass Guitar (7+)
Private Musical Theatre (5+)
Acting (8+)
Not Sure
Group Classes
Steps To Music Group Classes (3-4 & 4-5)
Musical Theatre Group Classes (5-7 & 8-12 & 12-17)
Enriched Musical Theatre Group Class (10-17)
Pop Choir (5-7 & 8-11)
Pop/Rock Band (7-17)
Adult Beginner Guitar Circle (18+)
Adult Band (18+)
Please use this section to inform us of additional information you would like to include. We will be giving you a call shortly!
You do not need to have or own the instrument(s) for trial lessons. We will have the instrument(s) available for you at the school for your trial. If you register for ongoing lessons with us, we recommend renting from Long & McQuade or our teachers can help you choose an instrument to purchase.
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Innovative Music Classes For Your Child

We apply an innovative approach to learning that combines traditional theory and technique with highly modern, fresh, and creatively focused ideas. As a student of music, your child will be provided the time and resources to work and learn closely with our dedicated musical teachers while enjoying numerous performance opportunities to grow. Your child will also benefit from a range of diverse and challenging classes that will be available to them. We teach more than music.