About Jay Hassler
Most clarinet instruction is designed for children. That never made sense to me. Adults learn differently and deserve a method built specifically for them. So I created Clarinet Ninja for adult clarinet players of all levels.
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
You Get Real Feedback and Real Community
I've learned from world-class clarinetists and performed with artists like Andrea Bocelli, Liza Minnelli, Carol King, Sufjan Stevens, and Wayne Shorter. Now I get to share that knowledge with you. You'll learn the same professional techniques I use, alongside other adults who love the clarinet, and we're going to have a lot of fun doing it.
My Story
Like many of you, I began playing clarinet as a child. I don't mean to 'blow my own horn' (pun intended), but for those first eight years, I excelled. I received scholarships to Interlochen, marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and got offers from colleges across the country.
I also got into the saxophone and the flute. I had no idea at the time how much studying those instruments would shape the way I teach clarinet.
Hitting the Wall
Then something unexpected happened: I hit a wall.
After my first two years of college, I felt like I was regressing. I was practicing up to eight hours a day, but despite my efforts, I felt like I was moving backward. I even quit playing for six months.
I was only 20, but I realized it was time for a change. With much hand-wringing, I changed schools, cities, and teachers.
A Better Teaching Approach
Looking back, this decision was the most formative event of my life. My new teacher, Gary Bovyer, had studied under the legendary woodwind teacher Joe Allard. This Allard approach to learning the clarinet had a monumental impact on me. For the first time, I understood not just what to do, but why it worked.
The concepts had exercises with clear results that inspired specific actions. I dove deep into saxophone and flute for several years. Learning how those instruments work completely changed how I understood clarinet playing.
A Flourishing Career
I moved to NYC to study with Ricardo Morales at the Manhattan School of Music, and my performing career flourished. I played the Copland Clarinet Concerto with the National Orchestra of the Philippines, held a chair with the Producers Orchestra on Broadway for the six-year run of the show, and subbed in over twenty more Broadway shows. I performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House. I was living the professional dream.
Teaching remained a significant part of my life. I juggled numerous part-time teaching positions at prestigious schools in New York City, including the pre-college division of the Manhattan School of Music.
Discovering a New Passion
Then the pandemic struck. Like many others, I learned much about myself, my values, and how I wanted to spend my time. Adults started approaching me for clarinet lessons, and something clicked. I discovered I loved teaching people who genuinely wanted to learn, who asked thoughtful questions, and who were passionate about music.
I started figuring out what actually works for adult learners. You need different explanations, different pacing, and you bring a level of musical maturity that kids don't have yet. The Clarinet Ninja YouTube channel found its focus, and the Dojo was born.
Now I get to connect passionate adult clarinetists from everywhere, helping them get better and have fun doing it.
Testimonials
"You are not only the best clarinet teacher I have ever had. You are the best teacher I have ever had."
- Dave B
"I played clarinet for years in my community band. Jay has helped me play things I never thought possible before and I have had a great time doing it."
- Mark F
Jay has many insights on the clarinet both musically and technically. Through his experience as a performer and teacher I have been able to add many new tools to my playing which helped me perform my first recital in 45 years at the age of 66."