Various studies of clarinet teaching and pedagogical methods of learning the instrument focus on the Paris Conservatoire founded in 1797. However, in order to gain an accurate picture of the developing role of the clarinet teacher in Paris it is important to examine records relating to the presence of clarinet teachers here in the years before the establishment of the Conservatoire.

My Research Questions for this lecture recital are as follows:

• To what extent were teachers of the clarinet present in Paris at this time?
• What evidence is there to suggest that these teachers taught amateur as well as professional clarinettists?
• Is it possible to observe a growing number of amateur clarinettists in Paris at this time?
• What resources were available to amateur clarinettists in terms of teachers, instruments, pedagogical material and music?

This lecture recital will examine the presence of clarinet teachers in Paris at this time drawing on a variety of extant sources. It will also provide an insight into the growing number of amateur clarinettists, as observed through advertisements for sale of instruments, pedagogical material and music.
Played examples will also be employed, illustrating music available for the amateur clarinettist at this time.