A master class is like a public lesson. Participants perform music for the “master” and get critiques and suggestions that the audience may also benefit from hearing. For example: at Clarinettissimo, a special guest is the master and participants may play orchestral excerpts, solos (with or without accompaniment), or other music. If the master feels there is room for improvement with breathing, finger position, or something else, they will work with the participant to improve, all the while relating this instruction to the audience. Audiences at master classes often take notes.