The Nuvo clarineo is a fully functioning clarinet in the key of C and is ideal for young starters ages 4 to 9 years. It is much lighter and smaller than a Bb Clarinet which means the finger stretches are shorter and tone holes are easier to cover. The Clarinet removes a lot of the physical challenges of the BB Clarinet which encourages kids to practice more, develop the skils and enthusiasm they will need when they are ready to step up. Since the fingering is the same, The transition to the BB Clarinet is quick and easy. Just like a traditional clarinet, the Clarinet is fully chromatic over 3 1/2 octaves.