 Stoltzman began studying the clarinet at the age of eight with a teacher at a local school, and he began playing with his father in the Stewart Memorial United Presbyterian Sunday School Orchestra and at community functions within a few years.When Stoltzman was in junior high school, he began developing the jazz techniques of improvisation and enjoyed jamming with his father at home.Benny Goodman was his earliest musical mentor, and remained a strong influence throughout his career.