New Instrumemt., I need opinions :) Options

[Queen Jess]

Choose an instrument because you really like it and want to play it.
If you choose because you think it would be useful or because you think you should you are less likely to stick with it and it may either finish up becoming a chore or gathering dust.

completely agree!
I did my grade 4 piano and I wanted to take up a second instrument.
I took ages to decide, but in the end I chose the violin and its great! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
pick something you really like and you will enjoy playing.
That's the whole point of music! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[notmusimum]

My daughter craves to add new instruments to those she plays already. At the moment I've advised her to concentrate on those she is doing Juggling several instruments for her was easy at the lower grades. However she did not do as well in her recent piano exam as she would have liked. She did Grade 2 and scored a similar mark to you, I hope she's learnt not to rush into doing exams from this especially on piano (she did Grade 1 summer session).

I'm not musical, nor is this a criticism of you or your teacher,. but my advice to my child is not to go anywhere near Grade 3 piano, at least until the summer. With her other instuments doing exams back to back isn't a problem but she plays lots of other repertoire, at the same time, which just isn't the case for piano. My daughter wants music as a career and her strength is woodwind, so piano is not as important (it's worthwhile).

Only take on another instrument if you are secure with those you already play. I would think about what you want to do with your music, if it's just for fun then consider if you really need another at this time. If your serious and decide to go ahead you may need to consider your instrument choice more carefully.

[barry-clari]

Wouldn't it be better to consolidate these first rather than trying to add another instrument on? How much practice time do you have to spare?

This is a tough call heslop01.

My natural instinct would say 'go for whatever instrument you like the best'.

But.

Have you got enough time to REALLY devote yourself to a third instrument? Only you'll know for sure. If you feel you can work on a third instrument without it inhibiting your progress on the piano/violin, then go for it. If not, maybe leave it a little while 'til you've progressed further on the violin and piano. Do be 100% honest with yourself here. You do have time on your side. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Don't get me wrong here, I think it's wonderful to play lots of instruments (I do just that (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)), but do make sure you have the time to devote to all your instruments, and do ensure the piano and violin still have lots of attention from you. Much as I love all my instruments, the clarinet will always be my first love, and it'll always get the attention from me that it deserves. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the best. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[heslop01]

I do respect what your saying but I can tell you that I did not rush into my grade 3 - I started working towards it 9 and half months before the exam, and my marks are only low because I really do lack in self-confidence to just play and relax. Thanks to everyone's kind comments so far, it's greatly appreciated (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)


I have alot of spare time as I do nothing but homework, computer, piano and violin. And I really would feel under no pressure with a third instrument, ( A friend of mine same age and year at school plays 7 instruments (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) )


But I do feel that I want to pursue new instruments as music is my love and I want a career in music, so I think that a woodwind instrument would be useful.


Listening to the three instruments i'm considering - oboe, clarinet and flute, The oboe and flute stand out more for me that the clarinet ( despite my dad desperately wanting me to do clarinet ). And your right this is a tough call (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[mattrattley]

not that i wish to confuse you even more but you've not considered the good old bassoon.

i can see what everyone's saying - yes, a third instrument would probably be slightly detrimental to your piano and violin playing - but if you really want to then go for it, and be prepared to practice all three instruments as much as each other and as much as you do now for each instrument.

grade 3 - good result, those that are saying otherwise should go away.

your friend i imagine is a good musician but can probably only play 2, possibly 3 of their instruments to any good standard. i know people who play multiple instruments and they always have 1 or 2 that they are amazing on, and the others? not too good really.

also, "useful" isn't a brilliant reason to start a new instrument, especially with winds as they take considerably more work to get them sounding great than a violin for example (even though some say they're easier to start).

so, your choices, with pros then cons:

oboe:
sounds great when played properly, lots of orchestral solos, chamber music, respect, not alot of people play it
but
sounds rubbish to start with, expensive to buy (+ think reeds), very breakable

clarinet:
massive range, jazz, opportunities to play a large family of insturments, sounds pretty decent from the start
but
lots of clarinettists, sometimes slightly tedious orchestral parts, trasposing could prove a problem

flute:
*hides somewhere* easiest to play fast stuff on, lots of repertoire, big solos, no reeds to deal with
but
loads of them around, difficult to get a big sound, difficult to get really good at... plus your sister laughs at you

bassoon:
not many around, massive range, respect, decent orchestral parts, looks the best, contrabassoon!
but
too many thumb keys (13/14 in total), mega expensive, reeds are a pain, carrying it around isn't very pleasant

eventually however you have to make your own mind up, this is just my opinion (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[lizbun]

I play the Oboe, and found the fingering easy enough to cope.

[petrat]

You do not say how old you are Heslop and without this information it is not an easy question to answer. If you are eleven or twelve years old then you have lots of time to improve both your piano and violin playing, and begin a third instrument too. Bear in mind though that if you want a career in music you will need to be at around grade eight standard and have passed that exam with a distinction to be at the right level for music college if and when the time comes for you to apply for a place. If you are much older than this then you will really need to get plenty of practice in on the ones that you play already to make it. Competition for college places is fierce and you might well stand a better chance if you play a less common instrument such as the bassoon. Good luck with your music, whatever you decide.

[heslop01]

I'm 15 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[snhs]

I'm 15 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

As loathed as I am to put off a potential flautist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) if you have any real intention of going to music college you would probably be better sticking with two instruments. You need to remember that UCAS applications will only be two or three years away and in that time you need to go up five grades and two bands or more to have a chance of getting through the auditions.
I will take exception with Matt's comments on flute playing it is anything but easy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) *throws bassoon shaped object* (even if flaustists make it look like it is) rather than moaning about key positions etc. and if anything the contabass is a disincentive while the piccolo, alto flute, treble flute, bass flute are definitely plus points to the flute.

[Flame7]

I agree with what others have said about sticking to the instruments you already play. If you want to be a professional musician then a great command of a single instrument is much better than an average command of many. Plus, once you have more experience in music, learning another instrument is a whole lot easier. I personally would wait until you have grade 8 in one of your instruments before starting something new. My reasons for this are:

1) your 'ear' will be greatly improved by that time, the aural training throughout the higher grades will give you a better 'all round' ability in other instruments.

2) Your sight reading will be at a higher standard, allowing quicker accomplishment of repertoire on the new instrument.

3) You will need this standard for music college, so make sure you achieve it, this should be your priority.

I have a degree in music (voice) and have recently started playing sax. I was playing to grade 5 after 3 months as quite simply I had to concentrate on the mechanics of playing the instrument rather than the notation and musicianship.

There is plenty of time for you to learn another instrument, but do get a good foundation on your existing ones first.

xxFLame7

[mattrattley]

I will take exception with Matt's comments on flute playing it is anything but easy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) *throws bassoon shaped object* (even if flaustists make it look like it is) rather than moaning about key positions etc. and if anything the contabass is a disincentive while the piccolo, alto flute, treble flute, bass flute are definitely plus points to the flute.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) sorry, i guess i'm a bit biased...

- i don't mean the flute is easy overall, i mean it's the easiest to play fast stuff, compared to the other three. no, of course it's not easy - but as far as full speed playing goes, you haven't got a reed to slow you down and you've got the smallest air column of the four (i think (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ).
- we have every reason to moan about key positions
- the contrabassoon is great fun, playing in bassoon quartets is great on contra

so, yeah, sorry, but as i said:

this is just my opinion

[snhs]

- i don't mean the flute is easy overall, i mean it's the easiest to play fast stuff, compared to the other three. no, of course it's not easy - but as far as full speed playing goes, you haven't got a reed to slow you down and you've got the smallest air column of the four (i think (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ).
- we have every reason to moan about key positions
- the contrabassoon is great fun, playing in bassoon quartets is great on contra

The first point is actually somewhat debatable. Although it may be considered by some people that the fingerings are easier there are other points to take into consideration e.g. the flute using more air than any other orchestral instrument, which requires far greater emphasis on suitable breathing points but also restricts (at times) the ability to play the fast stuff - particularly when 'compared to the other three'.
There is never really any reason to moan about key position. If they are that difficult the instrument is badly designed and could be easily corrected by improving it - as the flute has been several times e.g. Boehm etc.
I fail to see how any contrabassoon playing could be construed as enjoyable, but thats just a personal preference - far better to stick with a hyper bass flute (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) .

Anyway, there is not much point in getting into this argument I just thought someone ought to contradict you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

[KixMusic]

You do not say how old you are Heslop and without this information it is not an easy question to answer. If you are eleven or twelve years old then you have lots of time to improve both your piano and violin playing, and begin a third instrument too. Bear in mind though that if you want a career in music you will need to be at around grade eight standard and have passed that exam with a distinction to be at the right level for music college if and when the time comes for you to apply for a place. If you are much older than this then you will really need to get plenty of practice in on the ones that you play already to make it. Competition for college places is fierce and you might well stand a better chance if you play a less common instrument such as the bassoon. Good luck with your music, whatever you decide.

This isn't actually true - sure, it may be desirable to have passed G8 with distinction but it is not essential. Music Colleges look for a whole lot more than G8 with distinction when selecting students. It may be true that you MIGHT not get called for an audition at some of the best music colleges without a distinction at G8 but any college worth their salt will call a prospective student for audition and then make their own mind up.

[mattrattley]

- i don't mean the flute is easy overall, i mean it's the easiest to play fast stuff, compared to the other three. no, of course it's not easy - but as far as full speed playing goes, you haven't got a reed to slow you down and you've got the smallest air column of the four (i think (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ).
- we have every reason to moan about key positions
- the contrabassoon is great fun, playing in bassoon quartets is great on contra

The first point is actually somewhat debatable. Although it may be considered by some people that the fingerings are easier there are other points to take into consideration e.g. the flute using more air than any other orchestral instrument, which requires far greater emphasis on suitable breathing points but also restricts (at times) the ability to play the fast stuff - particularly when 'compared to the other three'.
There is never really any reason to moan about key position. If they are that difficult the instrument is badly designed and could be easily corrected by improving it - as the flute has been several times e.g. Boehm etc.
I fail to see how any contrabassoon playing could be construed as enjoyable, but thats just a personal preference - far better to stick with a hyper bass flute (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) .

Anyway, there is not much point in getting into this argument I just thought someone ought to contradict you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

i haven't flexed my arguing muscles for a while... and besides, i'm having fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

yes, a flute does use alot of air, but the air that gets into the instrument instantly produces a sound. the other three have a middle man - the reed - and so the air has to get the reed going, which then produces the sound. this isn't necessarily any slower - what is slower is getting a reed to change from one vibration to another (ie a change of note) - something a flute doesn't have to worry about.

my teacher's told me that boehm tried to make a bassoon with his idealistic fingering layout but it sounded horrendous and so he gave up. apparently the oboe didn't fare too well either - something about cross-fingerings not working very well...?

and the contrabassoon is brilliant! what's the problem with it? you can't help but smile when it's playing - we did a bit of tchaikovsky (valse des fleurs i think) and playing the little "did-dl-y-dum-dum" bits on a contra was great. ok, it sounded ridiculous - but that's all part of its charm (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

and is this what you mean? nicki_flute posted a pic on here a while ago, and, i have to agree, it does look pretty fun... no match for the contra, but hey, it's better than a piccolo... *runs away*

ANYWAY! back on topic.

as far as entry standards to music college goes, something that vast numbers of people on the forums say whenever grades are mentioned - there are many things that are far more important than grades in the real world. G8 distinction is a bonus, but your musicality is probably the most important thing, as well as your technical ability, ability to learn, eagerness, and, of course, if you're a nice person! so don't be too disheartened if you're not grade 8 on 30 instruments, there's much for to it.

if you want to do it, go for it!

[AmandaL]

also, "useful" isn't a brilliant reason to start a new instrument, especially with winds as they take considerably more work to get them sounding great than a violin for example (even though some say they're easier to start).

Oh Matt, you really are dropping yourself into the most awful hole by saying these things. You've already upset the flautists and now it's the violinists turn.

Have you ever played the violin yourself? Do you actually have experience of listening to violinists at various stages of their learning? If not, then I would be very careful when commenting on the subject of tone production.........

Heslop01,
Speaking as a professional musician, I know just how tough it is to get into music college and then come out the other end hoping you'll find work.

In order to play at Grade 8/DipABRSM standard - which is roughly what you would need to achieve to apply to a music college - requires hours of practice EVERY day. Perhaps three hours every day. This takes not only a huge committment, but good time management as well. Experience of playing in public is also something music colleges look for, so you will need to find a way of getting nerves under control in order to achieve this.

Minimum private practice at music college in your first year will be something like 21 - 24 hours per week, increasing to around 29 hours per week in the final year. This is in addition to all the orchestral and ensemble rehearsals, and the academic portion of the course. This is a daunting prospect even for the most dedicated students, but it can only be done by sticking to one or two instruments.

While I am far from someone to dampen enthusiasm for music, remember that you have your GCSE exams are not that far away and they will start to take up more of your time due to revision. You will need good grades in Music and English especially, if you wish to study music at A level, and go on to a degree in music.

If you start a new instrument right now, are you going to have to put it to one side very soon and may find that once you move on to 6th form you no longer have time to play? These are serious questions you need to ask yourself.

If you are really insistent on starting a new instrument and nothing will put you off, then the wise choice would be to hire an instrument until you are really sure you are going to be able to continue playing it. This is particularly so with the oboe. A beautiful instrument with a very wide range of expressive sound, but not cheap to buy and selling one is not always as easy as buying one.

I wish you good luck, whatever your decision.