New Instrument Options

[allison]

Hey guys... Just looking for some advice...I am Grade 6 piano standard... and thats it! I want to learn to play another instrument but im not sure what to go for! Any suggestions greatly appreciated!!

[sarah-flute]

I think you need to think about what sounds you like/dislike, what inspires you, what music you are drawn to... we can suggest till our heads drop off, but in the end you need to play something that you will want to practice, and our favourite instruments and the ones we play may not suit you at all!

Give us some clues, then we will be in a position to offer some constructive advice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[allison]

Hmm yeh ok thanks.. well I definately want to play an instrument that can be carried around... playing the piano is a bit limited! And im craving freedom!

I honestly dont know what to go for... erm... Violin sounds cool... but where would I find a violin teacher? Im 23 and work full time! - Feel like im a bit too old to start something new now!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[sarah-flute]

Violin is a good one, hard work esp at first but a lovely instrument. It's very portable!

Portability is key? I'd rule out cello/double bass/large brass - yes, they're portable, but they're mega heavy, and cello/bass are also bulky. (in my limited experience I have yet to pick up a brass instrument that hasn't felt heavy, but I guess cornets etc are less so!)

And it's not too late... never too late! Check out the Adult Learners' Forum

Something that inspires you and that you will want to play enough to get past the beginner, "Oh my word is that horrible noise me??" stage is imperative IMO.

edit: if you have friends who play or teach any instruments, or any possibility of trying different instruments, that might help too.

This post has been edited by sarah-flute: Jun 20 2006, 04:13 PM

[sbhoa]

And it's not too late... never too late! Check out the Adult Learners' Forum

And while you are there check out concert details on the pinned topic. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Welcome to the forum.

And to get back on topic.... choose an instrument you really like for whatever reason.
Have fun.

[bohemian]

Orchestral instrument maybe? Something which you can use in a variety of ensembles? Violin fits the bill quite nicely (good repertoire too) as do some wind instruments.

[Morgan's Munchkin]

Violin is good, but is pretty hard. I've been playing violoin for 6 years and flute for 1 year and am actually better at flute than violin. Most woodwind instruments (other than Bassoon and Sax) are very portable. My flute case normally just fits into my schoolbag.

[sarah-flute]

Violin is good, but is pretty hard.

Which instruments any one person will find easy or difficult is so subjective and personal that it's not really worth taking into account. Not to mention the fact that, frankly, they ALL get hard sooner or later.

[Nicia-Clarinet-Flute]

Violin is good, but is pretty hard.

Which instruments any one person will find easy or difficult is so subjective and personal that it's not really worth taking into account. Not to mention the fact that, frankly, they ALL get hard sooner or later.

Very True!!!! People say woodwind instrument are easy but when you get into higher grade theres still lots and lots to learn!! I've just started Violin and i'm really enjoying it but you NEED a good teacher!!!! who will teach you good technique! Good Luck enjoy your new instrument.

[sarah-flute]

People say woodwind instrument are easy but when you get into higher grade theres still lots and lots to learn!!

Yep, exactly. And easy compared with what, anyway? Easy compared with brain surgery, no doubt. But generally I think describing *any* instrument as "easy" is probably a fallacy... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) it's only easy as long as you're happy not being as good as you could be... once you decide you want to get as good as you can "easy" doesn't enter the picture! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[noodle]

All instruments are difficult in their own way. You have an advantage starting with the piano - whatever instrument you choose you will only have one stave to read. It's a bit more difficult for a violinist to take up the piano than the other way round. If I were you, I'd try violin, flute or clarinet. Like Sarah says, brass instruments are bulky, not to mention heavy and a cello isn't terribly portable.

It's never too old to start something new! I'm older than you and started learning sax a few months ago! As for finding teachers, ask in your local music shop for recommendations. If you live near a university, ask about lessons from music students.

Let us know what you choose! Good luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Rink]

Harmonica/harp/mouth organ/mississippi sax etc. etc

A ) Doesn't get much more portable than that
B ) Where would blues be without harmonica players!?!
C ) Fun to play
D ) Its just cooool...

[allison]

Ok thanks for all the advice guys... everyone seems so friendly here!

Well... im still thinking violin for some reason.... whats my next step? To buy one I suppose.... but I dont know whats good and whats not. hmmm. and i need a teacher... hmm. will visit my local music store, and ask my piano teacher about it.

Thanks again for the advice... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[sarah-flute]

Don't forget viola as well (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) though if you're attracted to the high sound of the violin it may not appeal.

What violin you should get depends on how much you are able to spend. If you have a music shop which does rentals then you might be able to rent one for a while to see how you get on. It's possible to get budget outfits eg Antoni (I think) for not very much, but you will outgrow them pretty quickly esp as an accomplished musician already.

If you're not 100% sure then a rental scheme might be a good start. Fellow adult beginners like katyjay and janexx among others may be able to tell you more about their experiences of starting off and buying violins as novices (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)