2nd Instrument For Piano Playing Child... Options

[wangle99]

Hi all

I'm hoping for some opinions please :D

My daughter who is 7 (nearly 8) has just got a music scholarship to a local independent school. Part of the scholarship deal is next year when she is in Year 4 she starts a second instrument (she currently plays piano (main instrument) and also plays recorder but is going to drop that in preference for something else).

We aren't really sure what instruments to look at - she was keen on a flute but she really doesn't have the hand span (she's quite petite).

Can you suggest anything - clarinet perhaps? I really can't think of anything else!

Thank you

Sarah

[fluteandbassoon]

Saxophone, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Cornet, Oboe, Viola...

There's a few. :) what type of instruments does she like? woodwind/brass

[music monkey]

Hi Sarah -

How about violin or cello. My daughter started learning piano at first and then wanted to learn a second instrument and it was suggested that
she learn violin.

Her piano teacher then and her teacher now both thought it would be good for her listening skills and also useful for understanding and
interpreting music. It has been a good choice - she enjoys playing the violin and loves playing in orchestras, but piano is still her first love.

[purple dolphin]

Clarinet...definetely. If she plays and likes the recorder already then she will adore it. Has she got her adult front teeth? That would be the only possible thing to hold her vack if she hasn't.

[Hulk]

I suggest a woodwind instrument, clarinet is a good option, obviously I'm going to be bias as I play mainly woodwind instruments but clarinet is a very versatile, beautiful instrument. The clarinet is easier than the piano (trust me, I know :lol: ) and I assume your daughter has musical talent if she received a scholarship, and so the chances are she will progress quite quickly on clarinet.

So yes, clarinet, or at least a woodwind instrument.

Hulk.

[frances]

Just posted under the wrong name! I'm the one with the daughter who plays the piano -not music monkey !(she's the piano playing daughter!!)

[wangle99]

Thank you - I knew I could rely on some inspiration here! :D

She did start playing the violin when she was younger however I was totally unhappy with the violin teacher and after a disagreement we decided it would be better for her to stop playing.

She does have her adult front teeth (just!) so perhaps the clarinet would be a good option. I might take her to the music shop to have a look and see what she thinks. Although she doesn't have to start playing it till next year I wouldn't mind getting her one to have here to fiddle with. Hmmm perhaps I'll mention the violin to her to see if she hasn't been scarred for life by her previous teacher!

Thank you ever so much, I couldn't think of any instruments but clarinet and piano lol!

Sarah

[Decibel]

If she has small hands I would have thought any wind instrument would be a problem. The violin is at least available in small sizes (from 1/4 size). Another suggestion - start on the piccolo and graduate to the flute later - you would have to take advice about this though. Good luck.

[Cyrilla]

Why is she giving up the recorder? It is, contrary to popular belief, a 'proper' instrument which can be studied at conservatoire level. (Have you ever heard Piers Adams play??) If she has small hands then she could manage descant now and treble a little later on (the main examination/recital instrument).

[andante_in_c]

Has she tried a flute to see if she can reach? I have an exceedly small right hand span and flute has never been a problem. If the stretch for the arms is too big she could start with a curved headjoint.

[all ears]

Are you limited to instruments offered by your daughter's school? If not, consider traditional music instruments or band instruments as well as orchestral instruments.

Also, would your daughter enjoy a "melody" instrument or a "harmony" instrument more? If she is interested in making up accompaniments to things or singing in parts, maybe she would enjoy an instrument which has a strong role in orchestral harmony.

[wangle99]

Decibel - The piccolo had been mentioned at our local music shop so perhaps this would be an option. She did desperately want to learn flute.

Cyrilla - The school 'presumed' she would give up on the recorder. Silly question 'Do recorders play in orchestras?' as they want her to play in the school orchestra. Wondered if that was anything to do with it.

andnata_in_c - We have tried the flute (I play it myself) and she just couldn't hold it properly (we also never managed to get a note of it although I realise I am not a teacher and possibly not the best person to try with!)

all_ears - I don't think we are limited at all, she is able to choose any instruments she wishes to play. She changes between preferring melody and harmony.

We are lucky not to have to choose now, we know people who play the clarinet so she can have a look and a play with one of those, now to find someone with a piccolo, cello and of course a violin again!

Thank you ever so much for you help.

Sarah

[andante_in_c]

Sarah - if your daughter is really keen on the idea of playing the flute, it would be better to start her off on the Yamaha fife rather than the piccolo. The fife is cheap (around £10), plastic and about the size of the descant recorder. Together with the Liz Goodwin fife book it makes an excellent introduction to flute, as the embouchure and fingerings are identical. It also promotes a good sound when the switch to full-size flute is made, as the fife is less forgiving of an incorrect embouchure.

I've recently started teaching a small 8-year-old this way, having received recommedations of the fife from other flute teachers, and I love it.

The fife and book are available together in a pack for around £15 from here.

[maggiemay]

QUOTE

The school 'presumed' she would give up on the recorder.

I do think that's a shame. Could it be that they teach recorder anyway, and it would happen (in groups) irrespective of any other instrument she chooses to start ?

If your daughter has enjoyed recorder I would feel like chasing that one with the school, make the point that she would be sorry to give it up, and ask if they don't have an early music group - ensemble playing with recorders and other early instruments can be tremendous fun. Doesn't preclude playing in the orchestra (or shouldn't!) on her second intrument.

Good luck with the second intrument choice. Sounds as if the possibities are wide open right now. Hope she continues to enjoy her music.

Maggie

[George Burrell]

QUOTE (all ears @ Apr 27 2005, 11:43 PM)

Are you limited to instruments offered by your daughter's school? If not, consider traditional music instruments or band instruments as well as orchestral instruments. Also, would your daughter enjoy a "melody" instrument or a "harmony" instrument more? If she is interested in making up accompaniments to things or singing in parts, maybe she would enjoy an instrument which has a strong role in orchestral harmony.

I would think that with piano (an excellent accompaniment / harmony instrument) that a versatile instrument with solo potential would be worth a thought.

Flute, violin and trumpet would be among the first I would personally consider.