Hello everyone
! I was hoping to ask some expert opinions as to what you think would be easier to learn - clarinet or flute? I am 30 and very briefly tried to play the clarinet and then the flute when I was in school aged 11 and probably around 13 ish, but was put off very early by my school's insistence on my joining the orchestra both times (despite only knowing 3 notes!). Rather than leave orchestra, I just quit the instruments altogether as I was terrified and used to just sit there pretending to play all the while having no idea what I was doing.

Now I would like to take one of them back up again, but I can't decide which. I like the sound of both instruments and don't recall one being easier or harder than the other (although I didn't get very fair with either so who knows?!).

I have a Buffet B12 clarinet in pretty good condition and a Boosey and Hawkes flute in not so good condition (probably needs a service and all new pads). Both are second hand. If I stick to the flute I will probably get a new one (probably a TJ10X). I have a lesson booked with a teacher of both instruments, so I will also ask his advice but I was wondering if anyone here could give me any reasons that you would think would make one "easier" to learn than another?

Thanks

I'm not sure it really matters which you pick in the great scheme of things. Which is easier will to some extent depend on you - my son still can't get a note out of a flute despite having a diploma for clarinet.
One of his friends got on very easily with flute but found the clarinet embouchure difficult.

I suggest you look at the repertoire for both instruments and decide from that. For instance, if jazz appeals clarinet might be better as there are probably more openings for that than for flute.

I play neither - however, I do note that many clarinet players I know spend an inordinate amount messing with reeds and being annoyed because of reeds. If you really can't choose based on anything else, maybe that is something else to consider too.

Since you have the instruments already, could you go for a trial lesson on each and decide which you prefer?

I couldn't get a note out of a flute when I tried (not with the intention of learning anyway) but got started on clarinet with relative ease. Which is easier depends on the person and there will be a point with either (if you continue long enough) when the going gets tougher however 'easy' it was to get started.

@cornefa..... messing with reeds....

I play both instruments. Both have their easier and not so easy aspects : I found it easier to get an acceptable sound to start with on the clarinet, and also found the posture rather easier. Once you're going on the flute though, a lot of the basics will fall into place with practice (and good guidance). Ultimately, it should then really be down to which one you enjoy most, and only you'll know the answer to that question.

Thanks everyone for your sensible responses I will have a look at the repertoires and ask my tutor. I'll take both instruments with me and see how I go. I'll probably end up playing cello now after all this!

May I just add that the length of time taken to produce the first note is no indicator of long-term success - I know someone who took several weeks to make a sound who then went on to win a gold medal at the Royal College of Music and is now a professional player.

yes I'll vote for cello

Yes, I've noticed the reed problem. It seems to annoy saxophone players too. From that point of view flutes must have the advantage.

Me too!

Or why not try both for a while and see how it goes? I play a little sax, and found it very tiring when I first started, so you'll need to build up stamina anyway, and will only be able to play both instruments for a short time at the start. You could use that period to try both for, say, 30 minutes a day, and then perhaps one will just grab you more than the other.

Hi whiby and

to the forums.

I have to endorse what andante_in_c says - it took me a while to get a sound out of a flute when I first picked it up as an adult learner. But now Grade 6 is on the agenda (gulp!)

It really is down to personal preference. Follow your heart.

I always thought that in the long run every instrument is difficult to master.

Other factors are more important:

1. Which one produces sounds that you prefer ?
2. Which you prefer the tactile experience of playing ?
3. Which has repertoire that you enjoy more ?
4. If you have plans to play in an orchestra or chamber group, then which is more likely to be needed ? (Answer: Probably neither, as they are both very popular instruments. Oboe, cor anglais, or bassoon might then be better choices amongst the woodwind instruments)
5. Or are you aiming to play in a rock, pop or jazz ensemble - in which case either is possible (Thijs van Leer, Ian Anderson) but Clarinet might be a better choice as preparation for learning Saxophones later.


[Personal confession: I found Clarinet quite easy, up to Grade 5 where I stopped, but I have yet to figure out how to get a note out of a flute!! B ut I hated all the faffing about with reeds]

Thanks everyone! I'm loving how friendly people are here! Thank you

Make sure that the teacher is a specialist in whichever instrument you decide to focus on. There are a few teachers around who do genuinely have a specialist knowledge of multiple wind instruments - but the majority have specialised in one and play/teach the others (or attempt to do so!) without having the same level of expertise. With wind instruments, it is possible for a decent musician to get to a reasonably high standard whilst playing incorrectly - and such teachers then pass on bad technique to students. I have seen a lot of people who have learnt flute from clarinet specialists (who may well have grade 8 flute as well) and who have had significant technical problems which their teachers have been unaware of. I am sure that the same applies in reverse.

You may need to let the availability of teachers decide your instument for you. In some areas it can be very difficult to find teachers for some instruments e.g. specialist flute teachers are like gold dust in my area (and I had problems finding a violin teacher with spaces available), but there are swarms of clarinet and piano teachers. In a different area you might find it harder to get a specialist clarinet teacher.

I agree that it's best to have a specialist teacher from the start. Son learnt saxophone with a clarinet teacher for several years, and had to have his embouchure sorted out completely by his specialist saxophone teacher.

Clarinets are around in force in wind bands (they act much like violins do in an orchestra). Up to fifteen clarinets in such groups is not uncommon