Hello,

I have joined this forum in the hope that someone will be able to give me some ideas.

I would love to learn an instrument, but really have no idea where to start. I am not even sure what instrument would suit me, how to get said instrument, find out about lessons or groups to join. I really am back to basics.

I played the descant and treble recorder as a child and was a member of a pretty good recorder group. I really enjoyed playing in the group up until a teenager when I let myself become embarrassed by others' teasing about the recorder being a particularly uncool instrument.

Anyway, as i said I am keen to learn something new but don't know where to start. I suppose I am leaning towards a woodwind instrument because of my recorder playing, but have no idea which one. Also, I am guessing that the cost is likely to be high. Can you rent instruments so as to find out what suits you? Is there a library you can go to to try things out?

Any advice or suggestions would be great.

Thanks,

Victoria

Hello Victoria,

Welcome to the Forums. I think you might find it interesting to read The Right Instrument for your Child by Atarah Ben Tovim and Douglas Boyd, published by Gollancz. Don't be put off by the title, it's got lots of interesting ideas about which instrument is likely to suit particular types of people. It considers instruments in terms of their physical, mental and emotional demands, and might help you to focus your ideas.

Good luck!

Hello,

Thanks for that. I'll see if I can get hold of a copy for some ideas.

Cheers,

Victoria

Have you thought of singing?

I hated singing (and was really bad at it) - & I so hated the fact that you have to sing in all the AB instrumental exams that I took lessons and now I'm on the exam trail in that too. And there's no need to buy or hire an instrument. Singing lessons would never be wasted if you gave up and tried another instrument, if you intend to take AB exams.

OOh - nope. Singing never crossed my mind - probably for good reason!
Thanks though.

What sound(s) capture your imagination?? IMO that's the place to start - "oooh, I want to make a sound like that!"

What is IMO?

I love the sound of the clarinet, but don't think it is for me. My sister played it and i could never get a sound out of it.

Sorry - in my opinion

Deleted

Doh! Sorry about that.

All great advice - thank you!

You can rent instruments by the way

Yes - Nicki is right. That's a great idea.

Welcome to the boards anyway!

Hello Victoria, and welcome to the forums

If you still like the sound and feel of the recorder, you'll be in good company if you were to take it up again. It's a very popular instrument amongst members of this forum - have a look at this pic of the recorder consort at the forum concert at Chester in January, and many members play with the SRP as well, it's a very sociable instrument.





If you like the sound and feel of the clarinet, don't let the fact that you initially couldn't get a sound out of it put you off! Neither could I when I first started, but it's all to do with the breathing. A teacher would be able to get you to breathe correctly so that you can make a noise - and eventually a nice noise!

Local music shops will normally rent out second-hand instruments, and offset the cost against the purchase cost if you eventually buy.

Do get a teacher as soon as you get an instrument - have a look at the music teachers web site. Finding the right teacher is a topic in itself - better come back to us on that one once you've got a bit further down the line

Welcome to the forums Victoria.

I agree with all those who've said above that a good place to start would be on which instrument(s) you like the sound of.

With the clarinet, I wouldn't worry unduly if you don't get a sound first time - I certainly didn't. I failed to get a sound until the very end of my first lesson (and now I'm a clarinet teacher....).

I would certainly recommend getting yourself a teacher, to at least make sure you're doing things the right way. It's a lot easier to play correctly from the word 'go', rather than to have to correct long-term faults in your playing (whether you pick the clarinet or anything else).

I hope you find the right instrument for you, and I hope you have a wonderful time playing it.

I wouldn't worry about not getting a note out - thats all the fun of learning - if people did play instruments because they thought they would never get a note out - i think none of us would be playing.
With a bit of practice and dedication you will be surprised what you get, and you will be in for so much enjoyment.

Finding a good reputable teacher is also essential as there are alot of bad teachers out there all with the best intentions but not always the best knowledge!

I would agree about the recorder - wonderful, versatile and extremely sociable instrument!

If it's any help, the fingering system on the saxophone has similarities to that of the recorder and is a wonderful sounding instrument. Lots of people tell me they wish they played the sax... But I totally agree that you need to fall in love with the sound of the instrument that you're going to play and then just have a go! Good luck!