Hi all

I'm hoping for some opinions please

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 ) 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.

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!!)

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

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

andante_in_c - I will definately look into the fife. I think I have seen them at our local music shop. At that price I wouldn't mind buying her to *play* with at home anyway!

Maggiemay - I know the school does have recorders in groups. I think the problem is that Lauren isn't over enthuasistic about playing the recorder due to her current school not having very good tuition. Obviously this may change when she changes schools and they may be happy for her to continue with it. She has been finding the recorder slightly boring she likes playing it but is doing very basic music. If she was pushed on a bit I'm sure she'd love it a bit more!

George Burrell - now I had NEVER considered trumpet! Not sure what she thinks of that.

Thank you so much for your thoughts on this, I don't want to make her to make the wrong decision! I play many instruments but didn't find the 'right' one for me until two years ago (flute) so hopefully we can find the right one for her easier.

Sarah

I'll add a somewhat biased vote for cello. My piano-playing son had to choose a string instrument to learn in year 4 (the school give 2 terms of group string tuition as part of curriculum, sort of instead of recorder, to give everyone a taster. Hats off to the school for this, as it would have never crossed my mind for him to learn another instrument). I tried to steer him to violin for practical reasons, but he chose cello and has loved it, both for its own qualities and that he can join the orchestra and play in ensembles. Strangely, he practises piano more, but is more talented at cello. If asked he says he prefers cello.

Son's string coordinator reckons that year 4 is around the latest you should ideally start a string instrument, whereas wind instruments are easier to start later (especially if you already play one or two other instruments).

In hindsight I'd say advantages of cello over violin are that: it's an easier playing position; it balances on a spike so is more stable; fingers aren't as crammed together; nicer sound (subjective of couse); in general, children seem to start cello later than violin so won't feel 'behind' begining in year 4; orchestras still need lots of cellos; and finally, in your case, it doesn't have the 'history' that the violin might have.

All that said, if your daughter really wants flute, you should try & facilitate that somehow. A real desire to learn a given instrument has got to be the most important thing.

QUOTE

She has been finding the recorder slightly boring she likes playing it but is doing very basic music. If she was pushed on a bit I'm sure she'd love it a bit more!

Ah yes - I see. I can understand that. Lauren already reads music, but most of the others probably don't. It can be pretty uninspiring in its early stages! - and boring if you can see you could be on page 35 and you're having to wait for everyone else who's on page 7!

I would guess if she hears it played well by slightly older children she might be inspired and have a whole new feel about it!

I too wondered about 'cello by the way! If Lauren is confident on piano, she can already read the bass clef so that's one hurdle over!

Maggie

sax obviously

I quite fancy having a go on a cello myself

Perhaps the school will have different instruments available for her to try (being a music school I would think it likely). I don't want her to have to make a decision without 'having a go'.

Thanks once again for all your comments, it has really helped me see what is available and advisable for her age.



Sarah

i would sugest a strings instrument particurly violin or cello if she was looking for a simple concept of understanding yet challenging to play well however if she has a scholardhip wich she does as u said i would say oboe or another double reed instrument as they present a challange and offer a significant chance of playing proffessionaly

Do take her desires seriously- it took me three years at that age to persuade my parents flute lessons were not an acceptable substitute for harp lessons!

As the school wishes her to take up a new instrument surely the school can arrange (soon) a consultation with their flute teacher to see if your daughter can hold the instrument (straight or curved head joint) or is likely to grow into it soon after a brief period on fife. It is worth getting a professional evaluation. I know I took up flute as a small 8 year old without problems.

The other thing to do is ask both the school and your county music agency if they anticipate any major shortages in orchestral instruments among her age group (harp, oboe, bassoon, lower brass...) and see if any of those appeal to your daughter.

QUOTE (clarinetlover @ Apr 28 2005, 03:13 PM)

sax obviously

yes sax!!! its great