how did your child decide what instrument to play?

[Grumpy's Gal]

what instrument? how old were they when they started playing it? did they take lessons privately or in school? thanks!

 

[ceiligh1]

I dont think my son will have a choice. A couple years ago my DH spent way too much money on a basoon. He used to play in high school and college. He loved being unique I guess. Well he played in an orcastra (sp?) at his work for 2 years or so. Practiced once a week and played on the 4th of July ect. Well he decided he doesnt have time for it now so we have a basoon just waiting for someone to play it. I figure my DS can make use of it as DH has said he never wants to get rid of it.

 

[Barb D]

DD-almost-13 plays the viola. I recommended it because when I was in high school there was a shortage of violists, so I switched from cello to viola to help fill in the gap. There is still a shortage of violists, which gives DD some opportunities she might not have if she played a more popular instrument (say, the violin.)

String bass would be another good one for the same reason. Plus, the string bass can be played in the band. (The high school band director has already put in his bid for her to start playing bass before she gets to high school. I don't think she's interested.)

DS14 played his euphonium (baritone horn) for the last time yesterday. He doesn't have time in his schedule to do band any more. He picked it because it is easier than the trumpet (which he started with) and because - again - there is a shortage of euphonium players.

DD6 wants to play the piano just because she wants to. She tried a few lessons, and decided to "wait until I'm 7." We may wait a little longer than that. She will probably start a stringed instrument in 3rd grade, and may switch to a wind in 4th (the grades they start them in the schools here.)

 

[Jen_in_NH]

When I was in school, the middle school offered lessons and band, and coordinated instrument rentals. I chose flute, but it was a while ago, and I have no idea why. Dsis chose clarinet, only to not do what her sister was doing.

After middle school, lessons were on your own if you wanted to continue with them.

Jen

 

[disykat]

I taught my kids piano at home for two years - they had no choice, it was part of being in our family. Then in 5th grade when band/orchestra was starting, I told them the first two years was also a requirement in our family. They had a day at school where they talked about the instruments and let them try them out. Then the parents have a week or so to rent or obtain instruments before band starts.

My oldest went off to school the day they were to choose instruments hating me. He was determined he wasn't choosing anything. He fell in love at first sight with the trumpet and is now beyond his two years, taking private lessons, and living and breathing for band at school.

My younger son talked for two years about playing the saxophone. I was very surprised when he came home from school on instrument selection day assigned to the trombone. He was very excited because "he made the loudest sound of anyone!" He is just finishing his first year and still enjoys it - although he's not as enthusiastic (obsessed?) as my older son. I won't start him in private lessons unless he develops a passion for it, but I'm sure he'll continue with band at school.

Our kids have band or orchestra every day in 5th and 6th grade. I can't imagine anyone turning down the opportunity to learn an instrument (although people do) because if you don't take it you just have study hall. They even have some free rentals for people who can't afford instruments. It becomes an elective from 7th grade on.

edited to add - my son was "assigned" the trombone at his request. He was very excited because he made the loudest noise and totally forgot his sax ambitions at that moment. I realize from some responses that people had the impression he didn't get to choose. Sorry!

 

[Cindy B]

I dont think my son will have a choice. A couple years ago my DH spent way too much money on a basoon. He used to play in high school and college. He loved being unique I guess. Well he played in an orcastra (sp?) at his work for 2 years or so. Practiced once a week and played on the 4th of July ect. Well he decided he doesnt have time for it now so we have a basoon just waiting for someone to play it. I figure my DS can make use of it as DH has said he never wants to get rid of it.

My son is a woodwind player. (oboe). If you ever decide you may want to part with it, I may want to invest in it. He's an accomplished oboe player so the move to bassoon is really quick.

You can also sell them on ebay, music stores, or even to local schools.

 

[Cindy B]

My kids picked instruments this way.

At the end of 3rd grade, the outgoing 5th graders have a little "seminar" for students to learn band/orchestra instruments. We had a mini conference with the band teacher asking her what she needed since the 5th graders were leaving for middle school.

She told us and the 3rd graders during the seminar that the oboe is a rare instrument.

If the students dont have the instrument and don't play it, the band teacher would get up and play a scale or two for them.



My son picked oboe. Our district has a summer camp so he learned how to play and had a leg up when school started. (The camp is really affordable too--its $30 a week for three days a week)

He got so good he needed private lessons right away. He picked it up fast and got through the beginning book in about a month--this normally takes a year-two years to do! . He practiced like the dickens too! We are very fortunate that his primary private teacher (he has two) is around the block and is affordable! His secondary private teacher is a little further away-13 miles and the same price.

The private lessons helped him immensely. He got into the all district band in his first year and did that for two years. This year he didn't even need to audition for a state band festival. He's doing high school level stuff and he's in 5th grade. (going into 6th)

My daughter picked her instrument the same way--via the seminars and the band teacher. She picked the clarinet. She didn't want to do the oboe--which is good for my wallet! (The cost of owning two oboes is high!)
There are only 5 clarinet players in almost 100 kids next year. She picked up the clarinet easily, and can play a good portion of the beginning things right away. She won't need a private teacher right away, but we are budgeting for it!

 

[Cindy B]

My kids picked instruments this way.

At the end of 3rd grade, the outgoing 5th graders have a little "seminar" for students to learn band/orchestra instruments. We had a mini conference with the band teacher asking her what she needed since the 5th graders were leaving for middle school.

She told us and the 3rd graders during the seminar that the oboe is a rare instrument.

If the students dont have the instrument and don't play it, the band teacher would get up and play a scale or two for them.



My son picked oboe. Our district has a summer camp so he learned how to play and had a leg up when school started. (The camp is really affordable too--its $30 a week for three days a week)

He got so good he needed private lessons right away. He picked it up fast and got through the beginning book in about a month--this normally takes a year-two years to do! . He practiced like the dickens too! We are very fortunate that his primary private teacher (he has two) is around the block and is affordable! His secondary private teacher is a little further away-13 miles and the same price.

The private lessons helped him immensely. He got into the all district band in his first year and did that for two years. This year he didn't even need to audition for a state band festival. He's doing high school level stuff and he's in 5th grade. (going into 6th)

My daughter picked her instrument the same way--via the seminars and the band teacher. She picked the clarinet. She didn't want to do the oboe--which is good for my wallet! (The cost of owning two oboes is high!)
There are only 5 clarinet players in almost 100 kids next year. She picked up the clarinet easily, and can play a good portion of the beginning things right away. She won't need a private teacher right away, but we are budgeting for it!

 

[Simba's Mom]

DS picked his instrument (trumpet) this way-at the beginning of 6th grade, there was "instrument selection night", where band directors from different schools would be in his school auditorium, the kids would show up and go around to what they were interested in playing, then there was a music store for "rent to own" instruments. As we walked in, DS's best friend was coming out and said, "Hey, Matt, pick the trumpet! That's what I picked cuz it's really easy!" So of course, that's what Matt did. Within a couple years, he was taking private lessons, getting all-valley awards, etc. Fast forward 10 years-he just graduated from college with a degree in music (jazz), is giving lessons at a school near Dallas (well, he was until summer), is in a DFW area band, and played the "Star Spangled Banner" on his trumpet at the Flag Retreat Ceremony at DL all last summer. Andhis best friend-he gave up band by high school. The trumpet wasn't so easy after all! Thanks for letting me reminiss!

 

[Otto's Doll]

DD11 just finished her second year of Drum lessons at the school. They actually teach Percussion, so she is learning many different parts of the drum family, but has primarily used the Snare. DH is (as I type) unpacking the drum set we ordered for her birthday. She will be a 3rd year band player in the fall. Our school offers lessons once a week, and then she has band once a week as well. During the summer, the school offers free lessons too. She will be starting lessons at the local music store within the next few weeks, on the whole set, not just the snare.
Since 3rd grade she knew she wanted to play the drums. She wouldn't even put down a second choice. Our school takes on very limited new drummers each year, so she was ecstatic to be chosen as one of them.
I don't know what private lessons go for elsewhere, but a half hour session here is $18 per lesson.

 

[katerkat]

Pick a light instrument. My sister chose the cello. I chose a violin. Guess who has better arm muscles?

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I have always told my kids, if you are in band, I want you to play something I will be able to hear in the stands. If I'm freezing my rear end off at a football game I want to hear my kids' section. This rules out flute (which I played from grades 5-7).
DD#1 wanted to play trumpet. The instrument guy claimed her lips were a little too big to play it well . What did that mean for Louis Armstrong? Anyhow, he tried to steer her to the trombone but she had no interest. She picked the saxophone but only stuck with it one year. At our junior high, you can do two music programs. She did choir and band and liked choir a LOT better, plus it seems like the choir director often gives out important informatioin (concert info, signups for tech crew for the musical) on days when the band kids are gone, and forgets to say it again when the band kids are in the room. So she is just in choir now.
DD#2 wanted to play the drums and I am fine with it--I always wanted to play them like my favorite Monkee Micky Dolenz, but my mom wouldn't let me! She takes weekly lessons now, until school starts, then I'll see how the band instruction is--if it is a repeat of her lessons, I'll keep them up until they just start playing every day. They don't have many girl percussionists so I imagine it's an uphill battle--some bands just don't want girls playing drums, or just have them do the cymbals. She is also in choir though, so we'll see if she drops one or the other.
DS is already playing guitar so if he keeps with it (he's only 8) he'll probably just do choir.
Robin M.

 

[Evil Queen]

My son started at the start of 5th grade, at school. I am not sure why he picked the flute. Just came home asked if he could join band, and said he wanted to play the flute. He played in middle and high school. In high school he also learned how to play the Oboe.

 

[babytrees]

My DD's picked this way-- We were given a piano so both take piano lessons. Hubby had a cousin leave her flute with him for safe keeping 14 years ago....figured it's ours now!! He then got a baritone for a birthday gift about 5 years ago. Oldest went into band in 6th grade...which one do you want to play? She picked flute and picked it up fast!! First chair and started begging for a piccolo or other instrument at the beginning of 8th grade...still looking at prices.
Asked youngest at the beginning of 4th and she said baritone. She isn't liking it as well as her sister's choice. But I was recently told by my sister we could have her instrument(clarinet)....another option!! and a friend is looking to unload their bari sax. I find it's cheaper to buy the instrument because someone will pick it up around here!!

 

[Rikku]

A student should be allowed to choose their initial instrument. After learning on it from a time, they'll come to realize whether or not the instrument truly "fits" them. What I mean is depending on the child's size...physicality and the such certain instruments will fit some better than others.

Quite often a student will go through two or three before settling on the one that suits them the best.

However I feel learning piano or at least studying piano to a certain degree before beginning another instrument is a very good idea. It is the easiest one to learn basic reading of music...scales and theory.

 

[Tazicket]

I don't have kids, but I play the clarinet. I started in 6th grade when I was 11. I wanted to play oboe, but my Mom wouldn't let me start on oboe. She made me start with the clarinet, instead. Joke's on her though...when she tried to get me to switch to oboe, I didn't want to play it anymore because I enjoyed the clarinet so much!

I got into band because when I started middle school, they didn't have a full time chorus teacher, so the band teacher was doing chorus, too. He told me that I probably didn't want to do chorus with him teaching (b/c he can't sing!), but band was fun, too. He's now my orchestra director at church and he and his family are very dear friends.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

DD-almost-13 plays the viola. I recommended it because when I was in high school there was a shortage of violists, so I switched from cello to viola to help fill in the gap. There is still a shortage of violists, which gives DD some opportunities she might not have if she played a more popular instrument (say, the violin.)

I have a question.

What is the difference between a viola and a violin?

Is it sound--number of strings?

 

[Tazicket]

Violas are bigger. They are pitched one string lower than a violin which means violas can play lower than a violin and a violin will sound better in the really high notes than a viola.

Plus, violas burn longer. ha...ha... (That was contributed by DH who has a music degree.)

 

[Tigger&Belle]

At the beginning of 4th grade the band teacher shows the kids the instruments that they have to chose between. I think that they alre allowed to try them out because some kids are better suited for a particular instument. The kids then choose, but the band teacher has to agree. Our kids were allowed to choose what they wanted, except the younger kids were encouraged to take a different instrument than the older siblings so they wouldn't compare themselves, as long as that sibling was still playing. Now only my 12yo still plays.

As far as the band instruments, in the first year they could choose between flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. It opened up more the second year (maybe there were more the first year, but the band teacher discouraged real heavy instruments--ie, my sax playing son started out on clarinet). Strings were also offered, but my kids were not interested so I'm not sure if it was just violin at first.

We now own a trumpet which my DD used (which was my DH's), a trombone that my 15yo used, and a sax that my 12yo is using, so I guess that's what my 6yo will have to choose from when he gets to 5th grade.

 

[powellrj]

My younger son talked for two years about playing the saxophone. I was very surprised when he came home from school on instrument selection day assigned to the trombone. He was very excited because "he made the loudest sound of anyone!" He is just finishing his first year and still enjoys it - although he's not as enthusiastic (obsessed?) as my older son. I won't start him in private lessons unless he develops a passion for it, but I'm sure he'll continue with band at school.

.

When our oldest had instrument day, he was assigned the trumpet. He didn't want to play it (I can't remember now what he wanted to play), but they needed trumpets so thats what he had to play. He hated every minute of it. It was a long 3 years trying to get him to practice. Fast forward eight years later, DS #2 had wanted to play the saxophone for years. He comes home upset because he was assigned the trombone. I wasn't going to spend the next 3 years paying for an instrument and lessons he really had no interest in. We talked about what he wanted, and he told me he would love to play guitar. He loved to sit around the campfire at camp and listen to the guitar and sing. We called our local guitar shop that day, bought him a starter kit and started lessons. That was 5 years ago, and he still plays. He has played with our church praise band, and spends many hours playing for himself. He had to take general music because he wasn't in the band, but that turned out to be a wonderful thing. The first year his teacher was a young man who is married to a christian artist. He was a wonderful source of encouragment to him. He was able to show that kids what it takes to be a professional. He left the next year to manage her career. His next teacher LOVED Broadway and took them to several traveling shows. She gave him the lift he needed to start performing in school musicals himself! His next teacher was a true music teacher. She taught him all the theory that he hadn't learned earlier, while still showing him how to love music. I really wish we had given our oldest son the same chance we gave his brother. Instead of forcing him to play something he hated, I wish he could have learned to love music.