Good second instrument?

T.i.p.s.y · Post by **T.i.p.s.y** » Tue May 11, 2010 12:34 pm

My son has been playing the flute from the age of 8 and is small. His feet would have been about size 1 at that age and he has never had any problems. If anything, he chose it because it was a light instrument and does not take much effort to hold!

There is always the piccolo which is much smaller but students tend to learn the flute and move onto the piccolo although I'm sure it makes no difference.

Amber · Post by **Amber** » Tue May 11, 2010 2:55 pm

she's ten she has very small hands (and feet - size 1!)

Not sure about the hand thing, but I believe she might still manage the flute even with size 1 feet.

Post by **mitasol** » Tue May 11, 2010 3:04 pm

Perhaps consider joining the Royal Phootharmonic Orchestra?

Sorry!

Sherwood · Post by **Sherwood** » Tue May 11, 2010 4:44 pm

mitasol wrote:Perhaps consider joining the Royal Phootharmonic Orchestra?
Sorry!

Tee hee. Yes, doubt the feet will have an impact. But have just remembered my mum has a clarinet, so that might make the decision for us!

Minesatea · Post by **Minesatea** » Tue May 11, 2010 5:24 pm

My DD took up the clarinet aged 7 (not very big either size 2 feet at 10) and has managed fine. I talked to the school when she wanted to start and they arranged for the teacher to assess her with the instrument to check her finger span before we committed to the lessons. Neck straps are also now available for clarinets to take some of the weight off little thumbs, which has also been a great help.

Muggle · Post by **Muggle** » Tue May 11, 2010 10:15 pm

My DD started learning the flute in September, she is a petite 8 year old. She has made very good progress and really enjoys playing her flute.

You can get curved flutes specially designed for youngsters who don't have sufficient reach, but my DD is happy with a standard flute and doesn't have any difficulty, she is able to fluently play all the notes.

Good Luck with your choice of instrument. I thoroughly recommend the flute, it sounds lovely right from the very first lessons!

ourmaminhavana · Post by **ourmaminhavana** » Wed May 12, 2010 3:00 pm

Thanks for that ebf3. Are you a music teacher by any chance?

ebf3 · Post by **ebf3** » Wed May 12, 2010 9:13 pm

However did you guess...
(Actually I'm general primary, but specialise in music - and I play the tuba, so I know a lot about brass instruments).

ourmaminhavana · Post by **ourmaminhavana** » Wed May 12, 2010 9:20 pm

Amazing powers of deduction, hey?

No, genuinely, it was very useful to discover that the skills were transferable.

Now what instrument do I choose for DD, 4. She wants the piano as DS plays it and we have one, but I guess her hands are too little?

sherry_d · Post by **sherry_d** » Wed May 12, 2010 10:44 pm

OurMami do you have a piano or keyboard that your DC's practice at home? My DD does singing and she really wants to learn a piano but I keep putting it on hold because I am thinking we may need one at home too. Our music school doesnt do piano lessons so it will be done privately. I dont want to buy a piano until she has made up her mind that she really wants to do it but one teacher I contacted said its really best to have one at home too. The cheapest used one I found was about Â£450 and I dont think my neighbours will be very pleased with the noise.