INSTRUMENTS

This is true :)

Yes - but only just, at 13. I have a 13 yr old and a 16 yr old (who has been motivated enough to teach herself guitar at 15/16). They change HUGELY over those teen years.

My point is, at 13, she is still keen to go to lessons and learn a new instrument, and will presumably have time to have plenty of opportunities to play in wind bands or sting groups or full orchestras now and may still take up guitar or singing quite easily when she's older, but far fewer adults (or older teens) take up an instrument they need lessons for, later in life. So the most logical route (for me) is to go with flute or violin or viola or clarinet (or even some brass?) now, as both singing and guitar are more likely to be picked up, independently when she is older.

Just my opinion of course

she can easily pick up guitar (even from internet lessons) in her teens if she wishes to,

but she is in her teens, isn't she?

As the piano is not really an instrument dc get to play in an orchestra or band with, then I'd certainly go for strings or a wind or brass instrument to give her the chance to get to that level.
As she can read music, she can always sing, at any age and anywhere. I would really not go for lessons at this stage. Same with guitar really - she can easily pick up guitar (even from internet lessons) in her teens if she wishes to, and, indeed, can combine that with a bit of singing, but at this stage, I'd go for an instrument she can enjoy with others
It might depend on what tuition is available ? Use that as a starting point if she has no particularly strong feeling about one instrument or another.

I'm liking the viola love-in going on here! I've had so many opportunities that I don't think I'd have got playing the violin. Plus it's a far nicer instrument anyway

Dd's violin teacher said the same about viola JulieMichelleRobinson
she will always be in demand for orchestras and things

Why that list - what about something like a clarinet - more opportunities for different types of music than a flute.

Dd (10) has grade 3 piano and took to the clarinet like a duck to water.

I have always loved the viola sound...
DS plays drums and piano and I would not recommend the combination unless she was crazy about percussion. Why? Major transportability issues!!

This may be of interest (and indeed the whole series - intros to instruments from the London Phil):

I love JulieMichelle's description of the viola sound - I think that's spot on! In the most junior string orchestra at our local music centre there are no viola players but the violin teacher plays it for their concert pieces. This was DS2's first encounter with viola and he was very taken with the sound. If he ever wants to add a second stringed instrument to cello, I will definitely suggest to him that he at least considers the viola (his other interest is double bass and I can't see where we're going to store one of those!) His interest in music is mainly orchestral whereas his brother is keen on rock and jazz as well, which suits his percussion/bass guitar bias! So, it really does depend on what kind of music the child wants to play, I think.

It may partly depend what her favourite types of music are, and then select the instrument accordingly.

Most of the woodwind use similar fingerings, so flute could lead on to saxophone.

Also brass instruments, though different in size and range, have similar 'blowing' characteristics (though not identical).

Haha I hadn't read Worried's post when I wrote that.

VIOLA!!!!!

Because it's only marginally bigger than a violin (you can get small ones, though) and not as popular, so she will always be in demand for orchestras and things. It will also annoyingly force her to learn alto clef, which she'll need for grade 5 theory anyway. But as a violinist-who-plays-viola-a-lot I love the sound it makes and the instrument is deeply underrated. I think you need to hear someone play it well to appreciate the surprising depth of tone - it's like a violin with added gravy.

There is viola as well...

What an interesting theory foolonthehill!

If she's a singer, guitar is the obvious choice. Plus it does not take much work for a teen who already plays an instrument to be able to play simple guitar pieces - my daughter started guitar at 11 (second instrument) and was able to play simple song accompaniments, while singing, within a week.

The learning curve for the other instruments you mention, except perhaps flute, will be much longer. So it depends on her motivation and patience.

Purely on the practicalities - if your daughter is interested in cello, get a case with wheels. (A tip from a friend with a cello playing teenager!) My DS2 is younger and plays piano and cello and loves both. The advantage of the instruments you mentioned is ensemble playing and that's something he has definitely experienced with cello. DS1 plays flute and drums so usually only has to worry about sticks or a small case but he also loves bass guitar, which has meant a case with rucksack-style straps! But I would really echo the PP and say let her try out a few instruments and see what really appeals to her.

I would recommend violin as is portable and if she gets the hang of it will be able to play in orchestras etc.
I had great summers with county youth orchestras including tours in europe etc. LOTS of girls play the flute which can make it hard to get into anything. And orchestras will have 3 flute spots as opposed to up to 36 violin places.
I think flute easier than violin tho. Cello good but is big and bulky and expensive to buy a decent one.

How about guitar? It's reasonably transportable.

My DD plays guitar and it's great because she can play in the bands both at school and at the local music group. Playing with other people has brought her music along massively.

Does she have any personal preference? Is she even likely to need to take said instrument on the school bus? If yes go with the voice, flute or violin as cellos and drum kits are a nightmare for transportation. My DS is 7 and we've had to buy a bigger car because he decided he had to play the cello and it simply didn't fit in my previous, little economical run around!

the best instrument to play is the one you fall in love with..............hours of practice need to be self motivated especially as Y9/10/11 pass by with the higher expectations of study, revision and exams. For DD to feel motivated and to make progress it has to feel like a break from work rather than drudgery. Playing with a friend definitely helps.

has she been to see and hear lots of different instruments? You will probably find she is drawn to a particular type.

Sometimes it is said that tactile people have an aptitude for strings whilst more "oral" children (mouthy babies) tend towards woodwind and the bashers make percussionists...PhDs have been done on this stuff.....not sure how much I believe it!

Bass is a highly transferable instrument...double bass in orchestra, jazz, pop, folk, bass guitar (similar technique and smaller) in bands. Inconvenient to transport a traditional but electric and stick basses work well.

Queen you are right, my DH is in a band and says good drummers are hard to find.

How about guitar?

How about guitar?

I have a 10 yo drummer too- he loves it. We have an electronic set do it isn't too noisy with headphones on, however it isn't exactly portable .

I think that drummers who have been taught to play properly tend to be in demand as they get older as there aren't many of them!