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Is 12 too late to start an instrument from scratch?

52 replies

Dancergirl · 04/07/2015 12:30

Dd is 12 and just finishing Year 7.

She's tried recorder and piano in the past but gave them up. A lot of her friends play musical instruments and I've suggested maybe she takes up something new but both she and I are unsure which instrument.

She is a bit unsure about it all but I know dd, she needs lots of encouragement and I think as long as it's the right instrument for her, I think she would really enjoy it.

I'm just worried that 12 is late to start when lots of other dc her age are already at a high grade or starting a second instrument or whatever. I know it's not a competition but I don't want her to be daunted or put off.

I'm musical myself - I played the piano from about age 8 which was ok but I found it very solitary, and then started clarinet at secondary which I loved and enjoyed ensemble playing.

I thought dd should maybe consider a more unusual instrument as there is more demand for them but she's very small physically so it's got to something she could manage size wise.

Any ideas?

OP posts:
insanityscatching · 04/07/2015 12:38

Dd is 12 and has been having piano lessons for about 9 months now, she's enjoying it very much. I never considered her ability compared to others tbh, it was something she wanted to do for pleasure. As it is quite a few of her friends started instrument lessons when starting secondary so I don't think it's that unusual really.

LibrariesGaveUsPower · 04/07/2015 12:36

I was about to suggest woodwind or brass. Many of those are generally started later. I started flute in year 7 (many moons ago)

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