Harp as second instrument? Or viola…

Seems to me you’re getting ahead of yourself with ideas of competing for places. Beginner orchestras accommodate everyone. She isn’t auditioning for an advanced ensemble yet - if ever. Can’t she just enjoy taking part?

Certainly some instruments are quicker to get started with than others. Violin / viola are not quick starts.

What instruments interest her? Can she try out a few?

Does she want to play in an orchestra?

Harp was my second instrument (although I wasn’t particularly good at either that or piano!)! There was a harp ensemble at my school which was lovely to play in. The harp is a beautiful instrument.

I just saw your last post but was also going to say that percussion is the natural choice for many pianists, but if she’s not keen then that’s fine!

I definitely wouldn’t recommend flute or clarinet as they are super popular but only 2-4 slots in an orchestra, compared to 20+ for violins.

The least popular or “endangered” instruments will give her the most opportunities. These are oboe, bassoon, horn, trombone, viola, double bass.

Of these I’d say viola will give her potential access to the widest range of classical repertoire - orchestral and chamber - she could play in string quartets for example.

Oboe, bassoon and horn are all difficult instruments, really come into their own in the orchestra (beautiful solo moments in classical and romantic repertoire) and highly sought after, not as much chamber music but still some gems.

Trombone and bass are versatile in that they are also in jazz, swing bands etc but less fulfilling in terms of orchestral music id say (possibly same for viola).

Maybe let her try out a few and see what attracts her?

There are many fewer places for wind instruments in an orchestra but there’s a lot of wind or concert bands around which are just woodwind and brass.

viola is harder than violin initially because you need to learn alto clef as well.

Is this her dream or yours?

I play viola, having switched from flute. It’s fab, would highly recommend. Yes, we’re the butt of jokes, but it’s all good natured really! Lots more opportunities on viola than on many other instruments. Having said that, if your daughter doesn’t enjoy viola, then she won’t get the most out of it no matter how many opportunities there are!

My new favourite instrument is the piccolo, having heard one played so beautifully at a concert recently, it was a real 'moment'. How would she feel about woodwind/flute? Portable, beautiful, practical for orchestral ambitions.?

The thing about less competition etc is sort of true - but don’t forget that the average orchestra needs a lot more violins than violas anyway! Either would be great and allow her to play in chamber groups as well as orchestras.

But is there a big band or similar for which she could play the piano? That would be very sociable for her too

The problem with harps is you also need an estate car...

I play viola and it has given me lots of opportunities. We viola players are only the butt of jokes as the other musicians are jealous of our sociable spirit and lack of intra-section competition!

Harp isn’t really an orchestral instrument.

i play viola. I like it.

what does your daughter want to play? Most orchestras need loads of violins, a few cellos and violas and some woodwind and brass.

alternatively she could take up a brass instrument and play in a brass or military band.

orchestras vary in how sociable they are.

My vote (which I acknowledge is worthless to you) would be cello, because it sounds so beautiful. But they are also large!

If your dd loves the harp she should go with that and you will inevitably figure out a way to manage the practicalities.

I am friends since adolescence with classical musicians who play in orchestras. Viola players are always the butt of every joke. Am not sure why tbh, but they are; maybe it is similar to drummers often getting roasted. So your dd may have to contend with that if she chooses viola.

Harp definitely feels like another solo instrument. Not many orchestral pieces need one. Also a complete pain to transport (my friend's DD plays one). For orchestral, I'd go for a string instrument, you need lots more of them than wind/brass so much more chance of getting into local orchestras, Uni orchestras and also professional ones. Viola is a common second instrument for pianists as is usually the most in demand.

It's true about viola but she will be up against people switching across from
Violin. Still, I agree viola is much more practical than harp.
Cello is also a good choice if she likes it. Double bass too, and always in demand but similar size and transport issues to harp.