how many instruments are too many.

[morethanpotatoprints]

Ok, so if money, time, school, work, sanity and other restrictions don't apply how many musical instruments would be too many?

My dd wants to play 6, she plays 4 at present. I don't have a reasonable answer as to why she shouldn't but I'm sure there must be one.

Obviously I know about getting good on one etc, but this doesn't seem to be a problem either.
I am not trying to "blow own trumpet" here but she can get to about grade 3 standard in about a month or two.

Can anybody think of a reason why not? Or knows other dc who have been like this, she is 9

[BeckAndCall]

Sounds like you've reached a good resolution and it came about naturally - sometimes the right answer just becomes apparent doesn't it?

[morethanpotatoprints]

BeckAndCall.

Exactly, no arguments or having to say no. That was my main problem. If she ever becomes famous, not that the riches usually follow, I will remember you.

[Theas18]

Hmm we seem to have a "lot" of instruments here...

But for a child who has a musical interest I think piano and singing are the bedrock of a musical education. My gut feeling is something around grade 5 standard in both is worth pursuing ( though clearly you don't have to take the exams!). That allows you to sing pretty much anything to get the " sound" of it in your head from the look on the page, and sight read anything and play through your accompaniment a bit and understand what it's up to. You also have enough vocal and piano skills to busk, play with mates in a bar or mess etc

Other instruments... Mine have all had recorder as first study. They were good and have the best teacher so dropping it as "proper instruments" (blows big raspberry that's not my phrase) came along wasn't really contemplated. The girls did clarinet (Dd1 has dropped it like a hot potato on leaving school as she never liked it, it was a means to orchestral playing for her!) and DS for some reason (probably being big for his age at primary) ended up with a french horn but also has a cornet and a trumpet (they are mine) that he plays.

Russians I'm so heartened to ear your comments re practice time. 3-4hrs a week is the best we get. There are so may other demands on the kids time!

Seeker I'm with you about rounded kids. " what does the child do for science, literature etc " are all valid comments. I know this child is HE but at my kids school they are not unusual in their musical commitment, and there are many kids of grade 8 standard who aren't even doing music AS/A level.

[BeckAndCall]

Why, thank you morethanpotatoprints .
I'll be in the audience, applauding your DD. And mine too!

[morethanpotatoprints]

BeckAndCall.

Of course, we will drink champagne and drink to their sheer magnificent talent and success. Will book the royal box now