Too old to start a second instrument?

[Emarri]

DD1 is nearly 13 and movimg up to yr 10. Started playing keyboard this yr and doing grade 1 in june. Just got an 8b on a music composition. Also dabbles in guitar and recorder, will be learning a brass instrument in an out of school club soon. But is 14 too late to start a serious second instrument?

I'm a bit puzzled by this one. From your initial post, I would have said, focus on continuing to develop keyboard/piano skills, and work on the brass instrument she's planning to take up. Just make sure she learns an orchestral brass instrument and there you go. More feasible than trying to work on 3 instruments seriously.

No, it's not. I took up piano at 14 and had passed grade 5 within 10 months and grade 6 within a further 8 months. It's much easier to learn an instrument when you already know how music works and at 14 you're much more co-ordinated that when you are 7, so it's easier to get your fingers to do what you want.

With regards to UCAS points they can be used at some universities but not if hey are too similar eg. at the uni I went to and the conservatoire dh went to Grade 8 practical & theory could be used in lieu of music A level

The school dd will be going to doesnt offer a level dance or drama so she will use LAMDA & RAD grades instead.

I don't think its ever too late to learn a second or subsequent instrument. I would advise perhaps keeping to the same family if swift progress is required.
I think brass, strings, woodwind may be too much difference if time is of the essence.
Its amazing the progress that can be made though if a person is determined and puts in the required time and effort to practice.
Don't forget that it isn't necessary to take each exam to move up to the next grade. This can sometimes save time, but if each grade is required for motivation purposes there isn't a lot you can do.

Update : she is going to learn the cornet at a club and continue with keyboard. She will keep the guitar and recorder as occasional hobbies and if we can find a good instrument at a local car boot sale cheaply she will teach herself that. Thanks for your answers