Music Lessons Advice

[peoniesarejustperfect]

Hello,

I'd really appreciate some advice on a suitable instrument for DS2 who is 10. He has done piano for a year and then in January wanted to change as he wanted to play an instrument that he could play with friends / in a band or orchestra. The Director of Music at school steered him towards the French Horn, which he did for half a term before we went into lockdown. He started at a new school in September and we didn't sign him up for any music as we thought it was a lot with a new school and his after school sport commitments have increased this term. He's started to ask about an instrument again - I think partly as DS1 is learning the trombone and is keen to start on saxaphone. Swing band has been a big hit for DS1.

DS2 is bright and diligent and I suspect the music director at his old school suggested French Horn as he needed one for the orchestra. He didn't enjoy the lessons and seemed to be a bit overwhelmed by it. People kept mentioning how difficult it was and I felt we'd taken on too much. He has been asking about the clarinet as he had a friend who liked it. He is basically a very sporty lad and I am pleased to encourage his musical side but don't want to start something that is too complex or difficult. I have said no to drums for now. We have a piano and trombone at home, but happy to rent something. Can I pick your collective brains about what instrument could work well? Is there something unusual or interesting that's not too tricky? I'm really worried that he starts another instrument and then doesn't get on well and stops. Peonies.

Let him do what he wants if it's just for fun. Clarinet is relatively easy, he could do bands and orchestra. That said, there are a lot of them around so it might be more competitive to get into things.

If he is doing it at school it's a bit trickier as it may be determined by what spaces they have. If private, you could look at a teacher who might offer more than one instrument and ask for a trial lesson to try out a couple. My DD did this and was able to try flute clarinet oboe and bassoon. After an hour she was very definite and has stuck with it. He may be drawn to something when he has a go. If you are drawn to one, it will feel less difficult rather than it being chosen for you. ( Although I would guess French horn is always in demand so easier to get into things, maybe it was just the previous teacher he didn't get on with?) If he wants to get into an orchestra, all the wind and brass only have 2-3 of each, easier to get into a wind or brass band. Depends on the kind of music he likes to play as well. Saxophone is supposed to be relatively easy but they are not in an orchestra but are in jazz bands. Happy choosing, I haven't really helped but I guess let him choose if possible. My ds is really sporty but his music is a good relaxation from school work with no pressure- he doesn't do exams, just music he enjoys.

How about trying trumpet? He already has some brass experience and it has lots of options swing/big band/orchestras/wind bands/brass bands.

I think all instruments have their difficulties, difficulty of horn is maybe exaggerated- my DS plays and seems to require less effort than string players of equivalent grade, and he finds it a lot easier than piano which he has been playing longer. If he was starting again I think he would choose trumpet as he's really enjoying jazzy stuff.

Don’t overthink it! It’s supposed to be fun and enjoyable so let him do what he wants.

Just let him play what he fancies. Show him some instruments on you tube and let him pick.

Hi!
I just found your thread and thought I would send a quick message back. You sound like a very caring parent ! I am a clarinet/saxophone teacher myself and I hear stories like yours quite often! The french horn and saxophone are pretty heavy instruments and they can be a bit off putting . I agree with the threads where people have commented on finding an instrument your son feels drawn to . The clarinet is an easy instrument and is often used as a stepping stone the the sax as they are very similar . However, it wouldn’t be any good if your son doesn’t feel inspired to learn it ! Also, I would say that finding a teacher that your son really bonds with makes a huge difference. Please feel free to call me if you would like any advice. I may be able tío guide you in the right direction . If your son isn’t interested in the clarinet, I may know someone who could teach him a different instrument . Also, I may be able to give you some guidance on what to look for when finding a teacher .

ps - I'll teach him french horn on line if you want!!