An instrument for DD

[ottilieeberstark]

My DD is very gifted musically and is a grade 3 at the piano and has been playing for just over two years. She asked me yesterday if she was allowed to start another instrument next September and of course, keeping her interests at heart, I said yes. The problem is, she is fussy and likes to be different. I suggested the violin, guitar or flute but she said she was wanting something to different to the other children who play instruments. I thought of a few instruments but looking into them I realised her little hands would find it extremely hard to play as most are for children 9+! Does anyone have any ideas of a different but easy instrument to play? Thanks in advance.

DS does drumming. I was told it's also helpful for maths, not sure how true this is, something about fractions.

I'm not sure I can add much to the great advice, other than I would encourage your DD to consider an orchestral instrument, if she can.

I learned two solo instruments as a child and regretted that I couldn't play as part of an orchestra. (Never got quite good enough to play a concerto. )

I did end up playing the timpani in the orchestra, which was great fun, but not quite the same as playing violin/cello etc.

That's good, mine are all in private primary at the moment, but DS is taking 11+ exam in September and not sure where DD wants to go.

I talked to DD after she came back from a friends and we've narrowed it down to cello or oboe. At least we've got somewhere but now she can't decide between either!

Oboe is a bit hellish, and very limited playing opportunity wise....whereas orchestras always have cello seats...worth bearing in mind! Xx

Electric mandolin!

I think cello is good. Don't worry about her size, they just start on a smaller sized instrument. Quite good for getting into orchestras later.

I started oboe about age 8-9, loved it and wish I'd kept it up. Played in a double reed group, woodwind group and orchestra in the days of fab, local authority run, music schools. You get to be the instrument everyone tunes to in the orchestra :) Lots of lovely baroque music to play :)

Oboe.

Like the recorder.
Less competition than clarinet to get into orchestras and bands.
The most beautiful instrument ever!!