Question for parents of piano players

[YonderPonder]

8yo is learning the piano and has just done her Grade 3 exam. She's really loving it and is good at it, but obviously there isn't any of the additional support or opportunities you get if you do an orchestral instrument like county or national children's orchestra, workshops etc and the exposure they offer to see how others of the same age/level are playing. Or are there? I don't want to change her piano teacher who is very low key and lovely, but I wonder whether there are opportunities where she could see and interact with others of her age playing, etc.

My sons both started doing 'collaborative' piano quite early on, accompanying other players and singers, and later on choirs. It's a bit early for your DS but if she has any friends learning other instruments, doing duets can be really rewarding for the performers even at this age/standard.

as a child who played piano and classical guitar, I took up orchestral percussion to be able to take part in those sorts of events. Worked out great as there was a fantastic percussion / world music teacher with the orchestra.

Ours also took up other instruments.

Ours have done a couple through our old piano teachers event. Ask your current teacher if she knows of any opportunities?