How old should a music student be before starting a second instrument?

[Abby Normal8934]

My daughter has been playing clarinet for 5 years now. She got a tenor saxophone for Christmas. Now she tells us her band director does not want her to learn to play it since he doesn't generally have his clarinet players learn saxophone until they are in high school. He then suggested the piano if she wants to learn another instrument.

 

[gordo the rocker]

yeah she should its great to learn over Instruments it makes music funner i play guitar, bass and drums and i had started when i was 10 so yeah get her into it who knows in a couple years she may be playing sax at a A grade

 

[cathrl692015]

5 years?

My son started recorder at 6, piano 6 months later, cello at 7 and bassoon at 9.

He still plays all four (recorder only occasionally).

Music should be fun. Why shouldn't she play the saxophone now? Is she such an amazing clarinet player that it will mess up her chances of going pro?

Her band director thinks she shouldn't start a second instrument until HIGH SCHOOL? He should be fired.

 

[john m2293]

5years is a long time......kids get burnt out on things also just like we do....... I think she is making a great new choice..... my son plays the sax also and his private instructor plays the clarinet and the sax ... just because the clarinet is her 5 year instrument dosen't mean she has to be married to it for life ...things... and ways change...I think you know the answer mom.......... let her play what she wants..you can check out my son (youtube videos.......... saxfreak006)..he only has been playing for 6 months but he loves it and I see a happy young man.... what else could we ask for...