Are string instruments better for the brain than wind?

[Anonymous]

I dunno... I know a couple who are both wind players. They have both had great careers based on this, one playing for commercials.

So here’s the thing: you need to understand the structure of an orchestra. There are 14 violins to maybe 1-2 woodwinds. Sax... well, it isn’t even an instrument, although the skills are transferable to others (fingering is similar to clarinet, Obie, etc.)

Ther is nothing “less classy” about learning an instrument that your child is excited about.

[Anonymous]

My child has plays the kazoo and he has be accepted at all the best online universities.

[Anonymous]

I have several musicians in my family, and they all recommend that students start playing the instrument that interests them, because ultimately, sticking with it is what makes the greatest difference. If piano is one of the choices, they recommend it because it is very easy to learn theory on the piano.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can think of a few things they might be thinking, none of them actually true for anyone who actually knows anything at all about music.

- Orchestra is more intellectual than band, since orchestras play real classical music and band is just marching around in costumes and playing at football games.
- String instruments and piano have huge competition circuits starting at age 3 so therefore must be higher status because why else would they have competitions to prove who is the best
- Strings and piano are more difficult than any other instruments hence need to be started earlier to actually be good, so therefore they must be better.
- Good string and piano teachers teach at conservatories, and saxophone teachers only teach at Music & Arts, therefore piano and string instruments are more serious pursuits because it costs more for lessons.
- Having a teacher from the NSO is so much classier than having one from one of the military bands

Well. Other than the fact that marching bands must actually move in a coordinated manner, plus play the music they have to perform. I’ve been in both orchestral settings and “band” settings (two different instruments). I’ll just say - don’t discount the skill of the “band” kinds who aren’t in the same setting, day after day, on the same two instruments.

[Anonymous]

Didn't one of our presidents play the sax?

I think it was William Jefferson Clinton (Bill Clinton).

If it was good enough for our future president than
it should be good enough for your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can think of a few things they might be thinking, none of them actually true for anyone who actually knows anything at all about music.

- Orchestra is more intellectual than band, since orchestras play real classical music and band is just marching around in costumes and playing at football games.
- String instruments and piano have huge competition circuits starting at age 3 so therefore must be higher status because why else would they have competitions to prove who is the best
- Strings and piano are more difficult than any other instruments hence need to be started earlier to actually be good, so therefore they must be better.
- Good string and piano teachers teach at conservatories, and saxophone teachers only teach at Music & Arts, therefore piano and string instruments are more serious pursuits because it costs more for lessons.
- Having a teacher from the NSO is so much classier than having one from one of the military bands

Well. Other than the fact that marching bands must actually move in a coordinated manner, plus play the music they have to perform. I’ve been in both orchestral settings and “band” settings (two different instruments). I’ll just say - don’t discount the skill of the “band” kinds who aren’t in the same setting, day after day, on the same two instruments.

Check out the Ohio State marching band on Youtube and also check out Florida A&M marching band on youtube.

[Anonymous]

Wait are there actually competition circuits for three year old pianists? I didn't even think you started lessons that young. I know some kids do Suzuki violin that young, but it still seems crazy early for competitions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a weird question I realize. But when it comes to getting kids music lessons, it seems like most of my social circle has opted for violin, cello, or piano.

Is there a reason for that? My son is learning the sax. Is this considered less classy?

I feel that it is subtly looked down upon as not good enough by the other moms.

How old is your child? Some instruments are harder to start on at younger ages and others are easier. Some kids have lung capacity, finger, arm length etc that lend themselves to a particular instrument. There are many factors.

I don't know why you would feel that someone is looking down on your kid, but if your child is young then sax is unusual. If your child is older then I am not sure why you care.

From a college admissions perspective, the more rare the instrument the more chance of it helping with college admissions. But even then, the level of play has to be basically conservatory level for it to have an impact on admissions and I'm not sure it id does anyway. Playing an instrument that is needed at a school is nowhere near the hook that being a recruited athlete is.

So, in short, don't worry about. My ds plays piano and double bass. The double bass is incredibly difficult to move around. Unless he starts practicing more, the chances of him playing in college are low!

It must be easier than moving a piano! lol

Ha ha! Good point. No one expects me to drive his piano across town for practice though.

[Anonymous]

OMG

[Anonymous]

Your child should play what he or she likes.

In any event, piano and string instrument players are a dime a dozen so maybe the sax will make him stand out more.

I mean, playing the violin (her choice) is going to do nothing for my DD's college apps. She's Asian. She's like a walking cliche. But it was her choice.

[Anonymous]

String instruments require different hand coordination than wind due to the bow. Piano requires reading two clefs simultaneously and both hands playing different parts at the same time. So I don’t know if that affects the brain in different ways — certain physical activities that use both sides of the body at once in different ways require coordination across both hemispheres.

Apart from that, the repertoire is different for these instruments. Saxophone was invented in the mid-19th century whereas string instruments like violin, cello, etc. were invented in the early 16th century (and clavichord/harpsichord even earlier).

[Anonymous]

My brother is a professional musician and he's convinced that playing reed instruments causes brain damage -- he says that it causes pressure in the brain that leads to craziness. He has no scientific support for the theory that I know of -- he has drawn this conclusion based on the large number of crazy reed players he's met. So the answer is yes - string instruments are better for the brain -- based on my unsupported data.

[Anonymous]

Oh my. I am a professional violinist, and a member of a family who has many professional musicians (one conductor, 3 pianists, 2 other strings players, and 1 oboe and trumpet).

I believe that most young kids really don't have the wind "strength" to start wind instruments at a very early age. I think it is pure hogwash that it causes brain damage. But I think there is a reason why most wind players don't start their studies until they're a bit older (age 10-12).

Yes, you can start your very young child more easily on a string instrument, or piano. For strings, it is good to start early because a young child can more readily develop their ear. Piano is difficult because of the finger dexterity required, and also the relatively more complex music -- but simple piano instruction can also begin early.

As to the poster who said energetic kids do better with wind instruments -- I'll say this. Being a good wind (or brass) instrument player requires excellent lung capacity. Some of that is genetic, and some of it is a matter of training. It does not surprise me that kids who are athletic and have good lung capacity may have the genetic make up to be a good wind or brass player. But -- and with due respect for my wind/brass relatives -- I also think that string instruments and piano are -- relatively speaking -- "harder" for young kids. Unlike a clarinet that will produce the "right" note if you hit the right keys and blow, a string player must practice to be able to find that note on the violin or cello. Kids who seem to excel at string instruments early in life may not be any more musically gifted or intelligent, but they have diligence. Some kids just find it too darn hard and they quit (and maybe become great trumpet players later in life).

But, beyond my musings -- I would say don't worry about your friends. Kids should choose the instrument that interests them the most. As parents, be thrilled that they like their instrument and are playing music. If you're choosing your child's instrument for any other reason (prestige, college admission, etc.) you're going about it all wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your child should play what he or she likes.

In any event, piano and string instrument players are a dime a dozen so maybe the sax will make him stand out more.

I mean, playing the violin (her choice) is going to do nothing for my DD's college apps. She's Asian. She's like a walking cliche. But it was her choice.

LOL!
My daughter was adopted and born in Korea. She *begged* to learn the violin when they offered an after school program at her preschool. So she's now a fairly decent 8 year old violin-playing-Asian girl. Who also loves math.
I swear this is all her, but I just know people are thinking we're turning her into a cliche!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a weird question I realize. But when it comes to getting kids music lessons, it seems like most of my social circle has opted for violin, cello, or piano.

Is there a reason for that? My son is learning the sax. Is this considered less classy?

I feel that it is subtly looked down upon as not good enough by the other moms.

Piano is a percussion instrument even though it has strings.