Playing more than one instrument

[Anonymous]

DS currently plays the piano. He practices 45 mins a day. He also takes Music theory and has homework from that a few nights a week. He wants to learn the guitar now in addition to piano. He's going to a very rigorous MS next year, plays sport - so I'm wondering how he will fit it all in. Parents with kids who have a good proficiency in more than one instrument - how do they do it?

[Anonymous]

My son plays saxophone in marching band. Electric guitar (sometimes the acoustic) in school jazz band, in church, and in a band that has gigs about twice a month. And he plays the piano because he likes to compose. I don't force him to practice any of the instruments. He does it because he loves music. He is first chair sax and literally never practices at home. The only instrument he really spends a ton of time on is the guitar.

[Anonymous]

Sure, let him add guitar and see how it goes. Will music theory continue next year ? Kids are supposed to try things out in MS. Are u okay if he quits piano for guitar down the road?

[Anonymous]

All four of my kids have gotten piano lessons twice a week from my boyfriend. One went on to play the drums. He said he wanted to, so we got him a drum pad, when he showed proficiency with that we got him a drum kit and that was it.

He can sit down at the piano or drums and put together music. But I get the impression we were much more lax than you.

[Anonymous]

If he wants to learn guitar let him try it, set a certain number of months and see if it works. My DD has played piano since age 8. At 10 she started clarinet in the school band. After trying both, She loves piano and will likely quit clarinet and that's ok. She tried it, got a new experience and is moving on. You can rent the instrument.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if it translates to piano & guitar, but my MS and HS kids both have excellent school music teachers-- one band, one orchestra. Both encourage kids to get experience with a second instrument-- although within band or strings. And quite a few excellent band and strings players I know also play piano. One of my kids does private clarinet lessons and plays clarinet for community band, and is playing a different woodwind in the band this year. He is learning the basics of the piano to take AP Music theory next year. My strings player has a keyboard and is teaching herself to play for fun.

I think it has been great for them. But I am raising kids who do music for fun, and as an extracurricular, and not kids who ever plan to be professional musicians.

[Anonymous]

Keep it fun. Yes to guitar, but keep it fun.

[Anonymous]

OP here - PP is right we are quite serious about piano, but mostly to create a strong musical foundation and for all those supposed brain benefits that go with learning and instrument.

I think I would be fine (almost expect it) if he stopped piano in a year or so. He has one year of formal music theory lessons left and I think that would be the point after which quitting piano altogether would be acceptable.

I agree with many of you, about keeping guitar fun and love hearing about how your kids are trying out multiple instruments. It show's a real love for playing music. Very encouraging.

[Anonymous]

Yes, my kids are in strenuous middle and high school programs, do all the activities that your son does, are first chairs, and they enjoy music so much that they've taken up other instruments. One of my sons took up guitar and has taught himself to play very well. He plays and sings all the time at home as one of his main ways to relax. The kids request various instrument lessons during the summer.

[Anonymous]

If he wants to learn guitar, let him. guitars are a lot less expensive than pianos. Lessons can be scheduled around his/your existing schedules and there is plenty of music available for the guitar. If he quits later, you won't have a ton of money invested and he will have learned enough that he can pick it up again later.

[Anonymous]

I would let him try, and see what happens.

[Anonymous]

I played piano for 7 years straight, took 3 years off to play the flute in band, then returned to piano and played with the orchestra through high school, minored in performance in piano in college, and still play for weddings and holiday parties as an adult. My hiatus was nice, but if you have a natural musician, they will gravitate toward their instrument.