Will learning another instrument help or hinder my child?
Playing a second instrument is usually easier than the first
At Primo Piano we’re rather biased when it comes to the piano. But then we think we have good reason. The piano is one of the most versatile instruments ever invented and the advent of good quality digital pianos and keyboards have made it even more so.
Learning to play the piano is an excellent starting point for any musician. Pianists read both treble and bass clef (right and left hand parts) and have a very good overview of how music works in general. Most music teachers, even if they are teaching a different instrument, will have some basic piano skills to accompany their pupils in lessons. Similarly most choir masters, musical directors, conductors and often primary school teachers will find a basic ability to play the piano extremely advantageous. Once a child has had a couple of years mastering some piano basics, they then usually pick up a second instrument quite quickly.
Going on to play a second instrument is a good idea as children have the opportunity to play in school and county orchestras and develop a more rounded understanding of music. It may even be that the ‘second’ orchestral instrument becomes the main focus of a child’s musical study. However we believe a good grounding starting with the piano will stand them in good stead for any future musical activities.
The director of Primo Piano, Tim Riley took up the cello as a second instrument and progressed to grade 5, although he’d be the first to sadly admit that it’s been a very long time since he played it in public (which is probably the best for all concerned)
