Before learning to play the oboe, is there another instrument that should be learned first?

Question

My 9 year old daughter has expressed an interest in the oboe. She has not even learned to play the songflute yet, but I want to get her started on music. Should she start right off with the oboe, or should she learn another instrument first, and then "graduate" to the oboe? I've heard that the flute has the same fingerings and would be an easy transition, and I've heard that a single reed instrument (like the clarinet) should NOT be done first as it is very different from the double reed oboe. Can/should she start fresh with the oboe rather than another instrument?

Answer 1

If you have an orchestra or band at your child's school I am sure the instructor could help you. My daughter started out with the clarinet in sixth grade and played right up until Senior year of High School when she switched to the oboe. She had no trouble playing either instrument. Also if you go into a music store sometimes they will let you try the instrument and see if you can play it.

Answer 2

I would start with the Clarinet. The oboe is really for people that are older. The double reeds for the oboe are quite expensive and the Clarinet is easier to play. I first learned to play the Clarinet and then went to the Oboe.

Answer 3

The oboe is a double-reed instrument and techniques for playing it are different from the flute. If you are still unsure, talk with the instructor to get a better idea of what would be required.

Answer 4

I have heard that there are very few people who get really good at playing the oboe, because it is a hard instrument to learn. So if your daughter REALLY wants to learn the oboe, why don't you send her for lessons outside of school? Difficult instruments are more easily learned by the young, because they don't have to UNlearn something else first! I'm sure you have a music academy within commuting distance.

Answer 5

Hmmm... the oboe can be hard to learn for a young one. You might want to start with the clarinet and move the the oboe later?

Answer 6

I played clarinet for 4 years and switched to oboe last year... I think that it is pretty easy

Answer 7

There's no real right or wrong answer to this question. Each child has specific interests & talents. If she's interested, she'll be able to pick up any instrument with proper instruction and a wee bit of talent.

My only recommendation would be that for better theory and application, at least include a few years of piano lessons. That goes through treble and bass, and many of the things to give her a fuller understanding of music.

Answer 8

i think she should play the flute for a 9 year old