Should my 10 year daughter learn to play the flute or another instrument?

Question

My daughter will be starting middle school and wants to play the flute. She likes listening to rock, pop, rap and r&b music.... that is totally different from the music that she will be learning to play in band. So should I encourage her to learn a different instrument so that she can also learn to play the music that she enjoys listening to?

Answer 1

Um... See I would refer back to the first person!! She had a good response!!

Answer 2

Playing an instrument is a WONDERFUL thing for children to do. I am 13 and play the clarinet. It's so beneficial. You get to be in concerts and have the opportunity to go to All County Band. The flute is a pretty common instrument. You should have her try the mouth piece out first. And have her try a different instrument's mouth piece too. That way, she gets the idea of what it's like. My pick would be the flute or the clarinet to play. They both sound awsome. But, she will need to put some effort and hard work into practicing, but it'll pay off later. :) Tell her I said good luck!

Answer 3

If you're daughter wants to learn to play the flute then I don't see any harm in that. Yes, she may listen to music that sounds totally different from the flute but that just shows that she likes a variety of music. Later on she may be more interested in learning to play something else like the piano or guitar but for right now I'd support her descision to learn to play the flute. Good luck!

Answer 4

You know what? I am 10, and I have already started middle school and I play the clarinet. One of my best friends used to play the flute, but she switched instruments because it was too hard. If she wants to play the flute, I`d take her to a music store where she can tryout diffrent instruments, so she can pick the one she likes the best and feels most comfertable with. That way a couple weeks into band, she wont tell you she wants to quit because of her instrument. I hope this is a help!


~High Honnors

Answer 5

If she enjoys the flute, then let her play the flute.

Sometimes, instruments don't have to match up to what people enjoy listening to.

Let her experiment. Somewhere on the line, she learned/saw that the flute was what she found appealing. Whether she gives up on it or not, that is up to her.

But, I find her interest in the flute to be good interest, because it would open up her musical world to include other forms (such as the classics), all of which would be beneficial in a small or big way.

Answer 6

Let her learn the Flute. By doing this you give her an oppurtunity to appreciate classical. Not to mention that a lot of marching bands play rock.
If her Interest ever dims with the Flute you can always surprise her with a guitar on her birthday. Never deny a child the oppurtunity to learn to play an instrument.

Answer 7

If she expresses an interest in playing the flute, you should encourage that. If she changes her mind later, she can switch to something else. Just because she wants to listen to rock and pop doesn't mean she wouldn't like to learn other types of music. Encourage her to listen and learn to enjoy ALL types.

Answer 8

Flute is an excellent instrument; it's tougher than a clarinet, but not nearly as difficult as an oboe or piano. There's always a place for a flute in band, and even rock bands use them. They're often in demand at Christmas, Easter, and other holidays. The breath control she'll need applies to lots of other things. It's portable, and the same fingering works for a piccolo as well. If she likes the sound of it, then I say go for it!

Answer 9

The flute is a beautiful instrument and actually is quite popular in rock music...remember Jethro Tull band? I think the main thing is what SHE is interested in playing and why..then she will want to practice.

Answer 10

Let her decide what to play. I played the flute when I was in school also. I listened to the same music that you just mentioned. I wouldn't try to talk her out of it because, just say that she did switch to something different, and then hated it. She would probably blame you for it. This is just my opinion.

: )

Answer 11

You should allow her to play whatever instrument she is interested in. I know people who play the flute, but listen to other types of music and they are perfectly fine with it.