What do you think?

Question

What kind of instrument do you think would best suit me?

I cannot read music, but I have a very good ear and learn quickly. The last instrument I played, aside from goofing around at a piano and playing with an old guitar, was the recorder in 4th grade.

I do not want to play the guitar because I think that is very much overdone, and I do not want to play the drums because I think percussion usually detracts from the music. I really do not want to play the piano.

I cannot sing or dance, but I can write lyrics, and I am moderately good at composing tunes.

My favourite artists include Harry Chapin, Gordon Lightfoot, Simon & Garfunkel, Patsy Cline, John Denver, and John Tzinieris. I like all music as long as it isn't poppy or hate-filled.

I'm looking for something unique, but not so unique that it's overdone. I don't want to be the next big star, just be able to do something fun for myself and my friends, and maybe, maybe a band at some point in the future.

I was thinking of playing the fiddle or violin, but I don't know.

Answer 1

you sound like the interst is there, and also the sense of dedication/discipline that one needs to invest in any study.
Looking at your list of preferred artists, piano would probably allow you to the best access to their music.
Violin ( which is the same as fiddle, after all) is a difficult instument, to be sure, but much easier to carry around with you....
Why is it difficult? On a piano, you can strike any key, and it will always be in tune, sound the same note, have the same good quality ( unless the instrument is horribly out of tune) for very little work on your part. On a violin you will have to create and re-create every tone you ever play. Each time you will have to think about it, re-assess what you are doing ( until your each the point where it becomes second nature) and be able to concentrate on that alone.
It takes much more practice time ( top orchestral string players still try and get in 4-6 hours a day of practice alone), and results are no so immediate. If you feel you are good for a long time, then by all means, pick up violin.

Since you are familiar with recorder, what would it be like to try out traverse flute? ( the "usual one" that sticks out sideways) The embouchure, or mouth position is different, but the sense of fingering and air support will be familiar to you.
Here's a sudden thought-
there is a wonderful piece, written by Benjamin Britten, called " A young person's guide to the orchestra" Op. 34 which features the various instruments of an orchestra in an amusing way. It gives young people not only the chance to learn which instruments are which, but the various families of instruments are highlighted, one by one. This might give you a good idea of what might be "your instrument" by the sound of it. My husband relates that he saw this film when he was 11, and it lead him straight to his heart's delight, French horn. There are various recordings available, and a film, although it may or may not be available as a DVD in these modern times.
Happy hunting
I wish you all peace and success with your new hobby.

Answer 2

wow, you've pretty much ruled out all the common instruments...Guitars, drums and piano/keyboards are usually what make a band in the future...I don't think a violin or a celo would but you never know. You should chooce whatever instrument YOU want to play w hichever feels more comfortable to you. Having a good 'musical' ear and learning quickly don'y really rule out any musical instruments...so if you think you can deal with the violin then sure go ahead! But keep in mind that the violin is a hard instrument to play...chances are you'd spend a year just making squeaky noises...so be patient!

Answer 3

Hey! I played the recorder in 3rd and 4th grade and when I finally figured out how to do it, they decided to go back to playing the ukulele in 5th grade. I had a horrible teacher, which made it miserable, but if you can learn on your own, or find a teacher that actually knows how to play it I think you might like the ukulele.

In Maui lots of people accidentally buy the cheap souvenir ukuleles, which DO NOT sound as good as a real ukulele.So, if you want to buy an ukulele, don`t go to Target or Walmart.

I was trying to give you a link, but I couldn`t find any. Most of the website are about the history and stuff.

But if you look for a ukulele, they can go into the hundreds, so don`t get the ones that are $19.99.

Answer 4

The violin is pretty good. I used to play when I was younger, and I didn't know how to read music either. Luckily i had friends in the class, and they would write under the note how many fingers to put on which string. It was helpful. :)

Answer 5

Bass guitar.

Answer 6

drums