Bassoon, oboe, clarinet or flute? which instrument to get in a symphony orchestra?

Question

Hi there, I'm working to get in a music school this year, but I'm twenty now and I've never played an instrument. I have done a little research on these instruments, but I want to learn that which one has more chance to get me in a local symphony orchestra after a 4 years of practice in school? I heard bassoon may have a little more chance due to its rarity but I don't know how easy to master it. I appreciate all comments, thanx.

Answer 1

As a bassoon and flute player, and performance major heading into my senior year... I would recommend bassoon.

Not because it's easy (it's not at all), but because it's very rare. I will admit, because it's a tough instrument, it's very hard to master. Getting it in 4 years ... will probably get you into a community orchestra, which is what I did. Then I realized I loved the bassoon much more than the flute.

The flute is a much easier instrument to learn. Because of this, a lot of people play it. I switched to bassoon my freshman year of high school from flute because of the competition. As a high school, competing against 300 other flute players was not something I was interested in. 22 bassoons ... a little better for me. Finding an open spot in an orchestra for a flute player is very rare. They are very common and very good. Bassoon ... it's very hard to find a really good bassoon player, especially one who can run through orchestral parts easily.

Oboe is closer to bassoon on difficulty level, but not as hard. The reed is smaller, which is easier, but reeds are difficult in themselves.

Clarinet ... is relatively easy to learn. Reeds are still hard to figure out, but with a good teacher, it's easy to pick up on. Harder once you get into an ensemble because of the transposition, but the music does that for you.

I would start on flute and see how well you pick up on music. That will be the easiest one to learn to read the music and to be able to play the notes. If you decide that's for you, great. Then maybe switch to bassoon or oboe, since those are less common than flute and clarinet.

I wish you the best of luck. Good for you for wanting to go into music. It's an amazing life skill.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. [e-mail] .... Just make sure to mention something in the subject so I don't accidentally think it's Spam! I wish you the best of luck in music!

Answer 2

Bassoon is indeed much asked for. But rather difficult to learn, as is oboe. Flute and Clarinet are relatively easier to start.
But remember to take you skills to the level that you can play in a symphony orchestra takes some (lot) serious practicing.
It's quit hard work, but the reward is great. If you have enough spare time, than go for it!!

Answer 3

I would say either the oboe or the bassoon. The competition for flute and clarinet spots in any orchestra is insane, seeing as sooo many people play it. Double reed musicians aren't as common. I actually play the oboe, and it's a great instrument to play. It's very unique, so it's more than likely that you'll be needed. The only issue would be mastering it, double reeds can be difficult to play, but with practice you should do fine. Best of luck!

Answer 4

I would say to you in all seriousness; that if you're looking to learn to play an instrument fast; and that won't make you crazy or interfer w/ you're other school studies; then definately take up the Flute! There are only 12 main notes to learn on the Flute & only 2 difficult ones...which are D & C notes.

I'm 48 years old and took up the Flute a year ago...and if I can pick it up fast...then so can you! (Btw, the clarinet is way difficult to learn, let alone master...so I wouldn't pick that one, it's prolly the most difficult out of the woodwinds too learn; according to my teacher).

Now the other instrument I would actually suggest you possibly consider learning is the violin. (Which is a bit harder to learn than the Flute...but orchestra's love violinists & its very well featured in symphony orchestras...more violinists' spots in them too, then for the other instruments.

I'm now planning to start to learn the violin this fall; along w/ continueing w/ my Flute lessons.

Orchestra's love when a member can play 2 differnt "C" instruments; which are what the Flute and Violin are...Why? Because if a Flutist is sick or a violinist...you would be able to step in and cover the empty spot for the night.

Now the added bonus to learning the Flute and or Vio;in is that not only is there tons of music out there written for both instruments; but both are also used in other types of venues...such as in quartett's; bands...etc. And you can play everything from classical to country to jazz to even pop music on either instrument...without any transposing nessasary w/ your sheet music. Flute sheet music reads eactly like Violin music.

My only other suggestion for you is to buy a good professional level Flute (and or Violin) right off the bat. I did and I'm glad I did too. You get a much better and easier play when you learn from the start on a profess. model. People will tell U to get a cheap one to just start off on and then upgrade...but I found its better to start w/ decent one right away. My Flute costs me $2,400 US dollars; and I don't regret a day that I made the investment. You can pick up a decent Flute for around the bottom price of between $1,600 - $1,800 dollars. (Decent Violins also start at $1,600).

If you're a serious music student...then take the advise I offered here. Good luck to you! Happy playing! If you need me, for more help; I can be reached at this email: [e-mail]

Answer 5

Double reed instruments like the bassoon and the oboe are more difficult to master, and therefore will probably get you a spot in a local symphony more readily. However, they really are more difficult to master.

Plus, double reeds are more expensive. If you can learn to make your own..you'll save a ton of money. Plus, you can craft them to meet your specific needs.

Flute and clarinet are easier to play, but there are lots of flutists and clarinetists out there.

Honestly, play the one you like the best. If you love the instrument you play, you'll be more inclined to practice more. The more you practice, the better you get. The more you love it, the less inclined you'll be to quit when you hit the wall and are having a hard time learning.

Answer 6

Double reed instruments (like the oboe and bassoon) are VERY hard to learn. Yes, they are prized by the musical community, but the reason is that they are so hard to learn that most people give up before they get that far. I would suggest trying something like a bass clarinet or contrabass clarinet which is also rare, but much easier for a beginner to pick up and learn quickly.

Answer 7

basoon = rare and VERY difficult to play...only able to master after 10+ years of playing

Not a good option.

Oboe= Almost the same story.

Clarinet= Farly easy to get a good sound out of, but years of playing brings master to this instrument.

Flute= Easy, ALWAYS a need for flute. Thats your choice!

Answer 8

My wife plays the bassoon and I know it is a very hard instrument to play. I am assuming you haven't played an instrument before, you might have a hard time to master it enough to get into a local orchestra. I hope this helps. Best of luck with your decision.

Answer 9

I would say choose the one you can play with the most feeling and passion. although if you could play bassoon well, it would be easier to get either accepted or a scholarship, but if you don't love the instrument you play and you just play it because it's easier to get into college, don't choose it. Also, it depends on the level of the local symphony orchestra.

Answer 10

bassoon is probably the one with the fewest players, but it is also the most difficult. 4 years of practice will not get you into a symphony, unless you are a prodigy. But you could make it into a community orchestra, they are always looking for players.