kreggurree
Senior Member
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- 30
- Locality
- North London, UK
So I am a sax player first, in the phase of trying to return to my playing standard from when I was 18 (26, I stopped for a few years at uni). There is thing that I miss as a saxophone player and that is being able to play classical music. I know this is not entirely true as I have played some classical written for saxophone and some arrangements but this is not enough for me.
So I am trying to decide between Cello,viola,clarinet and piano. Here are my thoughts on my options :
Cello -
Piano -
Viola -
Clarinet -
I have kind of ruled out cello as I will be equally happy with viola, piano has lots of advantages but I think the ability to play in Orchestras would be nice (especially as I will probably return to living in Prague in 3/4 years where there are several amateur orchestras). Then its kind of between Clarinet and Viola, which is pretty much between time to learn and more pieces I like/orchestral opportunities.
What are your thoughts?
So I am trying to decide between Cello,viola,clarinet and piano. Here are my thoughts on my options :
Cello -
- I adore the tone
- Bulky, carry-able but I find tenor sax/guitar big enough
- Expensive
- Will definitely need a tutor
- Decent size classical repotoire
Piano -
- Not portable except with a car (digital piano assumed here)
- Can teach myself (I have had a few strarter lessons in the past and have had a go at teaching myself so am confident in this with the amount of resources available)
- Can practice anytime I want with headphones. (currently sax practice is restricted by neighbours and my father working night shifts at the moment)
- So much solo material means I can be satisfied playing at home on my own
- On the other hand it is likely I will never be able to play with others in a serious way
Viola -
- Portable (though larger than I first thought)
- Definitely need a teacher
- Cheaper than cello yet still has a lovely rich tone
- More opportunity for playing with others (amateur orchestras, etc.)
- Will take a while to get to that standard
Clarinet -
- Portable
- Easiest to transition to despite the differences that I am well aware of
- Time spent on clarinet will contribute to my sax playing
- Can also act as an embochure maintainer when travelling as its so portable
- There are some really nice pieces for clarinet though I possibly don't love them as much as the others
- Only 2 clarinets in Orchestras
I have kind of ruled out cello as I will be equally happy with viola, piano has lots of advantages but I think the ability to play in Orchestras would be nice (especially as I will probably return to living in Prague in 3/4 years where there are several amateur orchestras). Then its kind of between Clarinet and Viola, which is pretty much between time to learn and more pieces I like/orchestral opportunities.
What are your thoughts?