The Quest for an Instrument: How Musicians Choose Their Instrument

Deciding which instrument to play can be a daunting task for aspiring musicians. Sometimes, factors beyond their control determine the course of their musical career, such as the instrument played by an older sibling, financial constraints, or exposure to instruments through various media. Other times, it's the sheer call of the music that draws them in, as seen in the personal journey of this author.

Family Influence and Financial Considerations

For some, the choice of instrument is decided long before they even realize it. The influence of older siblings can often play a significant role. For example, if a parent or sibling plays a string bass, tuba, or oboe, the child might be encouraged or even required to learn the same instrument. Similarly, if an instrument is not affordable, schools might provide free options like the ukulele, recorder, or keyboard. This is a common scenario, especially in schools where musical resources are limited.

Personal Attraction and Early Exposure

The author's journey with instruments began at a very young age. At the tender age of four, she picked up a kazoo simply because she enjoyed making noise. This simple act set the stage for her future musical pursuits. A visit to her school music teacher playing the piano also sparked her interest in music and made her want to be like her teacher. This was a formative experience that stayed with her well into her musical career.

Small School Music Programs and Instrument Exploration

During her time in primary school in New Zealand, her school's music program was limited to choral singing, the ukulele, and the recorder. While she enjoyed the ukulele, she found herself uninterested in the recorder. However, she did take to the keyboard lessons and even received some free guitar lessons. Throughout these formative years, she played various instruments, even if it was just to irritate her fellow music students.

The Journey to Discovering the Right Instrument

Her journey continued when she moved to intermediate school, where she found a clarinet in storage. With some initial guidance, she started playing the clarinet, eventually reaching grade 6 or 7 levels and performing in local youth orchestras. Her musical life took an interesting turn when she attempted the flute in high school. Although she had some interest, she never received formal lessons and found it challenging. She also tried the tenor saxophone, which she found more enjoyable than the flute, even if it meant carrying a heavier instrument.

Brother's Influence and Different Instrument Choices

Her brother, required by a compulsory music program at school, played the cornet. However, he didn't enjoy it, and she had a similar experience, leading her to decide against brass instruments for herself. Instead, she stuck to wind instruments, particularly the clarinet, where she felt a deep connection.

A Study in Contradictions: Clarinet vs. Oboe

At the beginning of her third year in high school, she decided to take on a new challenge: the oboe. Despite the notorious difficulty of the oboe reeds, she fell in love with the instrument. Her passion for the oboe made her a true oboeist, albeit not a very good one yet. She balanced her love for the oboe with the constraints of her clarinet playing, knowing that giving up the clarinet might be necessary to improve her oboe skills.

The Complexity of Musical Commitment

Opting for a single instrument is no easy choice, especially for a budding musician. The author's experience highlights the complexity of making such a decision. While she sees the benefits of playing various instruments, she also understands the necessity of focusing on one for her growth and success. Ultimately, she finds herself torn between her love for the clarinet and the challenges of the oboe. This internal dilemma speaks to the broader challenge faced by musicians in the quest to find their true musical identity.

In conclusion, choosing an instrument is a multifaceted decision that involves family influence, financial considerations, personal attraction, and the pursuit of musical excellence. Each choice along the way shapes a musician's journey and ultimately defines their unique path in the world of music.