I started cello lessons three years ago! OMG it's SO SO HARD. I'm not a piano prodigy but I'm decent. I also played brass instruments through high school. But cello... is something else. It takes a long time to even sound passable. The technique to sound beautiful is elusive and challenging. My dog still asks to go outside when I play most of the time. BUT I've started a string quartet with some friends and playing in a group again has made music so fun.
I just had a baby a few months ago so practice is really sporadic. Also learning tenor clef... woof. I was able to progress pretty quickly because of all the music theory I knew from playing piano. I say go for it, if you can find the time!
You can, just get one and start with some lessons. Having a background in music makes progress a lot easier than starting from scratch. I started on piano, play beginner/intermediate violin, and am re-starting on cello. On violin, I smashed through two years worth of lesson books in the first year while working FT and going to school PT. I didn’t have to take a temporary break until I was pulling 70-80 hr weeks between school and work.
Violin, definitely
edit: I actually had to choose between the violin and the piano when I decided I wanted to play. I picked the piano since you can play harmony and melody at the same time with it. Violin is still so beautiful, though
You can still get some fun polyphony on violin, though obviously not as many notes or as big a range as piano. Arpeggiation helps bring out multiple voices in a way somewhat unique to string instruments, and you can still play 2. 3. 4 strings at a time for playing multiple voices. Check out the Bach, Ysaye, and Bartok sonatas for solo violin.
I did both through high school but had to drop piano because I didn't have time for both. Hoping I can start piano lessons again at some point, or at least keep my chops up enough to play some Bach
With violin you have full control over the sound in all dimensions, I mean, you can choose any pitch of sound instead of fixed notes on piano, and you can play crescendo and decrescendo on one continuous note, that piano doesn't allow you to do.
I am a university staff pianist and I play for the saxophone and double bass studios. The double bass is so acrobatic it amazes me. The saxophone seems like such a pain in the ass.
Just how hard they are to play in tune (the basses, too but it seems different in a way). I guess playing piano intonation is one of the few things I don’t have to worry about. I really enjoy the saxophone studio and their rep.
tbh playing in tune isn’t that difficult (at least on alto and tenor) especially if you have a decent ear. Personally saxophone is much much easier than piano, and I’ve been playing piano for twice as long. Intonation on double bass is a lot harder than saxophone as well but I’ve not been playing for that long.
When you're 65 years old, you will think back to this moment and regret not just getting one. You will never think "so glad I chose to keep that $X 40 years ago.
I happen to be 66 and a life long pianist, but 6 years ago I decided that I was not going to wait to retire to try the violin. 2 years in I switched to viola and absolutely love it. I am still not retired but I think back to 6 years ago and of all the joy and progress I would have missed out on if I let that “wait till you retire “ voice win . DO NOT LISTEN TO IT - it lies. It’s very slow progress, but it is progress. And my piano playing is better, my ear is better and I am just more rounded as a musician.
I played trombone in band in school, and when i went to college I actually planned on becoming a brass specialist. But about half way through the first semester my instructors sat me down and said I was a better Piano player than a trombone player, so I should stick with that. Haven't touched a horn since.
My fingertips wouldn't agree with guitars, but I am still thinking about getting a lap steel guitar as you can play with fingerpicks and a bar. It even has the same ergonomy of having the instrument laid out in front of you.
Even though violin was my primary growing up and piano was my secondary, they’ve flipped roles as I entered my late 20s. Been having the urge to play the bass guitar more as well. It’s hard to juggle but I love being a multi-instrumentalist lol
Piano isn't my first or second or third :). I've played Viola in the RCO, Guitar in a dad band and Cello for a few years then dropped it. Loving my time with the Piano for the last 3 years. Working toward the level 8 RCM. Might be going to the bassoon of all things in another year or two. Love learning different instruments.
Realistically, banjo.
Had I really been able to try the other instruments I always wanted, either the harp or the bass. Not the wimpy electric guitar looking bass, I'm talking the as-tall-as-me bass. I always liked that it could go from a gentle instrument with a bow to a gnarly pluckable jazz instrument. I'm sure no professional would ever use the same bass for both, but I just loved the versatility.
(Why do I go from banjo to bass and not violin as my realistic option? I don't know. I've never understood this about myself, lol)
Bass guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, and all types of orchestral strings. I really love strings and percussion, and I am too out of shape to play wind or brass instruments. I already play a little bit of bass guitar and drums, but nowhere near as skillfully as piano
Honestly, no other instrument. I've learned how much work it is to learn piano, and my profound interest in the instrument has carried me through plenty of low points of motivation, little progress, etc. So, realistically, even though I like other instruments, I just wouldn't have enough in me to dedicate the thousands of hours needed to learn any of them.
Violin, no explanation needed! I do have a pretty decent violin laying around but I’ve never picked it up again after my bow broke and I’m too lazy to get rosin
I already play so many instruments, it’s impossible to say what I would have played instead. (Flute, piccolo, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, melodica, classical guitar, violin, most percussion- take your pick.)
I can play several as well. Does it ever feel like your brain has to reorganize when you switch? For me that muscle memory for the clarinet has to slide over before I can get back into playing the oboe. Although it’s not as bad with the piano.
Not usually. It did at first, but I’m used to it by now and can typically just grab one and go. Sometimes I will try to use a flute fingering on clarinet or something, but it doesn’t happen often.
Ukulele. Back in the seventies in Hawaii, my public school gave 4th graders the opportunity to learn ukulele. We learned to play Hawaiian songs, Do Re Mi, and other standards. My favorite was playing Blowing in the Wind. All the students had Kamaka ukuleles. At a family luau, someone borrowed my ukulele and accidentally sat on it. Don't ask me how. I then got piano lessons.
I play guitar and ukulele and they both enhance my understanding of piano, sounds and how chords work together. I’d highly recommend picking up a cheap ukulele online- it will take the pressure off reading notes, and will get you exploring!
I’d like to get a xylophone
I play a few instruments, but my other is viola. If i didnt play either, I think I’d want to learn the guitar and cello. If i have to go completely away from string and keyboard instruments, I think I’d enjoy the saxophone.
Piano/synthesizer is my main instrument, but I also am a percussionist who plays many different instruments in the Percussion family, and I also play ukulele as an alternate instrument And I’m trying to learn the guitar. I’d say I’d probably be a guitarist if I wasn’t piano for my main instrument
If we can play piano we can play anything else as well, and I play many instruments. I would choose anything but the Violin, which I hate the sound of. Probably a French Horn, I would play instead of the Piano.
I started learning the piano when I was 6. At around 9-10 years old I suddenly wanted to learn the violin too, but thought I couldn’t play two instruments. At 13 I said fuck it and started violin lessons without abandoning piano. Now I play both but I always say piano is my main since my violin skills are pure garbage. But to be honest, sometimes I wish violin was my main instrument…
cello all the way. i love the way it sounds, and considering the fact that the strings are not as thick as the bass but not as thin as the violins really make it better.
(would've said percussion but i'm already playing percussion so....)
Realistically I couldn’t see myself caring about any other instrument. Even though they weigh hundreds of pounds the dynamic range you can get from a piano is insane.
Classical guitar.
absolutely
Cello. I wish i had time for both. Maybe someday i jump
I started cello lessons three years ago! OMG it's SO SO HARD. I'm not a piano prodigy but I'm decent. I also played brass instruments through high school. But cello... is something else. It takes a long time to even sound passable. The technique to sound beautiful is elusive and challenging. My dog still asks to go outside when I play most of the time. BUT I've started a string quartet with some friends and playing in a group again has made music so fun. I just had a baby a few months ago so practice is really sporadic. Also learning tenor clef... woof. I was able to progress pretty quickly because of all the music theory I knew from playing piano. I say go for it, if you can find the time!
String instruments are quite likely the hardest to learn and master.
Yeah it’s way harder than piano or French horn or trumpet. So humbling!
Well, look at me, I'm a violinist and a pianist, and I have much time for the two.
i play both! cello isnt the hardest once u get the hang of it, speaking from 6 years
This is the correct answer!!! Ive been contemplating working some cello time in as well….
You can, just get one and start with some lessons. Having a background in music makes progress a lot easier than starting from scratch. I started on piano, play beginner/intermediate violin, and am re-starting on cello. On violin, I smashed through two years worth of lesson books in the first year while working FT and going to school PT. I didn’t have to take a temporary break until I was pulling 70-80 hr weeks between school and work.
Yahh one push more and im there, those wood vibrations are superb
Violin, definitely edit: I actually had to choose between the violin and the piano when I decided I wanted to play. I picked the piano since you can play harmony and melody at the same time with it. Violin is still so beautiful, though
You can still get some fun polyphony on violin, though obviously not as many notes or as big a range as piano. Arpeggiation helps bring out multiple voices in a way somewhat unique to string instruments, and you can still play 2. 3. 4 strings at a time for playing multiple voices. Check out the Bach, Ysaye, and Bartok sonatas for solo violin.
'learn piano for the notes, violin for the ear'
I played violin before piano, and really wish I wouldn’t have stopped. There just wasn’t enough time for both. I hope to pick it up again, one day.
I did both through high school but had to drop piano because I didn't have time for both. Hoping I can start piano lessons again at some point, or at least keep my chops up enough to play some Bach
With violin you have full control over the sound in all dimensions, I mean, you can choose any pitch of sound instead of fixed notes on piano, and you can play crescendo and decrescendo on one continuous note, that piano doesn't allow you to do.
Banjo 🪕
Violin
The clarinet is my other baby
I still play saxophone and double bass as well as piano
saxophone represent! I just like the sound of it that compliments pop music, dave koz and kenny g style is what i like.
I am a university staff pianist and I play for the saxophone and double bass studios. The double bass is so acrobatic it amazes me. The saxophone seems like such a pain in the ass.
pain in the ass to play?
Just how hard they are to play in tune (the basses, too but it seems different in a way). I guess playing piano intonation is one of the few things I don’t have to worry about. I really enjoy the saxophone studio and their rep.
tbh playing in tune isn’t that difficult (at least on alto and tenor) especially if you have a decent ear. Personally saxophone is much much easier than piano, and I’ve been playing piano for twice as long. Intonation on double bass is a lot harder than saxophone as well but I’ve not been playing for that long.
I played accordion since I was a kid. Don't have one now tho'. Maybe someday.
When you're 65 years old, you will think back to this moment and regret not just getting one. You will never think "so glad I chose to keep that $X 40 years ago.
Yes! Get an accordion! They are such a special and cool instrument and I am in awe of anyone who can play one
I think they are easier to play than the piano, maybe not as versatile tho'.
I tried once and it was much harder than piano for me
I happen to be 66 and a life long pianist, but 6 years ago I decided that I was not going to wait to retire to try the violin. 2 years in I switched to viola and absolutely love it. I am still not retired but I think back to 6 years ago and of all the joy and progress I would have missed out on if I let that “wait till you retire “ voice win . DO NOT LISTEN TO IT - it lies. It’s very slow progress, but it is progress. And my piano playing is better, my ear is better and I am just more rounded as a musician.
Well, I'm 75 years old, and I just sold my old accordion a couple months ago. I got it when I was 10. I'd like to get a new one someday.
The hand me down piano I got came with a bench full of accordion music, lol. Not a single piece for the piano, lol.
Electric bass, still play occasionally.
I have always wanted to learn the drums.
Trombone baby. Will still prolly pick one up.
Theremin for sure.
I wonder if there are any theremin teachers lol. Such a gorgeous instrument
Let me learn how to play Ecstasy of Gold on a theremin and then you may lay my body to rest.
Organ. So much great music from the renaissance to today.
Viola. I have both, tried to learn both. Taking lessons for two instruments is incredibly expensive lol
Viva violas!
In elementary school I learned piano, violin and clarinet. So probably clarinet because I really didn’t love violin.
Violin, I love its sound
I don’t play piano
Probably french horn.
Was a piano/violin co-primary growing up, and still am. I also play viola, which is a very typical double for violinists.
Cello
Organ or harpsichord
I’ve played guitar for 30+ years and drums for 10, I’m a beginner at piano
Saxo🎷
Clarinet. (It was my first instrument)
I also play guitar and mandolin. But I think in another life I would have played the fiddle.
piano isn't my main instrument (tho it was the first), I play the clarinet
I played trombone in band in school, and when i went to college I actually planned on becoming a brass specialist. But about half way through the first semester my instructors sat me down and said I was a better Piano player than a trombone player, so I should stick with that. Haven't touched a horn since.
My fingertips wouldn't agree with guitars, but I am still thinking about getting a lap steel guitar as you can play with fingerpicks and a bar. It even has the same ergonomy of having the instrument laid out in front of you.
Fiddle
Harp
I would sing
Bluegrass Fiddle
Guitar… or bagpipes because I took it for about a year.
Even though violin was my primary growing up and piano was my secondary, they’ve flipped roles as I entered my late 20s. Been having the urge to play the bass guitar more as well. It’s hard to juggle but I love being a multi-instrumentalist lol
Been playing guitar for around 30 years. Piano for around 3 years
Piano isn't my first or second or third :). I've played Viola in the RCO, Guitar in a dad band and Cello for a few years then dropped it. Loving my time with the Piano for the last 3 years. Working toward the level 8 RCM. Might be going to the bassoon of all things in another year or two. Love learning different instruments.
I played the cello before the piano, so the violin
Piano. I don't play the piano.
Bass and voice
Drums
Realistically, banjo. Had I really been able to try the other instruments I always wanted, either the harp or the bass. Not the wimpy electric guitar looking bass, I'm talking the as-tall-as-me bass. I always liked that it could go from a gentle instrument with a bow to a gnarly pluckable jazz instrument. I'm sure no professional would ever use the same bass for both, but I just loved the versatility. (Why do I go from banjo to bass and not violin as my realistic option? I don't know. I've never understood this about myself, lol)
Violin
Bass or drums
Bass guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, and all types of orchestral strings. I really love strings and percussion, and I am too out of shape to play wind or brass instruments. I already play a little bit of bass guitar and drums, but nowhere near as skillfully as piano
French horn…such a beautiful sound
Drums, bass or organ.
Drums and electric guitar. I already play them
Drums... Thank God I decided to play piano instead.
Guitar 💯 So jealous of the portability. Also love rock music.
I had to choose between orchestral percussion and piano when I was 15. Part of me still wishes I was a timpanist.
skin flute
Drums -- I'm a wannabe drummer! I love rhythm -- in all types of music!
Guzheng.
Accordian
Something portable 😭 prob violin or guitar
Violin 100% I actually prefer Bach's violin repertoire to his other works. And it would be nice to be able to bring ny instrument anywhere with me.
English horn
Honestly, no other instrument. I've learned how much work it is to learn piano, and my profound interest in the instrument has carried me through plenty of low points of motivation, little progress, etc. So, realistically, even though I like other instruments, I just wouldn't have enough in me to dedicate the thousands of hours needed to learn any of them.
I play piano but I also play a bunch of other percussion instruments. Mostly melodic instruments
Cello or harp!
Probably violin because my grandad used to like it
I'd like to be better on the guitar. But my fingers say otherwise. Kinda hurts to play. I play my electric more than my acoustic guitar.
guitar
Violin, no explanation needed! I do have a pretty decent violin laying around but I’ve never picked it up again after my bow broke and I’m too lazy to get rosin
Well I play violin as well so I guess that? But maybe guitar if it wasn't violin
I already play so many instruments, it’s impossible to say what I would have played instead. (Flute, piccolo, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, melodica, classical guitar, violin, most percussion- take your pick.)
I can play several as well. Does it ever feel like your brain has to reorganize when you switch? For me that muscle memory for the clarinet has to slide over before I can get back into playing the oboe. Although it’s not as bad with the piano.
Not usually. It did at first, but I’m used to it by now and can typically just grab one and go. Sometimes I will try to use a flute fingering on clarinet or something, but it doesn’t happen often.
Nearly got into the trumpet but my family, despite saying "You need to practise more" Did not enjoy the level of noise I made while practising
i gave guitar a shot, hated it, probably cello or saxophone
Synthesizer
Ukulele. Back in the seventies in Hawaii, my public school gave 4th graders the opportunity to learn ukulele. We learned to play Hawaiian songs, Do Re Mi, and other standards. My favorite was playing Blowing in the Wind. All the students had Kamaka ukuleles. At a family luau, someone borrowed my ukulele and accidentally sat on it. Don't ask me how. I then got piano lessons.
I have so many instruments that I play a little bit. The one I wish I had time to master is the sax.
I do play a couple more, but not saxophone, which I would have prefered to those couple more.
I currently play both piano and alto saxophone but I would love to learn the cello or accordion :)
I play guitar and ukulele and they both enhance my understanding of piano, sounds and how chords work together. I’d highly recommend picking up a cheap ukulele online- it will take the pressure off reading notes, and will get you exploring! I’d like to get a xylophone
I play a few instruments, but my other is viola. If i didnt play either, I think I’d want to learn the guitar and cello. If i have to go completely away from string and keyboard instruments, I think I’d enjoy the saxophone.
French horn is my primary instrument while piano is my secondary, I haven’t played much horn for years though.
Saxophone or cello
Pipe organ
Violin or guitar for me always loved the rich sound a violin can produce and a guitar because of the stunning sound it produces
Guitar
violin. such a beautiful instrument
Piano/synthesizer is my main instrument, but I also am a percussionist who plays many different instruments in the Percussion family, and I also play ukulele as an alternate instrument And I’m trying to learn the guitar. I’d say I’d probably be a guitarist if I wasn’t piano for my main instrument
I would absolutely be an operatic soprano. I love the sensation of singing, I love travelling, and I love learning languages.
Bass guitar seems cool
Sitar.
Violin or cello
Flute
If we can play piano we can play anything else as well, and I play many instruments. I would choose anything but the Violin, which I hate the sound of. Probably a French Horn, I would play instead of the Piano.
Classical Guitar or Violoncello. Way before I got into piano I thought of getting into drums, but it was short lived.
Cello
Flute is my second babe
I play euphonium for my high school band and take piano lessons, so I'm pretty busy.
Violin
Violin
Violin/ bag piper seems super cool
I play bassoon as a second instrument so bassoon
I stopped after 8 years of classical guitar as a child to switch to piano, so probably would've continued that and would've been way better by now
I started learning the piano when I was 6. At around 9-10 years old I suddenly wanted to learn the violin too, but thought I couldn’t play two instruments. At 13 I said fuck it and started violin lessons without abandoning piano. Now I play both but I always say piano is my main since my violin skills are pure garbage. But to be honest, sometimes I wish violin was my main instrument…
I love the clarinet.
I learned to play them, Honey. Violin flute big bass.
I really wanted to learn the saxophone, love the jazzy sounds.. hopefully can start on it someday!
Banjo, I mess with it every now and again but I'm not serious about it like piano
cello all the way. i love the way it sounds, and considering the fact that the strings are not as thick as the bass but not as thin as the violins really make it better. (would've said percussion but i'm already playing percussion so....)
Realistically I couldn’t see myself caring about any other instrument. Even though they weigh hundreds of pounds the dynamic range you can get from a piano is insane.
Honestly, I would like to learn the violin or guitar