Flute or violin??

My daughter who is in 4th grade wants to take lessons in one or the other. Any opinions?

Re: Flute or violin??

I played the Flute in 4th grade and I liked it. I didnt continue with it though.

Re: Flute or violin??

violin....
can't tell you why I think that (b/c I really have no particular reason), but I love the violin!!!

Re: Flute or violin??

I've played violin for 24 years now...I started when I was 4. It's a very VERY hard instrument to master but it's rewarding. However, I always felt instruments such as the flute open more possibilities of learning different instruments like the clarinet, etc. Another perk with the flute is-it's small and lightweight! Also, with the flute, she'll be able to participate in more types of ensembles like a marching band, jazz band, etc.
Just a few points to think about!

Re: Flute or violin??

I like the flute.. but I also like the violin.

If I were you I'd buy 2 CDs- one w. violin concertos, one with flute concertos.. whatever she likes, she picks...

Also- don't let her quit- music is SOOO important in the development of a child & I feel parents are WAY to quick to let kids quit b/c they don't want to practice.

Re: Flute or violin??

I played both....the flute is a little easier for a child to learn, but I do love the sound of a violin. When you miss a note on the flute it hurts, but when you screech a violin, lord help us all.
In all seriousness, if your child is not in love with the idea of playing an instrument, the violin is quite the labor of love. JMHO.


Good Luck & I think that it is great to get a child involved in music.....it will positively affect other areas of study as well!

Re: Flute or violin??

I've played the flute since I was in teh 4th grade!! I absolutely love it - it is so relaxing and rewarding. I actually used my expierences with playing for flute on my college essay - playing an instrument really is a beautiful opportunity - why dont you let your daughter choose - inform her of both instruments - play some music of the flute and violin, show her the instrument and let her decided. I say this because she may be partial to one and be more likely to continue playing - i continued playing all through junior high, high school, college and still do when i can get some peace and quiet for myself.

Re: Flute or violin??

I never learned to play an instrument but if given the choice, I would choose the violin.

Re: Flute or violin??

FLUTE FLUTE FLUTE!!!! (Can you tell I'm a flute teacher????? )

Re: Flute or violin??

for no particular reason, the violin

Re: Flute or violin??

I would pick a string instrument...only because that is my love (cello and piano -is it string or technically percussion? I don't know)


personally I think the music played in a school orchestra helps students to become well rounded in the arts...playing and recognizing classical pieces...

Re: Flute or violin??

Ok, I have to elaborate on both instruments in order to have a good conscience as a music teacher. First of all, ANY instrument is better than NO instrument. I see TOO many kids who can't read music or play it and it limits them so much in life. I also get a lot of older students who wished they had either started or stuck with an instrument as a child. So I agree with whoever stated above that whatever it is that she picks, make her stick to it. Music is proven to improve math skills and verbal skills. It also helps with a child's development of pride, confidence, teamwork, listening skills, etc.
Ok, not to the instruments: Violins come in all sizes so no matter how big or little your daughter is, she will comfortably be able to play it. There's a wealth of music out there for violin and many opportunities to play it in school and in community orchestras.
THE FLUTE, MY PERSONAL CHOICE : Well, a lot of people seem to think the flute is a lot harder than it really is. A good teacher can help a student make it easy. It's an especially good instrument for any child with asthma, as I had, it helps open up the airways and lessen the constriction when an attack is coming on. There are TWICE as many opportunities to play the flute. See, you can play flute in an orchestra or a band, whereas violin is only in an orchestra. You can play violin music ON the flute, too See? So by having her play the flute, she can have the experiences of playing a violin, but all the while playing the flute Well, in anycase, I hope your daughter plays SOMETHING! All children should!

Re: Flute or violin??

I am just going to emphasize teh FLUTE again!

Re: Flute or violin??

i played violin

Re: Flute or violin??

i took the flute... i think the violin would be fun

Re: Flute or violin??

I vote for flute. She can be a concert band, an orchestra, a marching band. So many options with that one instrument.

Re: Flute or violin??

I was torn between the two of them when I was in elementary school and ended up choosing the violin. My vote violin.

Re: Flute or violin??

i vote for FLUTE. I think it would be easier to learn than the violin. Ive played it since 4th grade also so that is helping me make my decision

Re: Flute or violin??

flute, sound is sooooooooooooo pretty!!

I really just think they are both good and really just play her different music featuring those instruments. When I was her age my mom used to play classical music and ask me to pick out the instruments playing- it was a fun game.