I play the Flute, Bassoon, Tenor and Bari Saxophone...Is this a bad thing?

Question

I'm looking to go into a career in the music area, and I play all of these instruments at an exceptional level...I've been to All State auditions with all of them, but never made all state, just Honors District (Might be just because I can't afford private lessons) My friends say I should just stick with one, but I get bored to easy just playing one all the time, so I alternate...I play Bari for Marching Season, Flute for concert ensambles, Bassoon for Concert season, and Tenor for Jazz Band...

Answer 1

Oh man. You can get scholarships out the wazoo!

Answer 2

How could it possibly be a bad thing? It's wonderful that you can do so well on 4 instruments. I played saxophone and clarinet. I did very well on both of those instruments. However, I wanted to learn another instrument so, in my spare time, I learned to play oboe and flute. It was just for fun! If it makes you happy to learn the different instruments, then by all means do it. I think that it is better for you to know several instruments if you want to have a career in music. It gives you an advantage against someone who only does well on one instrument and makes you more flexible in case you are needed to play something else.

If you are still concerned. then you should speak to your music teacher. Then can give you some good advice and help steer you in the right direction.

Answer 3

Oh sweetie- you sound like me!  In high school, I played anything I could get my hands on, although clarinet and bari sax were my two main instruments (orchestra/wind ensemble, and jazz band, respectively).

When you get to college, if you plan on majoring in music (and it sounds like you are on the road to doing so), you will have to pick just one or two to focus on, but it doesn't mean that you will have to stop playing them all entirely!

The drawback to being good at a lot of instruments, is that you will go through a phase (ESPECIALLY in a competitive environment) when you feel like you are only mediocre on any given instrument.  If you audition for Wind Ensemble on flute, you may only get 2nd chair... consistantly!  The reason for this is that even though you may practice for 6 hours a day (2 hours each on 3 instruments), the guy who keeps kicking your butt is practicing for 6 hours a day on ONE instrument.  You have to keep perspective though, and realize that you are probably a better musician all around, but you're not a "specialized" musician.

When I was in high school, I only made All State Orchestra  once on my clarinet (my Junior year), and All State Jazz once on my bari (my Freshman year).  It took me a while to realize that I was not- nor would ever be- a virtuosic player... but I AM GREAT!

Here's what I mean:

Since you are a sax player, it will become expected that you double on flute, clarinet, or both-   You are ahead of that game!  Also, it opens up more opportunities for you- you can play in multiple genres... this is a neccesity if you want to find work! lol

Also, if you get into doing musicals or operas, or you become a studio musician, you will get paid more- a LOT more.  Most people would rather hire one guy that can play a bunch of things well, pay him well, and be done... rather than to hire a bunch of virtuosic musicians and pay them all what they're "worth".  

And have you ever heard a virtuosic classical player try to play jazz?... it's just sad!  And vice-versa!  I can only think of 2 guys off the top of my head that could do it- Benny Goodman, and Eddie Daniles (checkout his "Breakthrough" album- you'll see!).  I'm sure there's others, but you know what I mean- like when your concert ensemble trys to play something a little more funky, and you and the other jazzers are sitting there smacking your heads... you can do it all, baby, so go for it! lol

Anyways, I think it's great that you are playing so much.  Just try to make sure that your technique is good, and try to get a couple lessons, just to make sure you haven't taught yourself any bad habits.  Also, when you have a bad habit on one instrument (or even a good one, for that matter), it will most likely extend to the others.  You have to be VERY mindful of playing clean and with good tone and technique.  You will have to work harder at this than other cats who only play one instrument.

If you decide to pick up another instrument, try to make it piano, as that will help you with your musicianship and  THEORY... if you go to college, you'll be expected to take piano classes and pass them with a high degree of proficiency, so get a head start.  

I wish you luck for all your future endeavors, and happy playing!

Answer 4

No its not bad. i think its great that you are into music. Keep up with your variety of instruments. I'm sure as you practice and become even better and opportunity will come to you. Hopeicouldhelp!

Answer 5

I totally have to agree with Lady Prism.  I minored in bassoon performance, but I also know how to play flute and percussion (mainly mallets).  It is not a bad thing to know all of them.

You will have a great career as a music teacher if you can keep all of that up.

One thing I would suggest is to learn at least one brass instrument to make you very well-rounded. Trombone or Trumpet... just to get the basics down so if you do decide to become  a teacher it is on your list of what you can perform on!

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Of course not!!  Why would that be a bad thing?  That's awesome!