My asthmatic child wants to switch from violin to clarinet, is this a bad idea?

Question

My kid takes violin through the school orchestra. The kid is ok at it, but not fabulous. The kid's biggest trouble is keeping it properly positioned on the shoulder. For next school year, the kid is allowed to switch to a band instrument like the clarinet. The kid likes the violin but is now interested in the clarinet, too. The kid's best friend is switching from orchestra to band which increases the interest in band.

My reservations about the switch are many. First, I really would like the kid to learn the violin because that was the instrument my late grandfather played. Second, I worry that being in music with the best friend might actually keep the kid from focusing properly on learning the music. Most importantly, I worry that the kid's RAD asthma may adversely affect the playing of the clarinet and that having to constantly blow into the clarinet might aggravate the asthma. I would love to hear from anyone but especially asthmatics who play wind instruments!

Answer 1

its fine, just got get your child to run before they play the instrument

Answer 2

1) SO many people play violin, that if the kid doesn't practice at least 2 hours a day every day (and isn't even that great at it), he/she will have a VERY tough time with it (solos, competitions, all-state orchestras, etc.). So (being a violin player myself) if you want her/him to progress in music, I suggest a switch in instruments

2) Music with  a best friend will encourage him/her to want to go to band practice/class and will make it more fun. Don't worry about that.

3) Asthma will not effect her/him! He/she can play clarinet without trouble!

Answer 3

Let him. And why do you keep refering to him as kid?

Answer 4

i say let him/her switch. because if you dont she will contineue to do bad and will waste your money. the clarinet is a cool instrument because i am in band and play the trumpet. most songs they have the leading part

Answer 5

No I don't think it's a bad idea at all.  In fact, all breathing exercise helps with asthma.

You may find, however, that you need to give him his asthma pump before he starts playing.

Answer 6

y do u keep calling your child "the kid"

Answer 7

i think it would be fine! i have asthma and i learned the clarinet! just as long as he/she doesn't overplay it (like play until they get tired) and they should have their inhaler with them so incase something happens then they will have it with them.

Answer 8

My sister was a severe asthmatic as a child, and she played both the saxophone and the clarinet, and even tried the oboe.

None affected her asthma.  I would talk to your child's doctor to see if he has any concerns - if not, I wouldn't worry about the health aspects of the switch.

Other than that - I wouldn't push your child to play the violin just because YOU want him/her to because of your late grandfather.  You don't say how old your child is, but regardless I don't think its fair to your child.   I'd focus on the concern that the only reason your child wants to switch is due to the best friend.

Answer 9

Let him switch or he will not do his best on the violin.Listen if it starts to bother him then let him switch back when he can. Don't stop him from trying things just because of his condition.

Answer 10

Its kind of weird how you say, the kid don't you think. It seems disrespectful. Anyways you'll only find out by trying and get some help from the doctor too.

Answer 11

I played clarinet and with beginners music it takes little or no effort to play.  But, when you advance you sometimes will play a piece of music with no breath for 15-20 seconds.  Thats 15 seconds of continuous breathing out.  Have him to breathing exercises at home.  And, when he thinks hes ready take him to a music store to try a clarinet and see how long he can hold a note for.

If it is not for very long, I suggest he join a jazz band and learn the guitar.  Or, a percussion side of band.

Answer 12

I have a friend who has asthma and plays the flute! She seems fine but one time in instrumental something bad happened and she had to go to the hospital! If you are willing to transfer your child to band, make sure he always brings his puffer! It's dangerous.

- Phiii ツ

Answer 13

as a clarinetist with mild asthma, it isn't usually hard. it depends what kind of clarinet you get and the quality of the reeds. it shouldn't affect asthma at all. but if you buy bad reeds, she may get a headache... i personally love band. but this should not affect the asthma, it may make it better, i teaches you how to breathe, you can breathe more, longer, better, i think it might just help her asthma.. and i have lots of friends in band, i am in our top band and first chair, and i have loads of friends in band. it can help her make friends. it's all about individual practice at home though, you need to hire a private lessons teacher, this will help he/she IMMENSELY.. this is the best idea to make sure he/she gets really good.

Answer 14

You're oddly emotionally displaced from your child if you insist on referring to him as "the kid", imo.

I've played the clarinet for ten years now, as well as other winded instruments, just fine despite asthma. It never caused me to use my lungs as much as I would if I were being physically active. It conditioned my lungs slowly as my skill evolved, making an easier transition.

"The kid" will be just fine...weirdo.