Is learning a new size of instrument worth it?

Ok, you knew I was going to say yes, right?

In my (admittedly spectacularly biased) opinion as a recorder teacher, it’s always worth stretching yourself to grow new skills.

I myself am still acquiring new instrument sizes (hello, G bass) and actively working toward becoming more adept with them.

Why am I so enthused? Let me explain.

First, there are many fabulous reasons for learning a new size!

And second, I find that many of the reasons folks put forward not to learn a new size stem from misapprehension and fear.

I mean, you’re facing imminent death, I might let you off the hook…..but otherwise, it’s learning time!

Why learn a new size?

It’s good for you!

Inviting and cultivating growth is an essential part of being human. Learning new skills throughout the lifespan strengthens cognitive skills and boosts long-term happiness. At times it might feel annoying and frustrating… but supporting yourself through those feelings is excellent practice for the rest of your life!

You get to take on new and exciting musical roles!

If you’ve only ever played inner parts on the alto, it can be profoundly rewarding to get to experience music from the perspective of the bass part. And vice versa! Or if you’ve spent your time to date buried in the texture as a tenor, it’s a new and enticing experience to play the melody on soprano! (And again, vice versa.) Expanding your competence with different sizes widens your musical perspective and expands your capacity for enjoyment

Your recorder group will thank you!

It’s so useful, in recorder groups, to have people willing and able to play multiple sizes. It means no one person is forever trapped on the bass, or certain people never get to play alto. It expands the whole group’s strength and flexibility.

Rebutting the buts!

….but I’m too old to learn something new

I doubt it. As we age, we are fully capable of learning and changing. I know this both through experience as a recorder teacher (I’ve seen many students of all ages successfully tackle new sizes) and through my previous education as a speech therapist (the brain is amazingly plastic: stroke survivors are learning; even dementia patients can learn).

….but I’ll mix up my fingerings

Yes, you will. And that’s OK. It happens– in fact, it still happens to me. You’ll do it less as you go along.

….but I won’t be good at it.

That’s true; you won’t be– at first. Not being good at something can feel scary and vulnerable, and our understandable first instinct is to avoid it. But I promise that if you work deliberately and consistently, ideally adding one note at a time. you really will make progress. And that progress can feel empowering and inspiring!

….but my hands are too small

Maybe. But also, maybe not.

Learning a new instrument size can be frustrating. It can be joyful. But it is nearly always, in my opinion, worth it! (Now, when you should take on a different size another question….see my blog entry about that here.)