Posted by DS on September 05, 2002 at 12:18:30:
In Reply to: Re: Doubling on completely different instrmn posted by Mike Solms on September 05, 2002 at 08:04:57:
Mike,
That is waaaaaaaay cool! My experience is in a sense the exact opposite of yours. I started violin with a local symphony pro at age 6 and progressed to viola when the youth orchestra needed it. During this time I was desperate to play the tuba, but my parents felt that was "not something you could really make music on". I finally took things into my own hands in high school and never looked back. I totally agree with the advantages you mention about doubling on a completely different instrument.
Although I want all four of my kids to play a brass instrument (family quintet?) I have learned from my experience to let a person play what they have a real passion for. That is when they will make music!
Today I still enjoy playing viola (at church, string quartet, weddings, etc.) but my true love is the tuba.