Our younger daughter plays piano since she was 5 and started with classical guitar lessons. What would be a good choice of instrument to start in Middle school and continue in High school? She does not have any preference now and agreed to “try” one of the instruments. Any suggestions as far as instruments usually in “short supply” in High school and, ultimately, college? Many thanks!
Bassoon? Oboe? Piccolo?
I don’t know about other schools, but my school has almost no trombones.
Tuba, euphonium, bassoon, or oboe (although oboe is on the rise and is competitive for scholarships- I received two full tuition scholarships, but I had to work to get them).
@guineagirl96, Congratulations! When did you start your Oboe lessons? Did you take them outside your school orchestra?
I guess Oboe will be more popular now because of “Mozart in the Jungle” 
@RussianMom I started right at the end of 3rd grade, but I played piano since age 4. Yes, I’ve taken private lessons, since I started. You can’t learn oboe without private lessons (same for bassoon) because of the reeds). As for the scholarships, I was competing against all other instruments and voice students. Both had live auditions and had major/minor requirements. I think one of them helped that I had a connection through my brother, and the other was because of my music resumé and the titles I racked up (which honestly aren’t that impressive compared to what those aiming to be musicians have).
I honestly don’t like the whole choose a rare instrument to get into college approach, though. It doesn’t really work now days when there are phenomenal players on all instruments and admissions are so holistic. I chose the oboe because that’s what I wanted to play, not for the possible college scholarships. Its a difficult instrument, especially when you first start out, and you are constantly learning. I’ve been playing for 9.5 years (literally half my life) and I still have problems with certain aspects.
Definitely any of the double reeds. Horns and low brass are uncommon too I believe.
Or the harp
I’m curious what the folks on the music major’s forum would say about this.
Will she want to do marching band in high school and potentially college for fun? Several instruments don’t march like oboe & bassoon. Also, Jazz band in high school is also selective on instruments. Full orchestras have those exact instruments though. we’ve found the kids who love music in high school often learn other instruments, and are good at those as well. tenor sax/clarinet or flute; alto sax/bass clarinet; horns and brass switching; etc.
In college - for marching band and pep bands they like the loud instruments . . . Tuba players are often adored.
some bands and marching groups are strictly brass and percussion. (google the Ohio State Michael Jackson Half time show!! and also Drum Corps International Blue Devils. Amazing shows!) it seems there’s less girls who chose brass . .
my daughter started on alto sax; changed to bari sax as there were 22 sax players in her band of 130. She loves the bari and its role in her jazz band ensemble. Older son started on baritone, played trombone, and now is on tuba and will audition for college pep band. Both play piano.
Daughter also plays keyboards in a band at church. some keyboard players are needed in jazz bands and marching bands as well, so there will always be outlets for piano. Piano playing is a skill i hope my kids don’t lose. Tuba playing has a shelf life i think.
Wouldn’t tuba require a high lung capacity? Incentive to maintain physical fitness…
@bgbg4us, @matt846, @guineagirl96
Thank you for your recommendations! I really appreciate it!
Looks like my daughter will continue to play piano, she has been doing it for 5 years now and really likes it. Her piano teacher also gives flute lessons, they play duets together at least a couple of times a year at recitals and she is always enjoying it.
I think she likes more orchestra or ensemble, she was really impressed by the Flute Choir and Percussion Ensemble in my son’s school. Although we need to introduce her more to band music. We have some great events in GA, like Battle of the Bands, by the way. We used to have these great instrument “petting zoo” events at Atlanta Symphony, which my kids loved. You can ask musicians questions and try playing.
I agree with Guineagirl96, that choosing a rare instrument does not give you a college pass, but I think that future demand for that instrument in school (and later college) environment is worth considering, among other things, when you make your selection. And you do have to like it in first place, of course!
Young lady, who’s piano my daughter is using right now - is a french horn player at LA philharmonic, and she started playing french horn at a local public school. I just love her story!
Thank you!
bassoon
She may enjoy some of the front ensemble (“pit”) instruments that you see in both concert band and in marching band. In addition to the obvious keyboard, what about vibraphone or marimba or other percussion instruments?
I’d send an inquiry to the middle school orchestra teacher to find out where there is a gap. There are many uncommon instruments (ex. harp and others noted above) but if there are already one or two players in the school then they may not need more. I do have a friend who played bass oboe and she was always the only one playing that instrument.
Basson has so many scholarship opportunities it’s ridiculous, but try it out before you choose s you aren’t stuck for 7 years on something you hate.
What about harp? Granted it’s only in need at schools that don’t have a specific harp program. Many community orchestras that charge members to join will pay for a harp when they need them. Churches will often hire harpists too.
Trumpet!
^ Puh-lease, there are millions of us. 