Saxophone vs Clarinet

Rary

Hi,

My six-years old boy is interested in Clarinet and Saxophone.  We are thinking of letting him learn one of these instruments.  What are the key characteristics of each instrument in terms of:

- easy to learn and play
- musical style - classic, jazz.....
- personl musical advancement
- opportunities to play in groups in the future, e.g. ensemble, orchestra, etc.
- cost of instrument and tuition

Also, is 6 years old an apprpriate age to learn such wind instruments?

keekee74

Clarinet always occurs in ensemble gp and orchestra but saxphone is not always arranged.  Saxophone is not a traditional orchestral insturment.  So the opportunities to play in groups in the future must be clarinet!!!  Moreover, clarinet is more common than saxophone!!!  For 6 years old child, still difficult to handle and control the clarinet!! Saxophone is too big for 6 years old child, I think!!

Rary

keekee74,

Thanks for your opinion.