Learning multiple instruments at the same time

[sarab]

Hi - I'm new to this forum and wanted to find out how everyone who plays multiple instruments manages to do it. I have searched for and read several posts here on playing other instruments, but I wonder how everyone really does it.
My reason for asking is that I currently play classical guitar - have been playing "classical" style for almost a year now. I played piano at a younger age (I am 30 now) for several years. I was told that I was talented by my teacher who started pushing me to play more and more competitions and I was not ready for that commitment. So in the last year I have rediscovered my love for classical music (not referring to that period necessarily). I play mostly baroque music on guitar (always working on a new Bach piece) and really like it, but there is so much repertoire that I love but cannot play on guitar. So I want to get back into piano without quitting guitar. My only hesitation is that it would take away from guitar too much. On the other hand, if piano is what I really want to play then I should try to figure that out.
It really seems like I have answered my own question - I need to try it or else I will always regret that I didn't. But, I am looking for advice on how to juggle the two without burning myself out.
Any advice would be appreciated -

[Vivers]

I used to play violin and piano seriously, but I was just a junior high student, so there really wasn't that much other stuff getting in my way. It sounds to me like you're much more passionate about the guitar, and would never consider dropping that instrument, whereas piano is something you'd like to explore and add to a list of options. While I felt like violin was much more natural for me, I always kept in mind that I had more experience on piano, and that was going to be my main instrument. I also let my teacher know this, so that when piano competition time came up and my violin work started to slack, he knew why.
As for the time commitment that two instruments takes, you really have to enjoy what you're doing. While music should challenge you, you have to see it as entertainment and a passion rather than work. Play around with your schedule, and see how things work out. But keep in mind your priorities. For me, piano always took precedence over violin.
Taking on more instruments allows for a better understanding of music. I find myself applying my violin knowledge to my piano playing quite a bit. If I had the chance to pick up the violin again, I would. I've always regretted ever leaving it behind because it opened up lots of opportunities for me like playing in large ensembles and busking. So now that you have the option of picking up piano again, you should try it out. If it doesn't work out, at least you'll know that you didn't miss out on an opportunity.

[xvimbi]

Taking on more instruments allows for a better understanding of music. I find myself applying my violin knowledge to my piano playing quite a bit.

Very wise! Also, "serious" musicians know their way around the piano, no matter what their primary instrument is. If violin is the primary instrument, one has to know where middle-A is on the piano, in case one becomes a Concertmaster at some point

Seriosuly, composers compose most often on the piano. Praticioners and teachers of instruments other than the piano (including voice, orchestra, even ballet, etc.) benefit a lot by being able to provide accompaniment and having a good understanding of the interplay between the piano and other instruments. Just to pick out one example: in chamber music, it always frightens me to hear non-pianists telling the pianist how their part should be played, without having any idea about the piano. This, of course, goes the other way around too.

Music is most often played with more than one person and more than one instrument. The quality of music goes up the more one knows about any instrument.

[ehpianist]

I'm envious of everyone that plays more than one instrument, wish that had been part of my training as well.

Elena
https://www.pianofourhands.com

[quasimodo]

Sarab, I'm in a similar situations as yours with similar motivations, the difference is that I already decided to make the step and bought a piano two months ago.

Obviously, my major concern now is to learn the piano so, of course it takes me a little bit away from guitar. Currently I don't learn any new things on the guitar but just do my best to maintain the things I already acquired. So I play the guitar like 30 minutes or 1 hour at most, every day, only things that I already know.

Actually, things will depend on how much time you have got to play music every day: if you only have 3 hours or less, you're going naturally to give priority to the new instrument as I currently do, at least until you reach a certain level at the piano, which takes long months (even years). But keeping on playing the guitar is going to help you in many ways, for example to relax yourself after a hard and frustrating piano session  .

[sarab]

Thanks for the replies - this is some good information. I definitely agree with the argument that playing more instruments helps one as a musician. As for time, I realize that one will be the priority and I'll just have to see how it plays out as I get back into piano. I have a full time job, but I can practice music for about 3 hours per day. For me, music is a serious hobby - I regret not pursuing it seriously at a younger age, but I was not ready for it then. I would like to get more involved over time and teach someday.
Thanks again for the advice. Now, I have to decide how short I can have my nails for piano and CG.

[quasimodo]

Thanks for the replies - this is some good information. I definitely agree with the argument that playing more instruments helps one as a musician. As for time, I realize that one will be the priority and I'll just have to see how it plays out as I get back into piano. I have a full time job, but I can practice music for about 3 hours per day. For me, music is a serious hobby - I regret not pursuing it seriously at a younger age, but I was not ready for it then. I would like to get more involved over time and teach someday.
Thanks again for the advice. Now, I have to decide how short I can have my nails for piano and CG.

He he  , I had to cut my nails very short. It's sooo frustrating. we have to learn how to play guitar without them. Fortunately for me, I'm more into jazz than classic with the guitar so I play a lot with the plectrum...