But for Dunedin musician Matt Caradus, playing the two instruments at the same time "isn't too hard".
"It's kind of like singing and playing the guitar. You're just making noises with your mouth instead."
On Sunday, Mr Caradus (21) and his group Native were guest artists at the 16th Whitestone Winter Folk Festival at Camp Iona, near Herbert.
He has played the violin since he was 5 and the mandolin for many years.
When he found a didgeridoo in his basement several years ago, he decided to have a go at playing it.
It was only a souvenir-type instrument so he bought another for $100. It took about a month to get the hang of playing it.
He had some lessons from a friend of a friend and was taught cyclic breathing to keep the drone going.
Mr Caradus is studying for an honours degree in music and is keen to get into film music composition.
