|
How old should your children be
before they start taking music lessons?
Let's assume that you are now
considering paying for music lessons for
your child.
I feel the child would have to
be able to read and
understand the relationship between a
symbols displayed on a piece of paper
and and a desired reaction; probably
about 5 or 6; when they can read.
What instrument should I buy
first?
Is it worth the money I am
going to spend?
As a first instrument I suggest the
recorder.
It's an amazingly simple instrument; affordable (less than $20 for a decent wooden model) and yet complex.
It's small,
easy to carry, not
too loud and sounds nice on it's
own.
Lesson's
are cheap and it's a a perfect instrument for learning to read
music and it's easy
to pick out simple melodies once you get
the hang of it.
If you child can read the notes on sheet music
you can be sure that they are ready to tackle something more complex like the piano or guitar.
The
Truth
Some kids understand the
recorder in an afternoon. Other's
never quite get it. Not good or
bad, just the way life is and it's good
to know in advance.
By starting with the recorder you can
also judge the dedication and talent
level of your child. Don't fool
yourself. Paying for
lessons? It takes about 10 years
to become an expert at anything,
including the piano or guitar. If
you are going to invest that type of
money and time you should be sure they
want to succeed.
Today most children are more interested in computer games than learning the guitar or piano. Video games give instant gratification; it can take many hours of practice to nail a piece on the piano; most people
these days just don't have the time for it.
If your son/daughter seems introspective
and thoughtful, good at languages, music
may be their "magic power".
I would say on average that the people who are
MOST
interested in sports/athletics are the
LEAST interested in music-making. Not a bad thing, just
something that I have observed. We all have our own talents and
abilities.
Don't be disappointed if your child
can sing but can't play an
instrument. Being a singer is it's
own special world and not every musician
can sing.
The other exception is drummers and bass
players. Most interested in rhythm and beats,
this is a natural for athletically inclined people, especially
boys. Get a digital drum or some
tam tams; better than any videogame
ever invented.
|
A
traditional wooden recorder;
about $20.00
Don't
buy an acoustic piano. You
have to tune it. Buy a
digital piano. Good
starting models for a couple of
hundred; AND your kids can use
headphones when they
practice!!!
My
child's school offers music or
band classes, which instrument
is right for him/her?
Unless you see a future in the National Guard or military for your children I would stay away from brass instruments. They are extremely loud
and meant to be played in an arena so practicing at home is
torture; not just for you but for your neighbors
too...
That being said if you go down this road
you should choose an instrument compatible with the
body type of the child. I don't see a 100 pound girl doing well on the
Tuba, nor a 6 foot 4 football player on the flute.
|
