The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #76680   Message #4136288
Posted By: reggie miles
12-Feb-22 - 02:52 AM
Thread Name: What Is the Best First Instrument?
Subject: RE: What Is the Best First Instrument?
Yes, there is a big difference between the study of music and free play with sounds. On occasion, actual percussionists would venture by to share their prowess, which didn't interrupt what the children were doing in the least. It was nice to see and hear that contrast of studied talent and free exploration. I had one guy walk by to merely record what was happening, no doubt, to use in some future musical project. I asked if he would send me a copy of what he captured but received no response.

The display also prompts lots of parents to capture images of their children having fun. So, it's a means to engage their interest in capturing a sweet moment of their little ones having fun in a very unusual creative setting.

I try to make a point of offering no rules whatsoever, regarding access to my Gadgets. I keep them set low enough for even the tiniest tot to be able to reach them.

The largest event that I've been invited to feature my Gadgets was the Oregon Country Fair's 50th anniversary in 2019. Imagine three eight hour days of children having non-stop fun exploring sound. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

I realized that lots of events have very little to offer in the way of children's programming. Most grown-up events are created to satisfy the needs of big kids, big kid's music, big kid's arts and crafts but precious little in the way of creative thought to craft a truly entertaining interactive display for little ones to enjoy. I'm hoping that once things begin to open back up, I'll find more opportunities to share them.