Our young man Stan is 8-soon-to-be-nine. Afraid he is a bit doted on, as many change of life kids are--but it hasn't seemed to hurt (too much).
He has been listening to and playing traditional African drums since he was an infant, and I think percussion will end up being his forte. But he loves messing around with guitar, uke, banjo uke, recorder and keyboard. He makes up great songs and lyrics of his own, but cannot quite carry anyone else's tune. He absolutely abhors any instruction or advice regarding any of these instruments. I have no idea how he will develop musically.
He loves listening to music on tape or CD, especially string bands such as the Bing Brothers or Critten Hollow, but doesn't like for me to sing, and live music often scares him--too loud, I think.
Very bright and beautiful he is. He loves nature and good, fat books, and fancies himself a soccer star.