Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why

Subject: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: Barry Finn
Date: 04 May 08 - 07:19 AM

From what I see & hear & from what I read about it seems that it's alot more common to find kids that are HOT musicians than it is to find real good singers.
I don't know if it's just in my area (New England) or if others find this tto be true.
I go to different sessions & there's almost always teens & even pre-teens that are good & often very, very good good but I'll only hear one sing seldom, not much at all.
Is it more embrassing for a kid to try & sing in front of a group? When hey play it's usually along with others so when they sing is it because they'll be out there by themselves & that's more of a risk?
When I do hear them which isn't often they're usually knock out's but why so seldom?
Does it take a longer time to develop voice technique than playing ability so there's a lag in the comfort zone?

Barry

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 04 May 08 - 07:28 AM

It's probably their voice as much as anything.

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 04 May 08 - 07:56 AM

I think it's plain old stage fright and shyness.

I think singing is a very personal thing as it is a sound you produce yourself and is therefore more 'of you' than music played on an instrument.

An instrument can often be a distraction from the musician in their mind.

An example is Hendrix who was an invalid without his crutch/guitar, but who expressed himself beautifully through it. He hated his siinging voice and considered it seriously sub par despite being a consummate performer and in my opinion having a superb and distinctive vocal style.

So when a modest kid gets up with their instrument, they can filter any attention they are getting through it and hide a bit better.

When you're singing you don't get any protection in that sense. You have to sit/stand up, clear your throat and give it your all or not bother.

And that can be a struggle for most people as most people are modest.

That is why stage schools and workshops are useful for kids since they help to remove those inhibitions and barriers.

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 04 May 08 - 07:59 AM

I think as a kid, just as now, I would have said singing (at least to be passable) is easier but playing is more exciting.

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 04 May 08 - 08:18 AM

What is your definition of "KID?"

For me, it is anyone under 35

From my observations children (ages 3 to 10) have an inate desire to sing and make rhythems if they have been exposed to music in their lives. It is howling shame that music instruction has been greatly curtailed in public schools.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: Rockhen
Date: 05 May 08 - 06:06 AM

This isn't exactly on thread, but I think it is relevant. There are new plans, in the UK at least, for a drive to encourage singing in schools...and from the enjoyment point of view as well as teaching musical skills. It is a free programme and anyone can use the programme, if they have access to the net . I will post the link when I find it, I have only just learnt of the programme recently, so I am not sure how good or useful it will be until I have looked at it more.
From personal experience, I find many children get self aware and embarrassed about singing, by about 10/11. Peer pressure that music/singing is not 'cool' can be terrible at that age BUT it can be overcome if the children's own musical likes and dislikes are considered valid and children are taught positively. In the last week, alone, I heard 2 ex-pupils, separately performing their own compositions and songs, at local clubs and music nights. I also received a cd from a young woman I remember at age 10, who was terrified of singing the lead role in a school musical...after half an hour of crying one afternoon, she plucked up courage and did brilliantly at the evening performance. That experience gave her the confidence to continue with her music and make her own cd. I know the music teachers of all three quite well and they are all of the opinion that music is wonderful and should be open to all, not just the most able. Music is important in their schools and fun, high in priority.
I believe that anyone out there involved with music and singing with children, should try foster a positive attitude towards music and singing and respect for others 'having a go'.)....In my view, it really does make the difference between giving someone the confidence to relax and sing to the best of their ability. The children I work with, know what music I do out of school and are interested in it. They also bring in their own ideas and their favourite music to share with others. I think it fosters respect and tolerance for each other.

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 05 May 08 - 11:01 AM

It might have something to do with what I call "the gadget syndrome".

For example, beginning photographers (and some not so "beginning") tend to think that they need fancy camera equipment, and eagerly trade up or buy new camera gadgets. But GOOD photographers can make marvelous pictures with what are pretty much crap cameras. Good photographs, they realize, are taken with the mind.

The same holds true with lots of musicians, who think that if they just had that pre-war Gibson banjo, say, they'd be in fat city musically, but they don't sound like they want to because all they have is an el cheapo oriental express, like so many others have.

Now, EVERYbody's got a voice, right? Little kids sing in kindergarten, fer Crissake! An instrument would be SO much more cool! Then I could wow everybody!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 05 May 08 - 01:22 PM

It is less discouraging for beginers to get decent snaps though mate.
Cos the people you show em to look with their eyes and say dumb things that may discourage.

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: greg stephens
Date: 05 May 08 - 01:52 PM

Rockhen, and others, ut 10 or 11.I've just been working in a series of Staffordshire primary schools, and we did a day in each of ten schools, all with the 10/11 year olds. Everybody sung there heads off, whatever you asked them to sing. In front of substantial audiences, at the end of one day's work. Then we went into a secondary school, same area, and did a day with a class of 11/12 year olds. Completely different world. All giggles, unprepared to sing in front of an audience. That kind of stuff.This seems to be a pretty universal phenomenon, though the age at which the change ocurs is a little lower than it was a generation ago.

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: Rockhen
Date: 05 May 08 - 03:34 PM

I think Uncle DaveO has a good point about an instrument being 'cool'...Different instruments are also ranked in order of street cred. But that is also the case with some adult musicians, lol! I have heard several capable and talented vocalists be asked why they don't play an instrument as well as sing..."but surely you could learn at least a few chords on the guitar?" I think many still consider the voice a 'lesser' instrument' than others. I don't agree with that view, myself.
Greg, good to hear you are encouraging singing in schools. Did you try to get the oldest children in primary school to sing on their own as well as in a group? I find those who are used to it, are fine singing in small groups or individually but when I work with children who have had little experience at singing like that, it takes a lot more encouragement.

Subject: RE: Sing or play what's hardest for kids/why
From: paula t
Date: 05 May 08 - 04:20 PM

I have always firmly believed that everyone can sing. I think it is very important that children are introduced to singing as early as possible.We sang to our girls from the moment they were born.They could both sing a recognisable tune long before they could talk.They loved to sing and still do.I teach in a primary school and we sing at every opportunity.I feel that all children need to be praised and encouraged at every opportunity - especially for the joy they reflect, and therefore foster, when they sing with their heart and soul.