BS: Granny Kelly

Subject: Granny Kelly
From: GUEST,Ickle Dorritt cookieless again
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 03:40 PM

Today, we have welcomed our first grandchild Laura Rose. I am very keen to make sure that if there is a natural musical ability that it is harvested early so I'm saving for those piano/violin/trombone lessons as we speak!. I do wish as a child, that my parents had nurtured the little musical talent that I had, because I wouldn't feel so frustrated about my lack of ability to play well now. Is it a case of catchem while they're young or is that going to turn a child away from music? I would like to hear about others experiences of learning to play at a young age -when is it best to start?

Subject: RE: BS: Granny Kelly
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 08:53 PM

Drums. The bigger the better. And as soon as she can hold a stick. Enjoy your new treasure. Welcome, Laura Rose.

Subject: RE: BS: Granny Kelly
From: Morticia
Date: 12 Sep 00 - 06:31 PM

Congratulation ID.......how wonderful!! My opinion, for what it is worth, is that she should be encouraged but not tortured.......I've met a lot of people put off music by being made to practise......and as long as no eejit music teacher tells her she has no talent she should be fine.

Subject: RE: BS: Granny Kelly
From: mousethief
Date: 12 Sep 00 - 06:45 PM

I bought my first guitar when I was 16 and my folks were out of town. I had played trumpet at school (3-5 grade), and had some piano lessons, but both had petered out for one reason or another. But when I was finally serious enough about it to go out and get that guitar, I stuck with it. To this day (I'm 38).

O..O
=o=
click me

Subject: RE: BS: Granny Kelly
From: bflat
Date: 12 Sep 00 - 07:08 PM

I gave my grandson a guitar at age five. He is now seven. He plays songs for himself and creates like crazy. Hasn't had one lesson yet but is nearing the time when he will begin formal study. He loves music and that is a fine beginning, without pressure to succeed, just joy.

bflat

Subject: RE: BS: Granny Kelly
From: hesperis
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 08:44 AM

You could always check out if there is a good Suzuki Violin/Strings teacher in your grandchild's area, though that would require some dedication on the part of a parent as well.

Starting with drums, rattles, etc. is a good idea anyway, as that will build the rhythmic base for later exploration. Also those annoying little xylophone things, or a cheap uke that she can totally trash.

If you play an instrument, play it for the child starting early. My mother and I used to make up stories on the piano, and she sang to me with her guitar when I was still in the womb. I'm very musical, or so people tell me. ;')

Just make music a normal, natural part of her life. Don't push it though. Always have it be fun in the early stages at least. If she wishes to dedicate herself to it when she's older, she can do that when she has the emotional, physical, and mental resources to do it well.

Have fun!
~*sirepseh*~

Subject: RE: BS: Granny Kelly
From: Catrin
Date: 14 Sep 00 - 08:10 AM

I have heard of theories which state that there is a 'critical period' for learning music, just as there is for learning to speak. If the child is 'included' in music in the same way that he or she is 'included' in speech, then music should become a part of existence. This does not imply strict teaching methods, but rather exposire, of the sort Sinsull mentioned. I don't know much about the science behind this, but it certainly has a ring of truth for me.

In other words, sing and play to her as much as possible, and make it FUN! It is the fun part that motivates the child to continue.

Cheers,

Catrin