Question to fiddle players

Subject: Question to fiddle players
From: GUEST,Rita McGuire
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 08:12 AM

Hey, my boy's playing bluegrass fiddle (he's 10). It costs me a lot of money for the lessons and he looks forward to playing along with his teacher. He's enthusiastic about Bluegrass. But, I can't get him to practice enough. I'm wondering if he's lacking in the passion he needs to be a good player and if I should make him quit. The only times he voluntarily picks up his fiddle is if he's out making a quick buck busking. Please tell me what you think - I can't afford to be throwing my money away for nothing, but at the same time, I know he enjoys playing - he's just too busy out playing or trying to make money to practice a lot. Saying that, he never complains when we ask him to practice - in fact, he likes to have an audience. But how much does he have to do before it is worth his while. Is it normal for a kid to have to be asked to practice, or should he be wanting to do it himself? I'm not musical at all and have no idea in what to do. Hope this question isn't a stupid one!!!!

Thanks, Rita.

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: Les from Hull
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 08:27 AM

So what's the difference between busking and practice? With busking you end up with more money than you started with (hopefully).

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: GUEST,greg stephens
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 08:30 AM

Anyone who goes out busking is doing fine. In my experience, trying to make young children practise when they dont want to may create a few emotionally messed-up superstars of the classical: but other than that, it will put off thousands and thousands of people who might otherwise become musicians bringing great pleasure to themselves and others. Let the lad decide, he pobably knows best.

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: GUEST,nobby
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 08:41 AM

take him along to the local sessions and get him to plat along with whoever is there. He will make friends and get more practice. You never know you may find someone at the session who will charge less than your current tutor.

Is it only Bluegrass he enjoys playing?

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 08:44 AM

If he's already making a buck busking, maybe he's practising enough!

I can't see any problem at all here. It's not reasonable to expect a ten-year-old to be committed enough to practice without encouragement, although a very few will do so. Your son clearly has aptitude and seems willing to learn.

If possible try to get him into a set routine of praticing at a set time each day. Two short sessions is better than one longer one. Two sessions of 15 minutes would be great, but if he won't go with that, then suggest ten minutes each, or even five. With a very short session, it is likely he will become longer, as he gets absorbed in what he's doing. That's a million times better than having to do a long session, and losing interest before the end. The more frequent the better, obviously,but kids progress even if they practise only two or three times between lessons.

If you could understand music enough to get a clear fix from the teacher on what he needs to be working on, and could then encourage him in that direction when practising, that would help tremendously. Again, many kids progress well without this level of support.

The bottom line is, your son is an entirely normal 10-year-old (apart from the fact that he can earn money from busking).

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: MMario
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 08:49 AM

if he's busking that *is* practice!

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: Hecate
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 09:45 AM

Kids never practise much as far as I can tell, I shouldn't worry about it, if he's happy, leave him to it.

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: GUEST,Rita
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 11:03 AM

He likes his fiddle - always wants to buy new strings for it and stuff. I guess I was just wondering whether he'd ever become a really good player if he's not practicing.

Sometimes, he squeaks a note or so and I'll ask him to redo it or play it slowly - should I leave him alone? He gets fed up repeating a line. Should I ignore the mistakes or make him fix them?

Maybe I've been expecting too much. Not being able to play anything myself, I really don't know. His tutor thinks he's great and enthusiastic. He never shows much concern either. He does a mean 'Orange Blossom Special.'

Sounds like you all think he's normal and I should leave him do things his way. He certainly loves bluegrass and has no interest in classical.

I appreciate the advice you can give.

Rita.

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 12:30 PM

"A mean 'Orange Blossom Special'?? Busking?? Loves to buy strings for his fiddle..."

It sounds like he's got plenty of enthusiasm!

It's not uncommon for kids to need some prodding to practice. And I do understand that you are paying money for these lessons and don't want to throw it away. He will get the most benefit from his lessons if he does practice regularly, but at the same time you don't want to push him too hard so that he will lose his joy for playing. Perhaps you ought to try letting the responsibility for practicing be his. In other words, if you both can agree on a set amount of time per day for practicing, (10, 15, 30 minutes a day?) then let him decide when that will be. ( Right after breakfast , right after school, right after dinner...etc.) If it was around the same time every day, it would be easier for him to assume the responsibility for it, allowing of course, for some exceptions when something special comes up.

Orange Blossom Special??? That's great!!!

Good luck! KT

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: NicoleC
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 01:16 PM

I'm going to agree; it sounds like your 10-year-old is doing fantastic. Since he likes playing with his tracher, and he likes performing, you may want to encourage him to find some practice buddies to jam with. His teacher may be able to help you make some connections here.

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: open mike
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 02:23 PM

If there is a phrase that needs work, the best way to correct any flaws is by repetition... I would suggest that if you have any festivals going on near you or fiddle contests you make an effort to attend and he will get to learn new tunes, and get positive support from others who have interest, talent and enthusiasm./ The best part of these gatherings is the jamming before and after the performances on stage.. in the parking lot, camp ground or what have you.. Sometimes his friends may not understand if they have other pass times-sports and such. Hopefully they are understanding and supportive, but 10 year old boys are not famous for being such...where are you located--perhaps other mud catters can make suggestions--glad you found this list. I played classical orchestra violin for many years before I discovered I could have been playing fiddle all that time and loving it more... there are many different genre of music-- bluegrass, old-timey, folk--I hope he is enjoying the music he is playing and if he can make a tune his own by improvising and adding his own touches that is really the best part of it all. Happy playing to him' and happy listening to you! Those squeaks will go away soon! Laurel

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: GUEST,fretless, at work
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 02:46 PM

"Sometimes, he squeaks a note or so and I'll ask him to redo it or play it slowly - should I leave him alone?"

Probably best to leave him alone -- adult, especially parental, over-correcting can be really offputting to a child. Or leave it to his taecher to correct (or not, as the case may be).

His practice aversion sounds about right for a 10 year old. When my daughter was his age, I sometimes could trick her into practicing (fiddle) by starting to practice myself and playing things on the banjo that I knew she like to play as duets. By the way, it won't get any better when he becomes a teenager. At 16, my daughter will practice if she has a paying gig coming up, or if I threaten to take away the car keys, but not otherwise. And despite this, she still thinks of herself as a musician and still talks about minoring in music when she goes to college.

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: greg stephens
Date: 06 Aug 02 - 06:14 PM

A gentleman is someone who can play "Orange Blossom Special" and doesn't.

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: GUEST,Rita
Date: 08 Aug 02 - 05:13 PM

Thanks all for your help with this. Your advice will be taken and my boy will be left alone to go for his lessons and I'll just clap along while he's playing and not interfere too much.

This is a great site!

Rita

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: GUEST,Mary in Green Bay
Date: 08 Aug 02 - 07:05 PM

Keep encouraging him with his music. The fiddle is a beautiful instrument and starting at 10 and liking to play bluegrass... is awesome for anyone young or old. I found the best thing to do if he likes an audience the nursing homes and the assisted living love having children come in. Its a wonderful experience for the children also, and plus makes the elders so happy. My email address is [e-mail] if you would like me to send him some bluegrass c.d.s or tapes I would be happy to share mine with you and your son. Music is the best hobby for children. I send my best wishes to you both...

Subject: RE: Question to fiddle players
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Aug 02 - 07:21 PM

Guest Rita: I would also like to send your lad some music. Sign up and send me a Personal Message, or email to boatband(at)cwctv(dot)net