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03 Feb 01 - 08:52 AM (#389111) Subject: kids ages & approach to teaching music From: Charcloth hey folks my grandkids seem to be very much interested in playing music. my grandson begs us to put on a Corries video & then he gets a mandolin to put in his lap and listens! Now he is only two & I know that is a bit too young to play, but what age should I start with him (if he continues his interest.) & how should I plan to go about it. |
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03 Feb 01 - 09:08 AM (#389117) Subject: RE: kids ages & approach to teaching music From: Mary in Kentucky Charcloth, 1) Check out the Suzuki methods for the very young. But remember, it requires intense parental involvement. 2) At around age 5 a child can begin playing an instrument by imitation. 3) At around age 8 a child can read and begin traditional lessons. 4) Years ago I heard of a method being used in elemtary schools which used a lot of making instruments and lots of involvement playing them. I'll see if I can find any references. 5) You can probably do internet searches just keeping the above guidelines in mind. 6) It's difficult to give "lessons" to your own child or grandchild, but you can provide a wonderful environment. 8) I like the Montesorri (Sp?) methods for teaching very young children Let us know what you find. Mary PS I just reread your post...I think any kind of "play" with music, or instruments, videos, etc. will be very special because Grandma/Grandpa are involved and giving special attention. OOOOOO...I can't wait, myself. |
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03 Feb 01 - 01:44 PM (#389227) Subject: RE: kids ages & approach to teaching music From: Mrs.Duck Little Duckling was not quite five when she started having violin lessons. She started straight away with correct music notation and had no bother with it. We bought the fiddle at a folk festival when she was three as she was so enthralled by Eliza Carthy (and still is) and let her 'play' it with supervision for a short time each day without instructing beyond which end goes where etc. She still practises on a daily basis with very little need for reminding and says when she gets to be as good as Eliza she wants orange hair. I said if she was that good she could have it rainbow coloured if she liked!!!! She will be seven next month and has already played in a few concerts. Starting at such a young age means she has come to it without the inhibitions we adults have and as long as she is enjoying it I will do everything to encourage her even if she never does turn into anothern Eliza Carthy but then you never know she just might!!! |
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03 Feb 01 - 04:28 PM (#389293) Subject: RE: kids ages & approach to teaching music From: Ruthie A I don't think that any age is too young to start playing an instrument (within reason) as long as the enthusiasm is there. My mum plays piano reasonably well and my dad's a highly skilled guitarist, so I've been around music scince I was born. I demanded to be taught to play piano at the age of two, so I was taught some simpler tunes by ear. Reading music was introduced to me at the same time I was reading basic words, at the age of three. I began to teach myself (with maternal help) to play piano at four. My parents tried sending me to lessons, but I was too stubborn and was convinced that my teacher was wrong and I could invent my own way of playing if I wanted to. (i.e. with my hands upside-down!) At six, I started formal piano lessons. I hated it after a year, because I was made to play music I cordially hated by an old-fashioned teacher. I changed teachers at 9 and haven't looked back. I started flute 'volountarily' at 11, whereupon my school ceilidh lit a blazing enthusiasm for Irish, Scottish and Northumbrian music. I started fiddle at 12. I've been playing the flute for two years now, and I'm studying for my player's diploma. I'm really grateful for being started on music so early - I've been able to pick up other instruments (basson, melody saxophone, whistle, keyboard, jazz piano, northumbrian pipes and Irish flute) so much more easily and quickly than friends I have who started playing at 9, say, or 10. I say, if a kid wants to learn, let them! Ruthie. |