Klarinet Archive - Posting 000173.txt from 1997/08

From: Gary_VanCott@-----.com
Subj: Re: How young is too young?
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 1997 11:35:42 -0400

Gary VanCott=NHIN
08/06/97 08:35 AM
>Beyond the above, there is the issue of maturity. He may display
precocious musical talent, but if his attention span is that of a
typical 7-year old, then he may have trouble with private lessons,
much worse with ***practicing on his own.*** [emphasis added]

Speaking as a parent, the issue of practicing is a major one. My daughter
took piano lessons when she was around 7. She did very well at the lessons
but would not/could not practice unless I was there to help her. She
started clarinet lessons a year ago. While her interest ebbs and flows
(three days ago she was saying she didn't want to play anymore and last
night she was asking for a new clarinet) she is now old enough to practice
on her own.

I think that there can also be a problem with holding a child's interest if
they start lessons before the school instrumental music program starts. My
experience (with my own kids) would suggest that starting much more than a
year early risks them loosing interest. I do not know why this is the case,
considering how young many kids start piano. It might relate to the fact
that even a beginner can make a piano sound nice, something that takes
years on a wind instrument or perhaps the social aspects of playing in a
group are a major motivation.

Gary Van Cott
Las Vegas, NV
Gary_VanCott@-----.com