Klarinet Archive - Posting 000181.txt from 1997/08

From: Charles <chardy@-----.com>
Subj: Re: How young is too young?
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 1997 12:38:58 -0400

>X-Lotus-Fromdomain: NHIN=TRADETEK
>From: Gary_VanCott@-----.com
>To: klarinet@-----.us
>Date: Wed, 6 Aug 1997 08:35:42 -0700
>Subject: Re: How young is too young?
>Sender: owner-klarinet@-----.us
>Reply-To: klarinet@-----.us
>
>
>
>
>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
>
>
>In almost every case it is the teacher that is pivotal! Charlie