Klarinet Archive - Posting 000202.txt from 1997/08

From: trbaun@-----. Baun)
Subj: Re: How young is too young?
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 1997 16:55:58 -0400

In my experience with kids, they know when they are ready for
something. Also, there have been many studies which have proven that
starting around age 5 or 6, a child's musical potential, for lack of
better words, begins to significantly decrease. In other words, the
earlier a child is introduced to the many aspects of music, the more
successful he is likely to be, and the higher his musical aptitude is
likely to be. So I figure, the earlier the better, but it should not be
not forced too much. I think 7 is a great age. Suzuki? Hee hee.

Tara R. Baun
trbaun@-----.net
After Aug. 23: baun0309@-----.edu

Gary_VanCott@-----.com wrote:
>
> 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