Klarinet Archive - Posting 000272.txt from 1997/08

From: pjfnefro@-----.edu (Pat Flannery)
Subj: Re: How young is too young?
Date: Sat, 9 Aug 1997 15:12:57 -0400

Dee Hays says (in part):
>My suggestion is to let him try if he is physically able to
>handle the clarinet. Kids like to imitate their older brothers and
>sisters. BUT make it fun. Don't make it a HAVE to type of thing. If
>he wants to play 1/2 hour today but only a couple of minutes tomorrow,
>go with the flow. Enjoyment will keep him motivated.

I think you hit the nail right on the head there, Dee!! This is exactly the
type of situation that got me hooked on clarinet in the first place. My
older brother played the clarinet and tenor sax (everyone in my family
plays an instrument, some two or three) and I had tried several instruments
as a kid with no "luck" (a few lessons, then the novelty would wear off and
that was the end of it). One day, I asked my brother if he would mind if I
"borrowed" his clarinet to take a few lessons (niether he nor I had much
confidence in this lasting the month). Well, that day turned into a month,
a year, and so far, a lifetime of study and enjoyment. I've always felt
that a large part of my success (and enthusiasm) was due to being able to
*choose* to study an instrument of my own accord rather than being told it
was *time* to take lessons.

I don't think a 7-year-old kid is making a career decision when he asks if
he can try to learn an instrument. He'll find out soon enough if it's his
"cup of tea."

Oh, by the way, I still have my brother's clarinet. He figured I was
getting more out of it than he was and he let me keep it.

-Pat Flannery