Klarinet Archive - Posting 000416.txt from 1997/08

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: How young is too young?
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 1997 01:32:32 -0400

On Sun, 10 Aug 1997, Jonathan Cohler wrote:

> Also....
>
> I believe that average children are perfectly capable of learning the
> letters of the alphabet at age 3, and exceptional children can do this even
> at age 2.
>
> Therefore, beginning to teach reading of music between ages 2 to 4 is
> probably the best time depending on the child.
>
> ----------------
> Jonathan Cohler
> cohler@-----.net
>
>
>
Sorry, I'm a bit behind after the avalanche of messages on Sunday...

Jonathan is correct about reading abilities -- I started on the alphabet
at about 2-1/2 and by 3 was reading. I have found that some of my friends
had similar childhood experiences; however, it was their own innate
curiosity that got them started, NOT pushy parents.

So I would have to say, let *the child* show interests. Exposing him or
her to a musical environment at an early age will provide the opportunity
to show an interest in music. Encourage curiosity, talk a lot to the
pre-verbal child, read stories, play music, etc. I recently read an
article in a parenting column where this couple wanted to buy a computer
for their 3-year-old child. The columnist's advice? Work on reading
skills first, if the child shows an interest. There is little to be
gained by a non-literate child from an expensive computer.

Sorry, that must be my .05 cents worth...

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
eastwooj@-----.edu

   
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