Klarinet Archive - Posting 000258.txt from 1998/02

From: Dee Hays <deerich@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Starting on E-Flat?
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 04:42:34 -0500

Rick Lones wrote:

> Wow - thanks for all the thoughtful responses. I'd like to explain a couple of points about
> where I'm coming from on this:
>
> 1) I tend to agree in principle with those who think that 8 is too young. I thought that 5 was
> too young for her to start piano, but she was the one who brought it up so her mother and I felt
> we should at least look into it. Conclusion after 2 1/2 years: She's serious enough that she's
> stayed with it and is willing to practice regularly. Musically I'd rate her progress
> "satisfactory": Certainly not untalented, and she obviously enjoys playing, but no kind of
> prodigy either. The only reason we'd even consider letting her start clarinet this young is the
> same reason we let her start piano - she asked on her own initiative.

The main thing at this age is just to keep it fun. Encourage but not force practice.

> 2) If she starts the instrument, then quickly tires of it and puts it down, there's no problem
> with that as far as we're concerned. Maybe she'd pick it up again when older, better to wait
> and see than to force her to continue and risk a lifelong disenchantment with music.

Great approach. My younger daughter started piano several years ago. She was interested in the
piano itself but was unhappy with the commitment that lessons required. So after much discussion, I
allowed her to drop lessons and let her just "fiddle around" as she felt like it on the piano. Now
(2 years later at the age of 10) she asked to start lessons again and is really happy to go. She
has even composed a piano piece. Sounds pretty good too!

By the way, ANY beginning single or double reed player can make that dog head for the hills!

Dee Hays
deerich@-----.net
Canton, SD

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org