 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Slithy Toves
Date: 2004-12-12 15:42
Hi all,
I'm just beginning to think about when we will eventually start my son off in some sort of music lessons. It's still a ways off (he just turned 3) but it's worth thinking about, because I place such a high value on music.
Quick background - I started taking private piano lessons at 4, played piano til I was 15 when I learned clarinet (then later dabbled a bit on oboe and sax). After a hiatus, I'm just coming back to both clarinet and piano now.
I want Liam to have that solid background in music. It was just something I always did and was very normal for me. So I'd like to start him off while he's still quite young. But I have NO idea what the current thought is on when and how one should start. I'd ideally start him in piano (I think it's a good grounding for musical knowledge). But I hope that he has the same love for music that I do and continues onto other instruments later.
I know this is a clarinet board, but with so many pros and teachers here, I figured someone would have thoughts on the best time to start, and what kind of lessons I should be looking at!
Thanks a bunch,
Sharon
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-12 17:02
You can never go wrong with singing and just basic pitch recognition. It's free, all over the place, and generally fun for a child to do.
If you DO start lessons, just be wary not to put too much pressure on the child at any given point as that could put them off personally. To this day I won't play basketball because too much pressure was put on me when I was younger and now I hate the sport.
Also, keep your eyes open and recognize when(if) your child seems to have their heart set on a DIFFERENT instrument. My parents did the "piano lesson" thing when I was younger. I never liked it, however spent most of the time in my room playing/practicing my cello. My parents got fed up and said, "Fine, you don't want piano lessons, fine." But never once did they offer me cello lessons (which probably would have been the smarter choice from the beginning).
So just be aware of what you're child seems to enjoy most and don't pull something like my parents did (If it's not gonna be OUR choice of instrument lessons, then it's NO lessons at all)
Alexi
PS - The whole "not playing basketball" thing of mine turned out well in the end....considering I only grew to 5'4"....
US Army Japan Band
Post Edited (2004-12-12 17:21)
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Author: ginny
Date: 2004-12-12 19:53
I taught a eurhythmics like class when my kids were that age or even younger (my youngest went to these classes in a baby pack and sometimes with my sitter, from the age of a few months on.) They learned Kodaly hand signs as well as body based rhythms, note recognition all based on games, movement and singing activities. My younger son started playing 'guitar' on a ukelele as an young three year old and switched to piano at four. At four I showed him how to play melodies he loved by ear and sight on the piano. Shortly after he got more formal lessons. My older boy was not as interested in music, started playing at five but didn't enjoy it. He's a decent singer and played bass for his high school jazz band. He has perfect pitch. The younger boy is an fairly accomplished pianist, has been first chair clarinet at his rather large high school for the past two years, doubles sax, bass clarinet and has won an minor prize for a composition and had another composition recorded for a CD sold to ballet schools for barre work.
Look into Suzuki method as well, which has good results for the vast majority of kids on piano and violin. They prefer to start at that age with the theory that the ear is most open to language (and thus music) at that age.
I am of the belief that music should be taught as a first language, early is good.
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2004-12-13 05:12
That our son should be a musician was probably pre-ordained; my wife sang a full operatic concert (in the chorus) 48 hours before she went into labor. Today, he's 21, a clarinet major at Rowan Univ in NJ, and he sings with some of the same people who were in that concert 21 years ago.
Shar and I live a musical life (though we are both well trained amatuers, not pros.) At a month of age, she had him with her to watch me as a shepard in "Amahl and the Night Visitors." (He was a GOOD kid!) I don't think he ever really had any choice but to study music, not that we ever made any such requirement of him. I guess my point is that children of parents involved in music are likely to develop the interest themselves.
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Author: allencole
Date: 2004-12-14 04:20
Just having music being played in the home is a big advantage. Singing is really great.
Suzuki is great, and I also like these things that are learned through games.
But, I don't think that there's a need to get too serious at an extremely young age. Instead, just get some things that will actually WORK without too much tribulation.
Maybe a little keyboard where he can make some noise and peck out some tunes?
I remember having toy trumpet whose four 'valves' engaged reeds with the four notes used in bugle calls. Had a lot of fun messing around with it.
Maybe a recorder or a song flute? Amsco/Music Sales has a nice book/CD/video package for recorder.
I think that it can be dangerous to take up too serious an instrument at an early age because of the skillbuilding required to keep the child from getting bored. Instruments that require real skill often prompt a youngster to play it really safe. Sometimes their creativity may shine more on a toy with minimal supervision.
Even sith Suzuki--which I think is great--I often wonder if the kids who quit would've done better at a later age. People who enjoy music can build skills quickly, and I'm not sure just how profound an early start we need to give them.
Allen Cole
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Author: Slithy Toves
Date: 2004-12-14 04:42
He hears a lot of music in the home. I play piano quite regularly. Clarinet less often these days, because he desperately wants to do it to, and clarinets and 3 year olds don't get along well!
He has many, many age appropriate musical instruments and toys. A recorder, lots of percussion stuff, and he's allowed to play my piano whenever he likes. The one thing I'll admit I don't do enough of is singing to and with him. He loves to sing though, and I'm amazed at how easily he picks up melodies and the words to songs I didn't even know he had ever heard.
There are so many different theories on this, I have a feeling that no matter what I end up doing, it'll be just going with my gut. I know that early lessons worked well for me - but I can see how they wouldn't work well for other kids. And your point about creativity being stifled by early lessons is well taken.
A lot to think about here! Thanks everyone!
Sharon
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-12-14 04:46
Get him toys and other things that make musical noise. Keyboards, wood blocks, tambourines, bells, a "xylophone" (mini-glock), slide whistle, recorder, guitar, harmonica, etc. That, and Grandma's organ and accordion, are what I grew up on.
I'd hold off the lessons for at least 4-6 more years, and then only if he's keen on the idea, and preferably with a school ensemble.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-12-14 04:49
Ack, serves me right for sitting on my reply so long. Can he get his hands around a recorder, or even a tin whistle? That might hold him until he can handle the clarinet.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-14 13:20
Maybe you could buy a recorder for yourself and play along with him! Start out simple with a "Hot Cross Buns" song. He'll probably enjoy being able to play alongside of you!
US Army Japan Band
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-12-14 15:27
If there is one generalisation worth making, it is that there are no generalisations.
Julian Bliss started the clarinet aged four. When he lost his milk teeth, he just carried on playing. Why did he start so young? Not because his parents pushed him, but because he wanted to. If your son desperately wants to play the clarinet, let him do so.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-14 15:35
FYI, Julian Bliss started out on a Lyons C clarinet (which is supposedly a good size for children) and then when big enough his parents got him a set of eatons (what a lucky _____!!!! Wish my parents would spread the wealth instead of hording it!)
So you may want to look into a Lyons C clarinet. Perhaps even email the creator to see at what ages his clients have started and how they've taken to it.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-12-14 21:08
I checked with Julian's mom to see how he managed those Eatons so young, and here's what she said:
"Started on the Lyons C clarinet aged four, and moved to Eatons aged 7. He played with a sling, because the Eaton was too heavy for him."
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-12-14 21:43
I wouldn't start with clarinet for one so young, personally. I would start them on piano and absolutely introduce clarinet when they're around 6 or 7. There are a couple of excellent piano courses specifically designed for the very young ... one of them I've taught from featuring story books, CDs, plush toys and excellent progressive and intelligent introduction of theory and general knowledge ... as well as a well grounded practical approach. The one I've used is called "Music for Little Mozarts" ... think it's British but I could be wrong ... may very well be American.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
Post Edited (2004-12-14 21:52)
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