Author: SarahC
Date: 2016-03-25 13:10
Sorry to disappear from the discussion! Been a rough fortnight here.. but ...
Yes suzuki method is for younger children, not designed for the 9 year olds. Although I still use it, i just start the music theory almost immediately too. There are skills that a 9 year old is unlikely to develop that a child at 2 or 3 would. So they learn by ear on the instrument and technique etc... BUT separately are working on music theory learning music reading, so the two can combine at some stage along the way. I do the same with younger kids, but the theory starts a bit later... when they can read english basically.
Re piano verses woodwind. I think every instrument has its pros and cons.
Paino -- you learn harmony but not true intonation. tone quality isn't such a big focus as the other instruments, leading to 'non-listening' type playing.
Violin - you learn true intonation (if you are taught well), and you REALLY have to listen. But if you don't listen, then you sound terrible, and pretty much will never be able to play in tune. It also sounds really poor for the first while, and it is an awkward instrument to hold, which can make progress seem slow to a child.
Flute: again you don't learn harmony, but once you have mastered the fundamentals, you can progress very quickly if you set your mind to it. You should learn true intonation, and you learn to listen for your tone quality.
Recorder: It can be a challenge to develop perfect pitch because you switch recorders all the time (between F and C) but have the same fingerings. It is possible, but takes more effort. This is actually my favourite woodwind for kids. They have to really listen to their articulation, it is light, it requires concentration but not physical effort (very little air resistance)
I understand the comment about harmony. and definitely piano students have more luck understanding that easily. But the others seem to get it too.
i like the fact the clarineo has pretty good tone for what it is. but i also hate that it feels flimsy under the fingers. But my 1 year old won't be parted from it! and it hasn't broken in the 4 months she has been playing with it.
My experience has been if a student learns one instrument well, then the next instrument is easier. This may be a good reason to do recorder or piano or something first. My sons are 7 and 9 and hoping to do their ATCLs this year. So if you think "i will pick an instrument, let my child master it early, then they are equipped to learn any instrument they like". I almost think it doesn't matter which instrument they do first to prepare for what they do second.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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