Ayatollah Watts Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I have a 2 year old (yea it's too early) but he seems to have a STRONG interest in music, whenever I'm playing an instrument he sits there and gawks me to death. I let him play my old acoustic guitar, and he lays it down and plucks at single strings... but it's weird cause.. he'll pluck 3 strings, strum, pluck 3 strum... like he's trying to do somethin seriously... and the cutest thing is the intense look of concentration when he does it, i was just wondering... at what age should i start getting him lessons (i rather him get lessons because it's something I never got to do) Pain teaches what pride won't let you learn... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 Keep giving him toy instruments. Sing songs to him. Play him lots of records. Start lessons at age 6. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayatollah Watts Posted June 8, 2003 Author Share Posted June 8, 2003 I already play alot of old music for him... It's funny to try to hear him sing Graham Central Station/Ohio Players/Brothers Johnson songs.... Pain teaches what pride won't let you learn... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattC Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 Get him in front of every instrument you can and expose him to music AND to other musicians. Let him choose which instrument(s) he has an interest in and help him pursue those interests rather than leading him toward one particular instrument. There's no reason why "lessons" have to be paid, 30-minute long, once a week affairs. Once he's a little older, you should start out yourself with basic things like clapping rhythms and singing along to songs he likes. Children, me thinks, will have an easier time at formal lessons if they come in already knowing something about music performance. Find other children with similar proclivities and pair them up- music is a lot easier to the young'uns if they have a friend to do it with. Most of all, never lose sight of the fact that with all musicians of any skill level, and especially for children, music is and should always be fun. I'd also say this: wait until he's a proficient reader. Learning the language of music is made harder if you have a hard time reading the instructions in your primer books. When he can read well, and has an interest in lessons, then it's time to find a teacher who specializes in childrens' lessons. ...think funky thoughts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Dawson Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I've often wondered about this myself. I started taking piano lessons when I was 3 years old. I obviously don't remember that much about the actual lessons (except my teacher had this really big dog that was about as tall as I was), but I do know that by the time I was 9 I was sick of them and quit playing the piano all together for about 6 years. When I was in high school I started playing again, not taking lessons, and I really enjoy it now. I think having an extreme background in music like that also helped me to learn the other instruments I play, trumpet, guitar, and fiddle, more quickly. So on one hand I think 3 years old was too early for me because I sort of burned out, but on the other I think it gave me a solid musical foundation for everything I've done since then. And the piano is a good instrument to learn the basics of music on and apply it elsewhere. So I wouldn't say 3 is too early for some instruments, just make sure your child is happy. *Howard Zinn for President* **Pilsner Urquell for President of Beers!** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 You can also look into music classes for little kids when your child's maybe 4 or so. Not instrument lessons, more a chance to listen to music, to bang on various kinds of instruments, and, perhaps most importantly, to move to music. I agree with Jeremy. Exposure, exposure, exposure to different kinds of music and musicians, and various toy instruments. Peace. spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Martin Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 Doesn't the Suzuki method start kids at 3 or 4? Dave Martin Java Jive Studio Nashville, TN www.javajivestudio.com Cuppa Joe Records www.cuppajoerecords.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
humabass Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 My daughter stated taking guitar lessons at age 9. She's now 15 and well on her way to being a music major. She sight reads amazingly well and is her teacher's top student and also has four beginning students of her own. Boy,I wish I had started that young. I didn't start playing bass until I was 18, after six years of trombone. Get them started as soon as they are physically able to handle the instrument. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dohhhhh6 Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 Once the kid's ready go ahead and buy a music book that you can use to teach him. That way, you'd have a set "lesson plan" and "schedule" to work with. But make sure you don't just give the kid the book, YOU should teach it to him. I would start em off kinda early on piano. Make sure you know how he feels about it because I mirhtlessly took piano lessosn for like 4 years and learned some good stuff, but I hate piano now and didn't progress well due to having no fun. Also, make sure the teacher (if you get him lessons) is fun. I unfortunately got stuck with a mean teacher and didn't voice my opinion about it. I just kept on slacking off and wasting my parents money. I even cried on certain occaisions and the teacher didn't do one damn thing about it (from what I remember). Make sure music is all fun and games, and you'll go far . Just my 2 cents In Skynyrd We Trust Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebrownbass Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 Originally posted by Dave Martin: Doesn't the Suzuki method start kids at 3 or 4?Yep...the Suzuki method does. A couple of caveats...it's rote learning. They play very well, but don't learn to read...they play by imitation. It's a good way to start, but make sure you get modified Suzuki with written note instruction pretty early. I also second the vote for piano...you might buy a cheap keyboard and let him explore. I also second the vote for making him happy. You never want a kid to have music make them unhappy. "Let's raise the level of this conversation" -- Jeremy Cohen, in the Picasso Thread. Still spendin' that political capital far faster than I can earn it...stretched way out on a limb here and looking for a better interest rate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Martin Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 Originally posted by davebrownbass: [QB]Yep...the Suzuki method does. A couple of caveats...it's rote learning. They play very well, but don't learn to read...they play by imitation. [QB]I don't mind rote learning; that's how I learned to play bass - put on a record and play along. Ear training at an early age... But I agree that at some point, reading HAS to be taught. The trick is in making that as much fun as just making noise... Dave Martin Java Jive Studio Nashville, TN www.javajivestudio.com Cuppa Joe Records www.cuppajoerecords.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Dawson Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 I've learned different instruments different ways, and I'd argue that being able to play by ear has been infinitely more useful than being able to read music. *Howard Zinn for President* **Pilsner Urquell for President of Beers!** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayatollah Watts Posted June 9, 2003 Author Share Posted June 9, 2003 Originally posted by berkleeboi: I've learned different instruments different ways, and I'd argue that being able to play by ear has been infinitely more useful than being able to read music.I've been playing by ear since I was little (piano) but now I'm wishing I woulda got lessons as a kid, i think it takes both to become REALLY good...faster Pain teaches what pride won't let you learn... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulieCat Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 Another thing you could do is get him some instruments geared for kids. Find a school supply store and check out the music section. They have all those little instruments you remember from grade school, mini tambourines, wood block and mallets, that kind of thing. Do a web search for school supplies or teaching supplies. I have a few links if you're interested. Sweet Willie makes a good point about the "mommy and me" type classes, too. Daddy and me? Gymboree (yes, the same people who make the insanely expensive clothes) offeres classes from age 6 months to age 5, I think. Right now, the best structure is no structure. And really, at age two, how much structure can you really have? Music should be part of the downtime, not the learning time. At this age, all time is learning time, the kid just doesn't see it that way. I agree with not starting formal lessons any sooner than age 6, and only then if he shows a lot of interest. Don't sell yourself short, either. You're your child's best teacher, not just for music, but everything. You spend more time with him than anyone and can read him better than anyone. You know when he's losing interest, getting distracted, having a bad day, etc. Also, music time spent with Daddy will be something he'll cherish forever. It sounds like you're on the right track already! Apologies for my long-windedness. Julie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattC Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 Playing by ear and sight reading are a non-arguement. There's no reason to have to make a choice between the two. Let's have both! Sight reading is necessary to learn theory; ear-playing is necessary whenever one plays with other musicians in anything except an orchestral context (where the score is right in front of you). What worked wonderfully for me is that I started out play playing by ear and developed skill that way. I started lessons many years after I picked up a bass, and these lessons were the first time I had to read staff. Truth be told, however, playing by ear made staff a lot easier. There should be no polar opposites here. Learn to do it both ways and he'll be better off. ...think funky thoughts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Dawson Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 There should be no polar opposites here. Learn to do it both ways and he'll be better off. I agree with your post entirely, matt C. But if you're starting a kid as young as we seem to be talking about, ages 2-6, I think trying to teach him both by ear and sight at the same time may prove to be too much. I guess maybe you could try them both and see which one he latches onto first. *Howard Zinn for President* **Pilsner Urquell for President of Beers!** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattC Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 I think that trying to "teach" a child that young is almost pointless. Show him some things and just let him have fun. I guarantee that he'll learn more by playing around than by being taught. My comment was more with respect to older players (say, 10+). ...think funky thoughts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDL Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 First, start with music games, with a young child. Try searching for games of music, for young children. Then, grow into an instrument. Then, lessons. -JDL JDL on Purevolume Bird\'s Eye View on Purevolume Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raytee1 Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 I agree w/Matt C as far as having both. I use to play by ear and not worry too much about reading. Since I've started taking lessons on theory, bass lines I've learned by ear have much more clarity once I see the notation. Having a child involved w/reading music definitely wouldn't hurt. Just keep it fun! Nothing worse than seeing a parent go "Joe Jackson" on kids invlolved w/music or the entertainment industry. raytee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edendude Posted June 11, 2003 Share Posted June 11, 2003 In the womb! Be sure to expose the unborn to lots of Mingus and Ray Brown, from the second trimester onward!!! And a little Jaco and Victor during the third trimester! Ummm..and thanks for the spelling correction. My Last Band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartolini Posted June 11, 2003 Share Posted June 11, 2003 my problem is I cant do anything with my 1 1/2 year old little daughter. When ever I switch on my bass amp, she comes and plays with EQ knobs, push active passive knobs, turn control knobs on bass or meddle with the bass cable jack. Switching on the drum machine is a nightmare. She'd slap all the pads and thats it. I get angry but what could I do. She shows immense intereest in music. She already utters word like 'Bass Guitar', Drums, Violin, Harp etc. I find it difficult to concentrate and do something because I have to yell sometimes and try and keep her away from disturbing me. She'd dance when I slap! (at the moment she climbed on to my lap and meddles with the keyboAZZZZZZZZZZRRDDL;''K,,,M, I do not think giving them toy instruments'd lead them anywhere. They want the real thing and for example, I bought her a toy keyboard that plays demo songs, beats, etc. She was interrested in it only for 10 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted June 11, 2003 Share Posted June 11, 2003 Originally posted by Bartolini: my problem is I cant do anything with my 1 1/2 year old little daughter. When ever I switch on my bass amp, she comes and plays with EQ knobs, push active passive knobs, turn control knobs on bass or meddle with the bass cable jack. Switching on the drum machine is a nightmare. She'd slap all the pads and thats it. I get angry but what could I do. When I want my 2 yr old son to have fun w/ my bass, it is unplugged, the amp is off, and I hold the instrument. He can pull and bang on the strings, turn the knobs, etc. He can still hear the sounds that way. When I want to play/practice for real, I do it either when he's napping or in bed for the night, or when he's doing something w/ mom or his older sister and I close the door to the room where I'm playing. Originally posted by Bartolini: I do not think giving them toy instruments'd lead them anywhere. They want the real thing and for example, I bought her a toy keyboard that plays demo songs, beats, etc. She was interrested in it only for 10 minutes.10 minutes is pretty good. Even with the real piano at my cousin's house, my 2 yr old son will sit on the bench and bang on the keys for 5 minutes, get up, run around, do other stuff, and come back to it 20 minutes later, bang for 5 minutes, get up...you get the idea. I don't expect the really little kids to focus on that toy drum, or keyboard, or guitar, or whatever for a long period of time, but if they're around, they'll make some noises and experiment with sound from time to time. And if I can play with them while they do it, they stay involved a little bit longer. My son hears the difference when I play chords on the piano compared to his banging at random keys. My 6 yr old daughter gets to "jam on the black keys" while I play chords underneath for an Eb blues. That's huge fun for her, 'cause she can't hit a wrong note (not really, anyway) and it's easy for her to identify which notes to play. However, we've only done that a couple of times. spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebrownbass Posted June 11, 2003 Share Posted June 11, 2003 Yep...my youngest was a musical whiz. Wanted to play everything I played. I kept my URB propped against the wall...and by the time he was 4 he wanted to play it. He tried one day, knocked it over. Broke out the neck and cracked the block. $500 later and I learned to lay it down. Now he's 16, and practicing for All State next year right now. And he plays that very bass! "Let's raise the level of this conversation" -- Jeremy Cohen, in the Picasso Thread. Still spendin' that political capital far faster than I can earn it...stretched way out on a limb here and looking for a better interest rate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted June 11, 2003 Share Posted June 11, 2003 Originally posted by Edendude: In the womb! Be sure to expose the unborn to lots of Mingus and Ray Brown, from the second trimaster onward!!! And a little Jaco and Victor during the third trimaster! Your idea is sound, but I've gotta pick... trimaster?!?! -- Is this someone who excels at 3-D chess? It's trimester, dammit! Oh, a little Edgar Meyer from conception onward wouldn't be a bad thing either! spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibescotty Posted June 11, 2003 Share Posted June 11, 2003 I've found that my daughter likes to watch other people play. She listens or watches very intently. I gave her a little keyboard that I use sometimes to play around with. Sure she makes nothing but pure noise but she's 3 years old and if something can hold her attention for more then 10 minutes you've accomplished something. She tries to make music like Mommy and Daddy. We also got her a toy drum. Sure it can be annoying on Sunday mornings but she can actually hit the thing in time... when she feels like it of course. No matter what though it has to be fun at that age. If you make it a chore you'll lose them. As my kids get older I'm finding out that they set the agenda most of the time. Often I'm left wondering how the heck that happened!!! Hopefully my kids will see that music is a big part of our life and make it a part of theirs. Ultimately though it's their choice. Double Posting since March 2002 Random Post Generator #26797 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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