| Author | Topic: How young is too young? |
Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
67.84.34.x
| posted: 9/23/2003 at 10:51:24 PM ET
Hello! In general, how old do you feel a child should be before beginning to play woodwinds such as the flute, sax or clarinet? Assuming a child can physically handle the instrument?
|
Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
156.63.85.x
| posted: 12/15/2003 at 11:42:52 AM ET
I believe that a child should be mature enough to understand the responsibility of practicing a musical instrument.
For the clarinet especially, a person would need larger hands with wide fingertips. The reason is that most of the holes are open on the clarinet and if a child can't cover them up completely then he/she will squeak constantly!! The flute and saxophone do not have that problem to the same degree.
|
 Taciturn
Registered User
Registered:
8/3/2003 | posted: 12/15/2003 at 4:59:44 PM ET
Kids can start out as early as 3 years old. With many kinds of intruments, there are different sizes, and as the child grows, you just upgrade to a bigger size (most music stores simply let you trade it in, with little or no extra cost). Persoanally, I think 3 is a little young. But everyone is different.
|
trumpet guru
Registered User
From:
Washington State
Registered:
8/22/2003 | posted: 1/9/2004 at 3:32:30 PM ET
Birth is the time to start musical training.
There is no age that is too young.
You must approach the learning in an age appropriate way is all.
My daughter explores many instruments (she's 5 now). As a music teacher, I am careful to keep the instruments as toys in her eyes. I do not expect anything from here, we just play together.
Do not place any pressure on your young musician. Just explore together. Let curiosity and the enjoyment of doing this with you drive him or her.
As far as specific instruments, I own many, so it is easy for me to allow her to experiment. If you don't, it is a good idea to start with things like the recorder. The fingering structure is similar to many woodwind instruments, and the price is right.
The flute, clarinet and sax are all great choices once they can handle the instrument, and treat it with respect.
For flute, contact your local music store and find out if anyone is offering the "Suzuki Method" for flute in your area. It is designed for young kids and provides a great foundation for the future.
Good Luck
GOOOOOOROOOOOO
|
nicola
Registered User
Registered:
1/22/2004 | posted: 1/22/2004 at 5:38:07 AM ET
well i was 12 whaen i started the tenor saxaphone its been hard but practice makes perfect!
|
Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
24.91.108.x
| posted: 4/10/2004 at 11:30:27 PM ET
It is essential that the child shows a strong interest in playing the instrument and appreciates it in some way. If he/she doesn't show this, he/she will most likely drop it later. Whatever you do, don't force the child.
|
Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
64.9.15.x
| posted: 4/15/2004 at 12:18:36 PM ET
As an instrumental teacher of 30 years, I think that the most important thing is the development of the lip muscles. Most people don't realize how important that is. Usually it is around 9 or 10 years of age.
|
