19 November, 2007

more musical leanings?

A few posts back I asked a question about what age is good to start learning a musical instrument, in case Chickie is ever interested. Now I'm thinking perhaps I should look into some sort of musical type program - even if he hasn't actually directly expressed a wish to learn an instrument. Something that's fun with some sort of musical theme, if you know what I mean (I have no idea what's actually available).

Now most of the time Chickie will tell me not to sing - because I can't. I freely admit it - and still do it! He's 'allowed' me to sing along with the radio in my car, because well, it's my car and I'm going to do it anyway. He sings along too actually.

The only other time I'm 'allowed' to sing is when I put him to bed. He even asks me to sing him a song or two. Last night he started giving me musical direction...

He's watched the video clips of some of the songs I sing and was telling me that I need to sing lower at one point. Later he was saying I was doing it wrong because I wasn't starting softly and getting louder (lets forget the fact that I try to sing softly because I want him to get sleepy!). There were lots more 'suggestions' from him, but to be honest, I was concentrating more on just remembering the lyrics!

He's obviously got a better 'ear', than I have, for music.

8 comments:

Steve said...

It sounds to me like he'll do well no matter what age you start him at. I think it's a case of letting him pick the time though. If he asks for a guitar for Christmas, don't go out and get the cheapest one you can find. He'll learn better on one with a decent sound. The same with other instruments.

M said...

Group programs for piano are a reasonable way to start, as long as you find a good one.

My 7yo started piano with a private teacher but it was a bit overwhelming for him and he is better off in a more social learning environment. By contrast my daughter was far better in a private teaching environment.

The best thing for learning music was when my daughter joined her school band program. They choose them an instrument, they do a private lesson and two band practises a week and it's been the best experience for her.

Melinda said...

I was going to suggest checking with the music teacher at your local school (if they have a program). They would have great ideas about your local resources and suggestions for determining what instrument and what setting would best suit Chickie.

Anonymous said...

They don't usually do woodwind or brass until they're about grade 5. This is because once the second teeth grow they change the shape of the mouth.

meggie said...

He sounds like a budding little musician or singer.
It is lovely to think he has such an interest in music, it is one of life's treats!

The Phosgene Kid said...

Start with a recorder - they are cheap and easy to master. Have him listene to a lot of different types of music around the house to get him interested. Forcing him into it will just make him hate it. I heard that kids who play instruments do well in the other subjects...

caramaena said...

I spoke to his teacher and they don't really have a music program, as such, at the school. Unfortunately funds have been cut all over.

They did have a group come in to teach violin in the primary grades but she wasn't sure if they still did it.

Chickie's teacher thought some sort of musical class would be a great idea though. She actually plays trumpet herself and thinks that learning an instrument would give him a great boost in confidence.

At this stage though, he's not actually expressed any interest in learning anything specific himself. I'm wondering if there's such a thing as a musical appreciation/introduction to music type class available. Something fun that will give him exposure to other possibilities in the future. The last thing I want to do is squash any interest he might have.

alice said...

Re: little boys and their 'aim' in the bathroom...

... It's worse when you enter the bathroom (in the dark) sit (in the dark) rise again (in the dark) to find you have sat in a puddle on the seat (in the dark)turn to wipe both you and the seat (in the dark) then find your foot in a puddle (in the dark)swear to only use the 'other toilet' - go in there (in the dark) sit (in the dark) and almost FALL IN 'cos some bugger has left the seat UP. (in the dark).

I have boys too...