Robin
August 28th 03, 11:06 PM
My 4th grader just came home with the information sheet on strings
class. We need to decide whether to sign him up, and if so, for what
instrument.
Our school district has a strong music program, and all the 3rd
graders get Suzuki training in violin, so he's had that. He didn't
seem terribly excited by the Suzuki class, and at the end of the year
last year said he didn't want to continue. I wasn't too distressed;
violins sound pretty bad in the hands of beginners, so he didn't get
much personal reward from the activity, and I figured he'd have a shot
at a different instrument when band becomes available (I think that's
5th grade). But I was stunned today when he came home with the strings
information and informed us that yes, he did want to sign up. And
actually seemed enthusiastic about it. There may be another factor
he's not telling us (maybe a friend is in it? maybe he'll get out of
some less desirable activity during the twice-weekly strings classes?)
but I don't feel the need to probe too far. DH and I are happy to see
him interested, and happy to encourage it. (Background: I played flute
in school, DH played trumpet, and we both had piano. We're both still
musical, and DH sings in a choir. We have a piano. We haven't been
able to afford piano lessons for the kids yet, but we've helped them
work through some beginner books, and they've mastered basics on
reading music.)
As a plus, the strings teacher will be different from the Suzuki
teacher; she was OK, but he didn't care for her much, and I think that
contributed to his feelings about the class last year.
We went over the obligations/requirements laid out in the brochure --
daily practice (min. 15 minutes if he makes the most of the time),
responsibility for the instrument, commitment for a full year, etc. We
were given a list of local rental agencies that I will need to
research (I think renting will be smarter for us now than buying an
instrument he may not want to stick with). That leaves us with a
significant decision: What instrument? He can choose violin, viola, or
cello. (String bass requires clearance from the teacher, and I think
is reserved for more experienced students.) He has no preference.
I'd be grateful for any input on instrument choice and other factors I
don't know enough to ask about. Cost is definitely a consideration. We
were given a list of specs and accessories he will need (books, music
stand, rosin, etc.) so this won't come cheap. Size will probably also
be an issue -- he's a skinny, lanky 10yo, all arms and legs, but not
among the tallest in the class. I don't know how the instruments
compare in ease of playing, care, manageability for a child of this
age, and I'd like to make the choice that gives him the best chance of
success.
Yes, I'll be talking with the strings teacher, possibly as early as
tonight (open house), but I'd still like input from elsewhere.
TIA,
Robin
class. We need to decide whether to sign him up, and if so, for what
instrument.
Our school district has a strong music program, and all the 3rd
graders get Suzuki training in violin, so he's had that. He didn't
seem terribly excited by the Suzuki class, and at the end of the year
last year said he didn't want to continue. I wasn't too distressed;
violins sound pretty bad in the hands of beginners, so he didn't get
much personal reward from the activity, and I figured he'd have a shot
at a different instrument when band becomes available (I think that's
5th grade). But I was stunned today when he came home with the strings
information and informed us that yes, he did want to sign up. And
actually seemed enthusiastic about it. There may be another factor
he's not telling us (maybe a friend is in it? maybe he'll get out of
some less desirable activity during the twice-weekly strings classes?)
but I don't feel the need to probe too far. DH and I are happy to see
him interested, and happy to encourage it. (Background: I played flute
in school, DH played trumpet, and we both had piano. We're both still
musical, and DH sings in a choir. We have a piano. We haven't been
able to afford piano lessons for the kids yet, but we've helped them
work through some beginner books, and they've mastered basics on
reading music.)
As a plus, the strings teacher will be different from the Suzuki
teacher; she was OK, but he didn't care for her much, and I think that
contributed to his feelings about the class last year.
We went over the obligations/requirements laid out in the brochure --
daily practice (min. 15 minutes if he makes the most of the time),
responsibility for the instrument, commitment for a full year, etc. We
were given a list of local rental agencies that I will need to
research (I think renting will be smarter for us now than buying an
instrument he may not want to stick with). That leaves us with a
significant decision: What instrument? He can choose violin, viola, or
cello. (String bass requires clearance from the teacher, and I think
is reserved for more experienced students.) He has no preference.
I'd be grateful for any input on instrument choice and other factors I
don't know enough to ask about. Cost is definitely a consideration. We
were given a list of specs and accessories he will need (books, music
stand, rosin, etc.) so this won't come cheap. Size will probably also
be an issue -- he's a skinny, lanky 10yo, all arms and legs, but not
among the tallest in the class. I don't know how the instruments
compare in ease of playing, care, manageability for a child of this
age, and I'd like to make the choice that gives him the best chance of
success.
Yes, I'll be talking with the strings teacher, possibly as early as
tonight (open house), but I'd still like input from elsewhere.
TIA,
Robin