I started clarinet in the 4th grade – chose it because of a cousin who played with the Chicago Symphony. Worked up to being 1st chair in the 25th Division Band while I was in the Army, which was a LOT better than hauling a rifle around! At this point I can play, somewhat, any/all woodwind instruments, but I really think the bassoon is most fun.
That’s a valid point about the lip. Until you get it conditioned, it wears out easily. Once you “blow it out” it’s gone. Totally. It takes quite a while to get it back.
My older daughter fell in love with the violin when she was 2. When she was in 4th grade, the school offered free lessons. She’s in her 3rd year; where her teacher has her log in her practice and requests a minimum of 70 minutes a week, she usually logs in as many as 80 or 90 (last week, 119). Oh, and yes…she’s good, which is fortunate, because we have a small apartment, so we have to listen whether we want to or not. The only instrument I can play is the tambourine.
Every kid sees somebody playing well, dreams of doing the same, but most are unwilling to put in the work needed to get good. If they aren’t as good as their dreams from the get-go, lots of kids just quit trying. Pity, how many amazing musicians never got past the early stages?
I am pushing 60 and have recently restarted playing a recorder with a group at church. I have played at several instruments – piano, clarinet, accordion, guitar as well as recorder. I am having so much fun and WANT to practice but work keeps interfering. Kind of like naps – won’t take when young – would love to when older.
He doesn’t practice and shows no interest in it, no matter what his mother and his uncle say to him.-——————It’s really the basic 1-2-3 of a lot of parents.1) You said you wanted it. 2) We paid for it. 3) Now practice.
Templo S.U.D. about 9 years ago
It’s your fault, Michael, of wanting to be like your uncle Phil: becoming a musician.
jgarrott about 9 years ago
I started clarinet in the 4th grade – chose it because of a cousin who played with the Chicago Symphony. Worked up to being 1st chair in the 25th Division Band while I was in the Army, which was a LOT better than hauling a rifle around! At this point I can play, somewhat, any/all woodwind instruments, but I really think the bassoon is most fun.
alviebird about 9 years ago
That’s a valid point about the lip. Until you get it conditioned, it wears out easily. Once you “blow it out” it’s gone. Totally. It takes quite a while to get it back.
Wren Fahel about 9 years ago
My older daughter fell in love with the violin when she was 2. When she was in 4th grade, the school offered free lessons. She’s in her 3rd year; where her teacher has her log in her practice and requests a minimum of 70 minutes a week, she usually logs in as many as 80 or 90 (last week, 119). Oh, and yes…she’s good, which is fortunate, because we have a small apartment, so we have to listen whether we want to or not. The only instrument I can play is the tambourine.
nossmf about 9 years ago
Every kid sees somebody playing well, dreams of doing the same, but most are unwilling to put in the work needed to get good. If they aren’t as good as their dreams from the get-go, lots of kids just quit trying. Pity, how many amazing musicians never got past the early stages?
slsharris about 9 years ago
Your lip(s) never get conditioned if you don’t practice or play at all…
Petemejia77 about 9 years ago
“Don’t you wanna be in a Ska band when you get older,son?”
contralto2b about 9 years ago
I am pushing 60 and have recently restarted playing a recorder with a group at church. I have played at several instruments – piano, clarinet, accordion, guitar as well as recorder. I am having so much fun and WANT to practice but work keeps interfering. Kind of like naps – won’t take when young – would love to when older.
Can't Sleep about 9 years ago
He doesn’t practice and shows no interest in it, no matter what his mother and his uncle say to him.-——————It’s really the basic 1-2-3 of a lot of parents.1) You said you wanted it. 2) We paid for it. 3) Now practice.