Music lessons

[arloiginla]

Was wondering, what is everyone's thoughts on them? Are you taking them now, or is your child taking them?

I ask because it seems like nowadays, kids are no longer brought up to understand the importance of music in one's life - especially on "classical" instruments such as the piano and such. Most younger children who do take lessons and are learning an instrument are doing so simply because their parents took music lessons and still feel the need for every kid to learn something about music at an early age.

Unfortunately it seems like those parents are fewer and further between than even 10 years ago. With the type of music most of us listen to nowadays, the idea of Classical music and learning anything but the guitar is often not even considered.

And of course there is the whole aspect of music building character and teaching other valuable life lessons.

My mother was a piano teacher and so when I was 5-6 years old I was made to learn piano. Of course like most 6 year olds I had no interest whatsoever and was onyl doing it "cause mom says I have to."

I was told to at least go up to grade five (Royal Conservatory of Music) and then I could quit. By the time I made it there, I had developed a real love and passion for playing and found out I was quite good at it - I achieved high scores on exams and won in the Kiwanis Music Festival and other competitions regularly.

13 years later I am a piano major doing a music degree (and then a master's) at the University of Calgary, entering in international competitions, and possibly paving the road to becoming a professional concerto pianist. I have a studio and teach students aged 6-50 (really) currently. I took the violin as well up to grade 7 RCM, and am taking voice as a second instrument at school and sing in the U of C Chamber Choir that tours nationwide. To me music is practically life, but am shocked (not naive, I LOVE today's rock music and totally understand where most kids nowadays are coming from) at the declining importance that seems to be put on music in one's childhood and youth.

Does this seem the same way to you guys or is it just me? For those parents out there, how do you view music and its importance in your own or your child's life?

[arloiginla]

Nobody?

Or does that answer my question

[foofighter15]

I'm self taught and am at a point where I can see the benefit to having taken lessons at some point.
If you can combine the two then I think that's the way to go

[Aeneas]

Well, we have a piano and a three year old daughter. She loves to play along with mom. I imagine when the time comes we will see if she is interested in lessons. I was forced to take lessons as a child and like anything my parents forced me to do (homework) I chose to not to do it as soon as possible.

[Matata]

I'll probably shove instruments into my kids hands as soon as they can hold them, every kid with a different instrument, and they will all have to sing. I don't want to raise a family, I want to raise a Partridge family.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by arloiginla

13 years later I am a piano major doing a music degree (and then a master's) at the University of Calgary, entering in international competitions, and possibly paving the road to becoming a professional concerto pianist. I have a studio and teach students aged 6-50 (really) currently. I took the violin as well up to grade 7 RCM, and am taking voice as a second instrument at school and sing in the U of C Chamber Choir that tours nationwide. To me music is practically life, but am shocked (not naive, I LOVE today's rock music and totally understand where most kids nowadays are coming from) at the declining importance that seems to be put on music in one's childhood and youth.

Does this seem the same way to you guys or is it just me? For those parents out there, how do you view music and its importance in your own or your child's life?

I played violin right through elementary, junior high and high school. I used to play in the Royal Conservatory of Music as well, and have been through all the orchestras based out of the Conservatory, and as such, have done many festivals (including Kiwanis), concerts and various shows.

I haven't picked up the violin in a couple years, but I do now play the drums. Nevertheless, I could pick up a violin today and play it just as well. Music is such a huge part of my life that I cannot go a single day without doing something music-related. At work, I HAVE to be able to llisten to music, or else I cannot function.

I agree with the sentiment that is IS important to play a 'classic' music instrument as a growing child / youth. I didn't used to like it, but my parents pushed me into it, and were relentless in not giving up for 15 years straight.

As a result, I can look back and really say that playing an instrument helped me do extremely well in school and university, kept me occupied with extracurricular activities and helped me grow as an individual. I think playing a musical instrument from an early age can seriously aid in the development of one's character, attitude and intelligence levels.

[4X4]

If I ever have a kid, I think that three things I will more or less "force" on him will be an instrument, a sport and another language. I'd probably let up on one of them at each level of schooling. I mean, at gr7 he can quit one (if he wants), at gr10 another one and after HS, no more rules.

[PsYcNeT]

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If anyone out there is looking for guitar lessons for their children (or themselves) my fun, happy, non-offensive guitarist is a private teacher who knows boatloads of theory and technique, is well priced, and can travel. support us by supporting him!

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***END PLUG***

[Got Miikka?]

I'm self-taught as well.

But I thought, at one point, that getting some lessons to bolster my knowledge and skills couldn't hurt, so I dropped the dough. And I got a mega ######bag for a teacher. He asked me what I wanted to learn. I told him what I wanted to learn. Then he told me that he couldn't teach me that. So we spent the duration of my four lessons going over ways to play acoustic cover songs that might be appropriate at a generic pub. I told him I thought that he was a sucky teacher. He couldn't disagree.

I guess it depends who's doing the lessons. With any luck, you won't get the ######bag I had.

[Teh_Bandwagoner]

I'm totally making my kid play an instrument and more importantly I'm gonna make him/her do Royal Conservatory. A background in music theory seems vital for if ever my kid finds a passion for music and wants to play multiple instruments. Even for one, it seems pretty difficult to get better at an instrument without it.

My parents stopped putting me through music lessons when I was in high school, but was able to get the rudiments down, but was stopped short of harmony. I'm totally considering going back for a rudiments refresher and to get back on track, even though it's been years now.

And I'm in agreement with 4x4. At LEAST a second language and a sport when they're young. I thank my parents for sticking me into French immersion and Chinese school on weekends (even though I hated it at the time), and I regret the fact that they never put me in a sport or physical activity.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by Teh_Bandwagoner

And I'm in agreement with 4x4. At LEAST a second language and a sport when they're young. I thank my parents for sticking me into French immersion and Chinese school on weekends (even though I hated it at the time), and I regret the fact that they never put me in a sport or physical activity.

+1.

My 'rents made me play the musical instrument, made me take a langauge to learn starting in Junior High with the option of doing an arts-based class in High School, and I played soccer after school indoor and outdoor all throughout. Seems a little extreme / controlling, but it's paying off in spades now, so I didn't really care.

One thing I WISH that I did... was take Spanish in high school, and continue with it through university as a minor. Stupidest thing I ever did in life so far was not serisouly learn a 2nd langauge. At 24, I can't believe how many opportunities exist when you're able to speak a foreign language. Stupid me never realized this until halfway through uni.

[Hack&Lube]

The problem I find is that a lot of parents blindly throw their students into mechanical lessons without STIMULATING them at home with music. Young children need to be stimulated with a large amount of music to really inspire them with a passion for music or even an appreciation for it. As the typical Chinese kid, I started Piano lessons when I was 5 years old. I quit when I was 9 out of sheer exhaustion and a total lack of interest in music because all it was to me was stupid notes on a page and hitting keys mechanically under abusive and uninspiring old piano teachers.

A large part of this was that my parents were pretty conservative and had absolutely no music at home, I wasn't exposed to anything musically that really inspired me or gave me that sense of what music really was all about. I never developed an appreciation for music until I hit University (I didn't even listen to popular music or the radio at home before) and now dreadfully regret it because now it's bascially my favorite thing in life...I find myself listening to absolutely everything and really hearing the individual instruments and the people playing them. If I do play piano or guitar today, it's all largely just improvisation or whatever I discover or self teach myself. Lately I've found myself reading about music theory and music history with a real hunger trying to get a grasp of how to actually make music...mostly visual modes and scales on the piano keyboard and guitar fretboard and yet I can't even read actual sheet music anymore.

If I could go back to when I was 10, I would change everything and be a musician today instead of who knows what.

So in the vein of all the other people in this thread, if I ever have a poor kid, he'll be made to learn 2 extra languages (one asian language + one romance language should cover the important parts of the world) and then the piano and the guitar. I'll also be playing all sorts of music around in the house. Music also helps kids with math because it stimulates similar parts of the brain...and when they grow up, it'll help them with the opposite sex (haha).

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

The problem I find is that a lot of parents blindly throw their students into mechanical lessons without STIMULATING them at home with music. Young children need to be stimulated with a large amount of music to really inspire them with a passion for music or even an appreciation for it. As the typical Chinese kid, I started Piano lessons when I was 5 years old. I quit when I was 9 out of sheer exhaustion and a total lack of interest in music because all it was to me was stupid notes on a page and hitting keys mechanically under abusive and uninspiring old piano teachers.

A large part of this was that my parents were pretty conservative and had absolutely no music at home, I wasn't exposed to anything musically that really inspired me or gave me that sense of what music really was all about. I never developed an appreciation for music until I hit University (I didn't even listen to popular music or the radio at home before) and now dreadfully regret it because now it's bascially my favorite thing in life...I find myself listening to absolutely everything and really hearing the individual instruments and the people playing them. If I do play piano or guitar today, it's all largely just improvisation or whatever I discover or self teach myself. Lately I've found myself reading about music theory and music history with a real hunger trying to get a grasp of how to actually make music...mostly visual modes and scales on the piano keyboard and guitar fretboard and yet I can't even read actual sheet music anymore.

If I could go back to when I was 10, I would change everything and be a musician today instead of who knows what.

So in the vein of all the other people in this thread, if I ever have a poor kid, he'll be made to learn 2 extra languages (one asian language + one romance language should cover the important parts of the world) and then the piano and the guitar. I'll also be playing all sorts of music around in the house. Music also helps kids with math because it stimulates similar parts of the brain...and when they grow up, it'll help them with the opposite sex (haha).

I do not think children should be forced into any extra curricular activity period. In most cases, you destroy any potential love for what you are hoping to get them have an interest in.

You need to get to know your children first, to see what their passions are in life, what turns them on. And yes, it is very hard to tell at a young age what the passion of your child will be. But, if they express an interest in something, then expose them to it. You don't have to delve into that interest to the nth degree, just give them some exposure. If they continue to like that activity, then by all means continue with it. If they don't, well try something else. Of course, you do not want to have a child that is changing their mind every 5 seconds either. You also have to speak about committment with the child, both mental committment and time committment. Sometimes, upon very first exposure, the child might not initially like it and will want to drop it instead. If you signed them up for 6 weeks, 3 months, whatever, then have the child stick with it. That way they will not only learn what it means to be committed to something, they will actually find out if they like that activity. And they will also find out that sometimes in life, you do things you do not enjoy and those things do not end up killing you either.

If music is that passion, so be it, give them as much or as little music as they like. And if they choose an instrument you were hoping they stayed away from, remember, it is THEIR passion, not yours. So if little Johnny takes up the drums, don't you go putting them way out in the garage in hopes that they will be too far away and he will forget about the drums and go back to the piano instead. As someone who comes from a very musical family and someone who has very musical children, be prepared for them to try many instruments too which is great if music is their thing. And no matter what instrument you learn, I personally believe that some fundamentals on a piano are great, if nothing else than to learn how to read music. And learning the classics only helps to understand the new genres of music. One compliments the other.

If sports are their passion, same thing, expose them to the sport or sports of their choice. Of course, sometimes you have to speak about managing one's time too and if you have the type of child that wants to do every sport, then beware that their school work might suffer if they are over committed. There is nothing wrong about giving your child choices too, perhaps not all the choices they wish, but choices that will enable them to not only be involved in sports but also keep up with their school work.

And no matter what your child's choices, instruction goes a long way in determining your child's success in that activity. And if you do go the instruction route, try and find someone who helps to instill a love for that activity in your child, so they learn to love it and enjoy the practise that comes along with the instruction. Maybe you have a child who only wants to go out and skate a bit and shoot the puck a bit, perhaps they do not actually want organized hockey. Then don't put them in organized hockey. Try to be in tune with what your child is actually trying to tell you. When I look back on things, I think one of the real reasons my son chose hockey at an early age is because he wanted a pair of hockey gloves. Would that have been enough for him over time, I do not know, but those gloves were pretty neat for him when he started hockey.

Anyhow, I guess to try and sum things up, what I am trying to say is go with what your children love and have a talent for. And do not try to live vicariously through your children. You might be unhappy that you only speak one language, and so would like your child to learn three languages to compensate for your short comings. You might end up frustrating not only your child but yourself in the process too. And remember that no matter what activity you put your child in, it is up to the child if they are successful or not. You can find the activity, you can find the instructor, you can buy the accessories, and you can give your child the best atmosphere for them to have success, but unless your child commits, well, be prepared for a few or a lot of sighs.

And remember that children are first of all children. Let them relax and find their way in life before you over commit them and frustrate them.

[Shnabdabber]

I'm not a parent myself, but I have been trying to get my two nieces and nephew into music (specifically drumming as I teach lessons and would love to see them take it up) because it has huge social value, is fun, and above all else is a skill you can learn and develop for the rest of your life.
I would recommend not pushing it on young kids, but see where their interest lies. I have found that with young kids drums are easy because everyone likes to hit stuff!
Out of all the people I have ever met who have taken lessons and have quit their instruments is almost always due to feeling forced into it, and having it feel like work. Lessons need structure to be effective, but the lessons themselves need to be orientated around the students interests.
Anyways, good luck with the young'ns.

[Torture]

Like many I was forced to take Piano at a young age and hated it. But it really didn't help that my teacher was terrible, and living in a small town there wasn't any other option but her. Then in grade 7 a new piano/guitar teacher came to town and my parents gave me the option of continuing with piano with her, or switching to guitar. I made the switch to guitar and have never looked back.

I'm definitely going to be forcing my kids into a musical instrument

[Sparks]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

The problem I find is that a lot of parents blindly throw their students into mechanical lessons without STIMULATING them at home with music. Young children need to be stimulated with a large amount of music to really inspire them with a passion for music or even an appreciation for it.

Great point, Hack&Lube. I think there are a lot of parents out there that feel like music lessons are things that kids should just do, without the parents having much passion for it themselves.

I actually had to beg my parents for music lessons. I think the reason for that was the fact that my parents (particularly my mom) were so into music themselves. There was always music on and my parents really enjoyed listening to it. Enjoying it was just the natural thing to do. I was apparently hooked by the time I was 2 or 3. Certainly as far back as I can remember.

Anyway, to the original poster - are you sure that parents are enrolling their kids in music lessons less often? I can't think of any factors that would make current parents of young children less likely to enroll them in music lessons. In fact, parents seem to be more interested and involved in their kids' extra-curricular activities than they used to be, or so I've been told. (Although I admit I can't back that claim up either).

[Teh_Bandwagoner]

Originally Posted by Torture

I'm definitely going to be forcing my kids into a musical instrument

And I'm definitely forcing a second language on my kid

[arloiginla]

Originally Posted by Sparks

Great point, Hack&Lube. I think there are a lot of parents out there that feel like music lessons are things that kids should just do, without the parents having much passion for it themselves.

I actually had to beg my parents for music lessons. I think the reason for that was the fact that my parents (particularly my mom) were so into music themselves. There was always music on and my parents really enjoyed listening to it. Enjoying it was just the natural thing to do. I was apparently hooked by the time I was 2 or 3. Certainly as far back as I can remember.

Anyway, to the original poster - are you sure that parents are enrolling their kids in music lessons less often? I can't think of any factors that would make current parents of young children less likely to enroll them in music lessons. In fact, parents seem to be more interested and involved in their kids' extra-curricular activities than they used to be, or so I've been told. (Although I admit I can't back that claim up either).

I don't have any actual stats to back that up at the moment, but from talking to fellow teachers in this city and in other cities (many of whom have been in the business for 40-50 years) it seems like the number of parents getting their kids into classical instruments at an early age is declining; and also that more are quitting earlier.

I believe that is due to a factor Hack&Lube touched on, that kids are no longer exposed to listening to Classical music at a young age, and don't understand or appreciate anything that isn't hard rock and the like anymore. This isn't the children's faults by any means, but just parents who perhaps weren't exposed to classical music themselves as a child and therefore see no reason or importance to ensure there child gets it.

This is a simply observation that could be way off base, but something that seems to become more apparent with the more people I talk to who are finding the same thing.

But I disagree with those who say you need to see that your child has a passion for something, before you get them into it. A lot of 8-10 year old kids think of nothing but getting home from school and playing video games or the like. You need to expose your child to something and make them try it, before they'll discover whether their love for it exists or not. Otherwise you end up with kids who don't discover and act on their love for music until they're 14, at which point their lives are busy and schedules hectic, and combined with the late start, they never end up going anywhere.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by arloiginla

But I disagree with those who say you need to see that your child has a passion for something, before you get them into it. A lot of 8-10 year old kids think of nothing but getting home from school and playing video games or the like. You need to expose your child to something and make them try it, before they'll discover whether their love for it exists or not. Otherwise you end up with kids who don't discover and act on their love for music until they're 14, at which point their lives are busy and schedules hectic, and combined with the late start, they never end up going anywhere.

You asked for views from parents. I am a parent, I gave my views. You are a student, a non parent I am gathering, one whose life is music, asking parents for their opinions.

As I said previously, I have no problem with music lessons, hockey lessons, swimming lessons, whatever, but if they are forced on the child, it is my opinion that any interest in that activity is usually thwarted, not moulded into a lasting love. It is my personal opinion that children will do far better if they are enrolled in activities that compliment their talents.

My children had all kinds of lessons, like I said, I come from a very musical family. My daughter plays piano, flute, trombone. My son's primary instrument is trumpet, he got to see a lot of the world with his music. He was in the Honor Band of Alberta, Stampede marching bands, school bands etc. He also plays the guitar, right now that is his favorite instrument and is self taught. But he can play cello, tuba, various other wind instruments. He initially started on the piano, he asked for lessons when he saw how my daughter could play. That lasted a year or so, then he asked to get into trumpet. And over the years, I never had to ask him to practise etc, music was an activity he enjoyed.

I personally do not see the importance of music increasing until the education system puts an emphasis on more than just the 3 R's. That does not mean that I do not agree with you about the importance of music. It has always been my opinion that the fine arts and sports are just as important as the core curriculum. BUT, whenever there have been cut backs in education, and there have been cutbacks in this province for the last 15 years, what is the first to go? Right, the fine arts and sports. So when you get parents asking for more of those programs because they believe they are important, then you will see an associated increase in private music lessons.

[Phanuthier]

I learned piano and percussion when I was younger, and that was about 10 years ago, so no I wouldn't say music is out of fashion.

PS: Call PsYcNeT for guitars. There, my good deed of the day.