Introducing Music to Children

Some children show no interest in most kinds of music. My son loves all kinds of music and smiles and dances, bangs on pianos and stuff like you'd expect, but that's just a toddler who knows music is fun. He hasn't expressed any serious desire to do anything with it though...we just play with wooden spoons and pots, handbells, etc. However, a child who seems to have a REAL appreciation for music, especially instrumental, and knows to specifically ask to play, I would absolutely put in classes. We all spend money in some hobby or video games, Hannah Montana junk, or whatever for our children, hoping they like that passing fad. You KNOW she enjoys/appreciates it, and it's something that can last a lifetime. And as much as my son loves music, he doesn't think about how it makes him feel, or close his eyes to really listen. She's probably got a gift. Even if she doesn't end up being a concert violinist, it sounds like it would be money well spent in something she truly enjoys, and it opens her world up to lots of other things-culture, education. Since you used to play, maybe you could show her some beginner things, maybe teach her some tempo and rhythm, let her watch you do a couple simple things like twinkle twinkle little star or something so she can see how the notes change. If she still wants to play, and you've shown her what you can, I wouldn't hesitate to put her in classes. Shop around online...maybe there's sholarships or grants if she could qualify in either talent, skill level, or financially. Good luck.

Hi-
My son also expressed a desire to play the violin when he was only 5. I too, wasn't very excited at the thought of spending money on lessons and renting a violin just to have him quit after two or three lessons. He is into cars and sports, so I thought this was just a "phase".
I'm happy to say, all has turned out very well. We found a teacher that lives in our neighborhood that teaches the Suzuki method and we rented violins from Brook Mays. Now, more than a year later my son still loves playing the violin and is doing very well on it.
From the sounds of it, I would definitely give it a go with your daughter. It's been a great experience and a wonderful teaching avenue for "if you want something, you have to work and practice at it".

HI G.!
Have you ever heard of Kindermusik? It is a wonderful program that introduces young children (0-7) to music. In a Kindermusik Young Child Class (for children age 5-7), children learn steady beat, rythym, the music scale, and how to play three different instruments. The program is designed with the childs developmental stages in mind. It is a fun and exciting class that focuses on the process of learning not on the performance of the child. I believe it is important for your to introduce your child to the basics of music. Almost all children who complete the Kindermusik Young Child curriculum are ready for private instrument lessons.
I am a Kindermusik Educator and would be glad to invite you and your daughter to a free preview class with no obligations.
Please feel free to give me a call anytime.
Regards,
J.
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How nice...she is not too young to introduce her to music.

My daughter is 14 (8th grade) and she touched her first violin in 6th grade at the mandatory music class. They have a choice in Plano of choir, band or orchestra for 1 yr.

She has not put her violin down since. We have never asked her to practice. It is something that she LOVES and at this point she will listen to a favorite song and pick it out on the violin and keyboard. She is in Chamber orchestra at her school now and plans to continue orchestra throughout her high school years.

When we started, OH YES, we were apprehensive. We rented a violin from Williamson Music in Plano (about $30/month). We went that route up until last year when it was evident that she is sticking with this. So, I started shopping violins with the help of her orchestra directors and private lesson teacher (about $20/1/2 hr).

I found Ron Gilbert in Allen, owner of Dallas Strings www.dallasstrings.com and we worked with him and his wife. We purchased a beautiful new violin for her (they are all pricey, we got one that is well suited for her through her senior yr in high school for about $3000). The Gilberts are 5 minutes or less from my house and I get any books, strings, touch ups, etc from them. We are very happy with this company.

I know that many Plano students rent from Williamson and a lot of McKinney and Allen students rent from the Gilberts.

You don't know about the genuine interest until your child is exposed to the instrument. We had NO IDEA it would be a gift for our daughter. Music is her passion. She writes lyrics and melodies. You would never guess she would be interested in this....as she is Miss Socialite, cheerleader, and a black belt!!

You just never know! Best wishes finding something for your daughter.

How exciting! You might want to try the Frisco Music Conservatory -- located on the NW corner of Preston Rd. and Main Street.

Good Luck!
S.