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From: ned@scirtp.UUCP (Ned Robie)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Re: How do I get my 6 yr old to practice piano
Message-ID: <466@scirtp.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 17-Sep-85 19:45:36 EDT
Article-I.D.: scirtp.466
Posted: Tue Sep 17 19:45:36 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 19-Sep-85 04:45:16 EDT
References: <2578@pegasus.UUCP> <1123@kestrel.ARPA>
Organization: SCI Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC
Lines: 26

One of the most effective and fruitful methods for a child to learn
an instrument is to practice with parents.  If the child and parent
reserve 30-45 minutes each day to practice together, amazing results
can be achieved.

My son started playing violin about 5 years ago at age 5.  At first we
had to move our hand to show him how to move the bow.  He didn't seem
to have any natural ability.  Even his first teacher said (to his second
teacher) that she didn't think there was much hope.  But he wanted to learn
violin and we were determined to make some headway.

We spent 30-45 minutes a day practicing together under the teacher's
direction.  My wife and I didn't actually learn the instrument too, we just
acted like tutors during the practices.  We quickly began to appreciate why
practicing every day can be a drag for kids... after a few months even we
were looking for excuses not to do it.  But all the sweat (and tears) of
previous months kept us going -- and we certainly didn't want to look like
quitters in front of our own son.

Now, five years later, he is very good for his age.  He knows it and is
proud of it.  He's good enough so that he could do something with it later
in life if HE chooses to.  We just wanted him to have that choice.  We still
practice together, and although he'd still rather go outside and play, read
a book, or watch TV, he'd never give it up.

-- Ned Robie


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