My brother has two sons, the elder plays the piano rather enthusiastically. The younger, a first grader, is now interested in music, but rather wants to play the drums. My brother wants him to play the violin, because he thinks it will ultimately be more satisfying. He wonders if I would speak to his son to try to convince him to play the violin (since I and my daughter play).
Any suggestions on how I might persuade my nephew to move away from the dark percussive side and into the light?
Any suggestions on how I might persuade my nephew to move away from the dark percussive side and into the light?
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Re: a would be violinist
Wed, September 28, 2005 - 10:07 AMI think your nephew should follow his interests! >:] -
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Re: a would be violinist
Wed, September 28, 2005 - 11:34 AMOf course, that is what I said to my brother at first. Still, as a violinist yourself, don't you feel an obligation to enlist others, with force if necessary, into the cult?
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, November 17, 2006 - 6:47 AMmy mom made me play the piano and i wanted to play the violin, now at 33 i have finally begun to study the violin, and i have to admit that its going pretty good!!
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, September 30, 2005 - 7:35 AMof course we all think the violin is great, but that's because (i'm assuming) everyone here chose to play it.
my brother is really musical, but he still had to try 5 or 6 different insturments before he settled on the trumpet. I'm a firm believer in the theory that most people have an instrument that they are more natural at, that calls to them more than any other and that they feel comfortable and natural expressing themself through.
i think it would be a shame to make someone play any particular instrument and risk putting them off music altogether....and bear in mind that it might take a few go's to find the right one!
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, September 30, 2005 - 7:42 AMOf course, I tend to agree with your lofty ideals. But getting someone to try an instrument means that the idea of playing the instrument has to be seen as a viable alternative. My job is to lay the groundwork for giving the violin a fair shot.
I should also disclose that though my daughter chose to play the violin, there were many times that she wanted to quit, and I wouldn't let her. For better or worse, she is quite a fine violinist now, and seems to enjoy the instrument very much. -
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, September 30, 2005 - 7:45 AMthat is very true.... :)
of course, with children you have to guide them and help them to try it out properly, and also trying lots of instruments can turn out fairly expensive!!
there's also the argument that he should be tought to see things through instead of chopping and changing all the time.
it's never as easy as it seems is it! -
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, September 30, 2005 - 8:50 AMIt was easier for my son, who fell in love with the cello from the very first.
My daughter has much more of a love hate relationship with the violin, spurred perhaps by her first teacher, who was truly vile.
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, September 30, 2005 - 11:43 AMThe kid's only 5 or 6?
Has the kid gone to any concerts or recitals and been excited by any musician? Had I been 5 or 6 when I saw this terrific flautist perform (some beautiful young French guy whose hair goes all over the place dramatically when he's blowing on that long piece of nickel), I'd probably have become interested the flute. But instead at 7 I was forced to play the piano. Hated it. And the teacher's dog bit my nose. Stupid piano. Stupid dog. Stupid recitals. But now as an adult, I sure wish I could play the piano. Everybody seems to love a piano player. (And did you notice how ubiquitous the piano is anyway?) But my brain couldn't handle reading two staves simultaneously, so when I was 12 and found the violin, I had a good excuse to give my Mom. -
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, September 30, 2005 - 11:55 AMHe is only 5 or 6, and I don't think he's heard any sexy French people play the violin...an excellent idea.
He has heard me and my two children play (two violins and cello) but none of us have French flair.
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, September 30, 2005 - 12:45 PMalso, i think the thing that often gets kids more excited about music than anything is playing with other kids. it's the kind of experience you can't really get any other way.
is there a youth orchestra, or just some other children who he could get together with and just mess around. It doesn't have to sound nice!
maybe that's something that should be saved for a bit later on, but it really gets them going! (well, it gets me going to!) -
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Re: a would be violinist
Fri, September 30, 2005 - 12:48 PMI agree with you, but they live in a remote suburban area, with no orchestras. A real pity. -
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Unsu...
Re: a would be violinist
Sun, October 2, 2005 - 10:29 AMWhat will most probably interest him in the violin is seeing kids his age play it.
But that said, if he likes drums, he should go for it. "the dark percussive side" sounds more snobby than anything, and this is the worst approach musicians can have towards eachother.
If he has a flare for rythm, let him develop it ! Most percussionsist I know eventually pick up another instrument or two, and use their drums as a springboard.
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Re: a would be violinist
Sat, November 18, 2006 - 1:40 AMWell, first, I must say any parents who are willing to listen to two or three years of kids learning to play violin is a devoted and loving parents. I mean, it takes a long time for their the violin to sound decent. After twenty five years, I'm still trying to get better tone.
My parents put up with that and all the pouting I did when I was little. I use to cry and cry because my mother made me practice. But now, I have a great appreciation for it. Only the thing I regret is that I wish I discovered how great violin is in much earlier age. I would have been so much better player.
My parents weren't musicians so they didn't know any better than forcing me to play, but I think, taking from my friend's example (I'm not a parent so I don't know first hand), parents can introduce kids to many different kinds of music. From classical to heavy metal and anything between. And have music in their daily life. Have fun with them. I think they will pick something up and hopefully, be come passionate enough to learn a instrument or two.
Someday, when I have children of my own, I will be taking piano lessons with them.
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Unsu...
Re: a would be violinist
Sun, November 19, 2006 - 11:45 AMOne thing remote suburban areas do have sometimes are Old Time Fiddle clubs, and the people there usualy support the kids and offer workshops. Also, during the summ there are many fiddle contests that are full of kids. My son (age 11) plays in the school orchestra, but his passion is Scottish Fiddling. When he first started 2 years ago, we went on line to listen to all the different types of music played on a violin, and he picked out what it was that he liked. Because HE likes what hes doing, he puts in the time to practice every day.
Try to find what he likes and go from there.
best,
lia
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Re: a would be violinist
Wed, November 29, 2006 - 4:24 AMAlthough I am a violinist myself I think that the drums will be ultimatley satisfying. I admire anyone who can play the drums really well, as I think it take s a lot of brains, hard work, talent and passion to play the drums. Maybe convince him to learn both....
Any ideas for me? ie. violin riffs in todays music
