Small 6yo and Double Bass?

[Galena]

Am I on a hiding to nothing? DD is a small 6yo and has fallen in love with the double bass. Is she going to be able to learn yet or does she need to grow a bit first?

[Ferguson]

Most instruments are available in a range of sizes, so I assume bass should be too, though possibly not so many sizes.

Does she already play recorder, piano or keyboard? She may know Treble Clef, but will need Bass Clef for bass. Would she consider bass guitar, as a possible alternative?

Regarding reading music, Treble and Bass are NOT two different things, as each is really a continuation of the other:

www.essential-music-theory.com/grand-staff.html

This USED to be one of the best sites for music, but it looks like the dreaded 'cuts' may have hit it. It used to show all possible instruments for children; I'll leave you to search it, and there may be a companion site, in the hope you can glean something from it:

www.durham.gov.uk/durhammusicservice

[Galena]

Thanks Ferguson. No, she doesn't learn any other instrument yet - I have vague piano skills and she has learned a few notes, but not more than a couple of tries.

I have found a teacher who will try teaching her if the 1/8 sized bass is small enough. She has mild cerebral palsy so may not cope with doing different things with each hand...

[Ferguson]

This isn't really what you want, but it may be worth a look:

www.durhamonlinemusic.co.uk/site/

[Happypiglet]

Hi there are smaller basses these days (when I learnt in the 80s mini basses didn't really exist so I started on the one I still play straight away at age 13).
I would say six is a bit little. Mainly because even on a small bass a lot of strength is required in the hands and fingers of the left hand. Much more than say a cello. The stretching is that much more.
Do your local authority music service have a teacher who could advise?
It's great to hear she has fallen in love with it. I love playing bass and it is a really cool instrument. As a teenager I got involved not only in orchestral playing but also jazz bands etc.

[Happypiglet]

Sorry I cross posted seems you will be getting the advice you,need!

[Galena]

Thanks Happy . Her school had 'aspirations week' last week and they had some musicans come in and play for them and talk about their instruments. One was a d.bass teacher.

I then asked a friend who used to work for the music service locally if she knew anyone who could advise, and she suggested someone. Turns out it was the person who went in to play at DD's school! :)

DD says 'It's my favourite instrument EVER and it sounds like an elephant! It's the grandfather of the string instruments. The violin is the baby.'

[PennilynLott]

It's a very cool instrument. If she is still playing as an adult she's going to need a car though. Not many things worse than a cello for portability but the double bass is one.

[Ferguson]

Galena - I've had a look at your 'profile', and realised I had looked at it on a previous occasion.

We have 'shared' threads on quite a few topics, so I will PM you in a few days.