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Original poster

October Music and Musicians Thread

589 replies

Wafflenose · 01/10/2016 09:47

I thought I would start a new thread, as September's is looking unlikely to last for another month.

The music threads are open to all musicians and parents of musicians, no matter what their age or level might be. We have quite a few kids on here who are very serious about music, and plenty who do it as one of many hobbies.

For anyone who's new, I am a teacher of woodwind, and mum to two girls. Goo (10) plays the flute and recorder to a similar level (Grade 7 on both), and started the piano in April - she won't be doing exams on that. She is hardworking, committed, highly strung, and a stubborn little madam. Rara is 8 and far more laid back. She is taking Grade 3 Recorder this term, is a little behind that on the cello, and just this week started learning the clarinet. I don't suppose she will carry on with three instruments in the long term, but we'll wait and see which she loves!

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woolleybear · 10/10/2016 22:14

We did two weeks in the summer, couldn't see that the playing would go down to well on a campsite! She just always gets really grumpy the first couple of practices after even a few days away.

Less pressure now we are leaving the next exam til next term. First bassoon lesson tomorrow!

NeverEverAnythingEver · 10/10/2016 21:19

woolley We've done three whole weeks away from instruments....

woolleybear · 10/10/2016 18:51

Managed to go and pick up the bassoon we are hiring at lunch time today, I have to say, it is truly beautiful and the case is a reasonable size. I did do a sharp intake of breath when then suggested I insure it for £4,000.

Have also picked up dd from her sports tour tonight. No homework but clarinet practice followed by the I can play anymore, I don't know anything. Anyone else's get like this after a whole 4 days away from their instrument?

NeverEverAnythingEver · 10/10/2016 17:53

(Given that I can't ask for a marimba ...)

NeverEverAnythingEver · 10/10/2016 17:52

Another week another batch of stuff to learn on various instruments by various slackers. Hmm

Birthday soon - what books should I ask for? Grin

Wafflenose · 09/10/2016 16:44

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Wafflenose · 09/10/2016 16:42

Goo can now move her wrist a tiny bit, and use her fingers a little, but not much. She keeps trying to play her instruments, but can't. She's really worried about NCO, but I will speak to them tomorrow to see if we can put off her audition for a couple of weeks, or monitor the situation, or see if they have any suggestions. Everything else she was due to do this week (except going to school, and singing with her choir in a concert on Tuesday) will have to be scrapped, unfortunately.

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Original poster
Wafflenose · 09/10/2016 16:38

I am not sure why they are calling the ARSM a diploma - it looks like a recital certificate/ advanced certificate kind of thing. She could do it as a warm up though, then DipABRSM. Or go straight to DipABRSM in a couple of years.

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TRL · 09/10/2016 13:23

How's Goo today, Waffle? Really hoping the initial wrist inflexibility is starting to shift a bit ...?

Radiodependent · 09/10/2016 13:11

There is no written element to arsm, the website says the first entries are open from January so I guess no one has done it yet! That's really impressive to be looking at diplomas so young :)

Icouldbeknitting · 09/10/2016 11:21

I would look at what is available locally (DS took LCM but this may not be an option for you) and then compare the syllabus for the ones she can actually take. It's not just selecting a programme and playing it, there could be programme notes and a viva voce as well. The boards have different approaches to the approval of pieces not on the repertoire lists, it might come down to what she likes the look of on the lists.

Radiodependent · 09/10/2016 09:22

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Radiodependent · 09/10/2016 09:10

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Shakyisles · 09/10/2016 09:04

Anyone know much about the diplomas? Miss 9 intends doing one next - but trinity or ABRSM? Obviously AB has brought out the new one but do you see any as easier or better? Has anyone had a child go through one yet?

So far all the exams have been AB but those musicians over here all seem to only have trinity diplomas. I always believed they were easier than AB. But what do you reckon?

Radiodependent · 09/10/2016 08:46

Hello, trying to keep up again, this is a really fast thread. Poor Goo, it's awful for musicians to get injured. It's inspiring to read about everyone's auditions, lots of inspiration for the future there when the Dcs are a bit more proficient. I also read Mindset in the summer, it's amazing. I keep meaning to read it again now term is underway. The attitude it promotes is great for kids but also helps insulate me against all the competitive parenting round here (W London!). Here ds1 is still working on his bass bowing so we decided to do a recorder grade for experience (of course after the closing date). Trying to decide whether he will do Grade 1 or 2 next term. It depends mostly on his sight reading. He also has a lot of choir songs to learn so we will be kept busy for a while.

Greenleave · 08/10/2016 22:48

Woolley: yay!!!

Prada: Grin hope the spa and couple of drinks help to sooth Grin I am bathing myself in couple now too, we all deserve it!

Drummers: thanks, bought it now, looking forward to read it

October Music and Musicians Thread
woolleybear · 08/10/2016 18:14

Poor Goo, I hope it feels better soon!

Dd on a sports tour this weekend so no practicing here. Bassoon reeds and book arrived today though so at least she will be able to play at her first lesson on Tuesday.

drummersmum · 08/10/2016 18:02

green I have finished the novel I was reading and starting on Bounce tonight. I forgot to say that the book that most influenced and transformed my parenting approach and view of things in general was this one. Many of you are probably familiar with it. It is sold as one of the "how to succeed" books (brrrr) but it is much more than that. It's actually about raising happier kids.

October Music and Musicians Thread
Mendingfences · 08/10/2016 17:26

Pool goo, such bad timing. Hope she recovers quickly. I must confess ds was under the weather this week and i kept him off school but let him do his drum concert. Blush

Original poster
Wafflenose · 08/10/2016 13:16

Well done, Helen!

Yes, only one set of county auditions, Icould, but there's a chance they'll take her anyway... all you have to do is prove you're over Grade 5 (or Grade 6 for the orchestra) so I will talk to them on Monday and see what they say. We're not in a rush, because I think she can do those groups until the age of 21. It might just be a case of try again next year! More worried about NCO currently. She can waggle her fingers and managed to get dressed with help, but can't move her wrist and all and has no strength in her hand and fingers. We're working on the assumption that it's a bad sprain. Oh well, there is absolutely nothing that anyone can do about it, apart from wait. Which neither of us is very good at.

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Pradaqueen · 08/10/2016 12:45

Poor Goo! This is my worst nightmare having moved the NCO audition.... As I write miniprada is doing sports activities at a taster boarding weekend at a potential school so I have my fingers crossed we come back in one piece. I have however right now got Wine in the spa at the hotel having finished my renovations ( and I have already sold 2 out of the 3 Grin) so may upgrade to fizz..... Speedy recovery I hope for poor Goo.

Green - no we are not at Barnes for the audition but at Felsted. Good luck to Minigreen!

Greenleave · 08/10/2016 10:58

Such a stressful time for you waffle, flowers and hugs from Greens!

Just saying I am writing a schedule now learning from drummers, feel like my life is sorted( more of knowing what to expect)

raspberryrippleicecream · 08/10/2016 10:26

Poor Goo. Hope she has a speedy recovery and understand in auditioning panels.

DD sprained fingers in school netball before a Sax grade exam, meaning practice for the two weeks just before, and just managed the exam, but there were lots of tears and stress .......

Music Soc at uni were pleased to find out DS1 played trombone and tuba, so hopefully he is on his way to make new friends.

Helen well done!

LooseAtTheSeams · 08/10/2016 10:17

Helen great news about the choir. well done for taking the plunge and I bet it turns out to be an excellent move!
Good luck to your DD but that does sound very demanding indeed. And I agree about choice of teachers.

Fleurdelise · 08/10/2016 10:07

Just popping in to wish Goo a speedy recovery!

Busy weekend again, I feel exhausted with all this running around!

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