January Music Thread

Ah, then maybe he does know his own mind and perhaps dad will have to take a step back . Sounds like a talented young man!

As a total new comer, I think I should explain our situation briefly. My DS(9) is known as a good athlete. His dad is a superman and does all kind of sports so he does lots of active things with his dad during holidays and at weekends. Sports always came first and music was regarded as a nicely casual hobby. However, at the beginning of the summer term last year, he started telling me his real passion was music so would like to make more time for music making. Then, he did Grade 5 piano in the term and passed with distinction, did NCO audition and Grade 5 theory last term. And now, he is talking about JD... Things changed and moved so quickly, I am still not used to this new DS... But I am slowly coming to realise that I need to educate myself a bit more in the area he feels so passionately so that I can give him right support. I really need a reality check and appreciate any advice/views from you wise people here...

Welcome Kutik73. My DD plays same instruments, from aged 7 (now 13), with violin being her 1st instrument. We did not go down the JD route, so I'm sure they'll be others along to guide you. I think the offering junior departments provide is fantastic, all the musicianship under one roof (individual instrument, voice, composition, chamber music, choir, ensembles etc), which can really accelerate learning, and provided by first rate support.

The only observation I had with your post was that your son is also sporty. The commitment is huge, taking away all potential term time Saturdays - is this something he's prepared to do? I'd perhaps just challenge why he wants to do it, if he's aware of what it entails before getting him prepared. If he has his eyes open, then go for it!

My DD resisted auditioning for JDs, as she enjoyed her other extra curricular too much to sacrifice. Now in Y8, she is behind many of the talented musicians in her school, but does lead a fulfilled school life, where music and sport take up her time in between studies. She has no regrets, but admittedly finding time to practice the hours she did in junior school is a struggle, especially mid-week. One grandparent of a very talented JD boy in her year resents the commitment his GS spends on music, as he has no social life and practices 2 hours per week day evening, many hours more over the weekend...but the boy wants to ultimately be a doctor. He is of a really high standard though! Grandfather is really negative towards his daughter when we see him at concerts, always embarrassing when the compliments are flying in and he mutters the poor boy has no choice. Ouch.

Not trying to put you off! Just that the aspirations can be so changeable at 9 years, though there are many children on this thread that know music is their thing from year dot and have great self discipline to achieve their goals. Good luck!

How funny Kutik73, my dd also plays violin and piano though her violin is higher standard than piano and I chose both instruments myself
We put piano on hold for the last half an year but I hope to start it again this term, just need to make some arrangements :)

We were going to do grade 5 theory this term...
Dd's teacher asked if she would like to do grade 5 practical too...or leave it till June... She needs to learn third piece from scratch, polish second piece and to prepare for aural test (musical periods are my main concern but teacher reckons she will be ok with it...). Does it sound reasonable thing to do? To be honest I didn't expect him to suggest this therefore slightly disoriented right now....
As an alternative I think move theory to summer term....
Her teacher thinks she will pass both, but I would rather try to get highest marks possible than to do as much as possible in one go....

Welcome Kutik73! My dd is also 9. What's your ds instrument?

Fleur - the bass is a lot of fun; DD plays it in some ensembles - but i refuse to buy one as very expensive. I suspect the next one on your list will be an A - i did get DD one of those as I love the sound, and there are some great pieces to play such as the Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A (part of which is on the grade 6 list).

Thank you raspberryrippleicecream

raspberry I've asked her this morning and she confirmed, bass clarinet. Good luck with the organ lessons.

only it was a Nicola Benediti masterclass, streamed on Youtube

Fleur different clarinets probably bass clarinet? Glad she enjoyed it.

DSs First Year at the Organ book arrived today, ready for first organ Lesson on Saturday. It looks very grown up, no lovely little recognisable tunes! He is having lessons on the lovely Cathedral organ where he is a Chorister, but still sorting out where he can practice.

Feel a bit left out as still don't read all posts (sorry!) -what do you all watch??? ;) ;) ;)

I love the way she kept stopping them and gave her opinion quite a lot, that is DD's pet hate, she hates it when her teacher does it. It was quite inspirational for her to see how she was talking and analisying the music.

I meant to add that he was so inspired by her.

Ds watched it too and was mesmerised by her!! He had just done 40 mins practice so went to bed dreaming of being a musician!!

Well miniprada watched the whole masterclass once I figured out that iPads and flash don't work. Doh! She has an audition tomorrow for one of the boarding options so it was a great way to wind down whilst having something interesting to chat about tomorrow. Thank you all for the link and heads up. Nicola rocks!

I watched about 15 min drummers she was fantastic but I had to take DD to bed.

Yes DD loved it and loved how many kids there are, 6 Clarinets (two "different ones" don't know what she meant by that), 2 flutes, 3 trombones, 1 bassoon and more, 15 kids in total.

I missed Nicola. Life got in the way. As it does.

Fleur how great that she enjoyed the ensemble.

Green if this is the Beethoven sonatina then DD is doing the second movement (Romance) for the festival. I think I posted her video playing the first movement a while ago, it is beautiful. Hope your DD enjoys it.

Fleur, here is the book where the pieces were picked. Glad to hear she loved her first rehearsal, we love our Orchestra too (and did I say especially the biscuits for the break).

Thanks loose. You're my role model. I practice when the piano is free & I am free. The two things don't always happen together.Now that DS I going back to school I hope to have more of a chance!

MrsWombat the syllabus is valid for the year it ends in terms, so all the three 2017 exam sessions, and it overlaps for one term at the launch of the new syllabus, so it will still be valid in spring 2018.