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Extra-curricular activities

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Original poster

4 yr old desperate to play violin can't start till next year - any ideas

32 replies

Didiplanthis · 08/01/2017 11:04

My 7 yr old Dd has been playing violin for about a year , my 4 yr old Ds has been sobbing ( again ) as he really really wants to play too. He can't start at school until yr 1 - he is currently reception. There are no local private teachers I can get to. This has been going on for a good 2 months. Any ideas what I can do to nurture his enthusiasm while we wait. I have offered to teach him piano but that's not required !! Her 1/8th violin is too big for him and I don't have loads of money to spend a new even cheap one for him to play around with. First world problem I know but I am fed up with the tantrums !!

OP posts:
Noteventhebestdrummer · 08/01/2017 15:02

That's a shame - I love teaching 4 year olds. So much enthusiasm and confidence!

Keeptrudging · 08/01/2017 14:54

Just "No, you have to wait until you're 5, like your brother did". There will be lots of future things your eldest gets to do first, your youngest can't tantrum about them all and get them early! Maybe I'm being harsh, but I wouldn't be tolerating 2 months of tantrums.

Wafflenose · 08/01/2017 14:50

Maybe it will be a big fat "no", but I would try speaking to the violin teacher, explaining the situation and how desperate he is, and seeing if a compromise can be reached so you can capitalise on his enthuasiasm. (I'm one of 27 visiting music teachers at a large school, and some of us have occasionally bent the rules in situations like this).

lyricaldancer · 08/01/2017 14:34

One of our tutors comes to us to give the lessons. Would that be a possibility?

Badcat666 · 08/01/2017 11:12

Can you get him a cheap second hand one to muck about with? That way your DD could try and teach him notes and how to use the bow etc. (I used to muck around with my sisters and bot did she hate that!)

WatchingFromTheWings · 08/01/2017 11:11

Maybe your 7yo could 'teach' him in the meantime?

DragonitesRule · 08/01/2017 11:09

Just let him have a go with hers. DS at the same age was happy to unzip the case take it out, do a few screechy bows practising bow hold and put it away again!Smile And he was fine on an 1/8th