January to March 2019 music thread (Title edited by MNHQ)

Interesting comments on pressure at specialist schools. My DS is year 11 and it has definitely ramped up a lot albeit gradually. He is generally quite relaxed but definitely under a lot of pressure and sometimes being pulled in 10 different directions, albeit multiple instruments. Apart from GCSE's obviously this year, sixth form options, thinking seriously about music college and watching those in years above practice like mad and then succeed or fail, internal auditions/concerts, external competitions, next BBC around the corner, external orchestras, groups etc (although trying to minimise that), the odd paid gig here and there for pocket money, etc. There is also the realisation kicking in that this not just for fun but a serious life choice and that it's a tough world out there in which to succeed professionally.

Welcome Mitsouko !

Well, we've had a lovely musical weekend including a friend's Burns' Night party at which pretty much child and teen performs - including the older children who have long left my dd's primary. They've all gone on to different schools, and most take GCSEs this year. It was amazing to note that every single one of them is planning on taking Music A-Level. The (state) primary really pushes music, so it was fantastic to see the legacy that leaves later down the line.

My littler one stood up with great composure to play the flute piece she'd chosen, and it was so lovely to hear from people who hadn't heard her since the year before. As parents we don't notice the gradual improvements, I think - so it's nice when they do something like that.

Thanks for the nice welcome and Cru Cru that sounds adorable!

Hello to Mitsouko67. Lovely to hear from a mum of a double bassist and an uilleann pipes player. Double bass is cool enough, but uilleann pipes!! I had to google it. Soooo cool.

WindMum, I'm afraid I cannot give you any advice from experience as we don't own custom made ear plugs yet but have been intending to invest ones as apparently they are the best option for musicians in a long run.

So if your question is whether I think the investments are worthwhile, then I would definitely say 'yes'.

I know there are two types of custom made ear plugs: filter types for the musicians playing or seated nearby to instruments that produce higher-flequency sounds and vented types for the musicians playing bass and lower-flequency instruments who want to shield themselves against high-flequency sounds from percussion or trumpet sections. Hope someone can come around to share more useful details.

Hi all, just back from RIAM concert in National Concert Hall Dublin. DS1 16 plays double bass and is studying for Grade 6 this year. DS2 age 10 is studying uileann pipes and auditioning for RIAM next month. DD 18 did drama to grade 8 but didn't do it this year as she has exams.

Never thought of myself as a music mum but starting to get a kick out of it now. Dad does all the practice. I accompany DC to lessons concerts etc. Neither of us is musical.New to this so hope it's OK if I dip in and out.

Hello all

Struggling to find time to keep up with all the posts.

Question, and I’m sure it’s been asked before - looking for info/recommendations for custom fit ear plugs - ACS or ER? Not sure I know the difference tbh. Just looking for others experiences, should we get them with a neck cord or not? Less likely to lose one? Quite expensive, are they worth it? Would like to hear from others who’ve got them!

Thanks everyone

Both of mine seem very busy already, but still little - so no pressure at this stage. The only pressure is from themselves- which is fine. I imagine you’re right- the pressure will intensify as they go further up the school.

Hello littleladsdad

I think as well as the pressure comes more opportunities as they go through the school. I'm not sure if this is the same at them all.
I can remember dd complaining for a long time in Y7 that she didn't do much, then Y8 brought more opportunities, and now she seems to be turning some things down, as she has so much on.
I'm glad you enjoyed the concert.

Hello all. I found myself in Manchester last week and dropped into the Cathedral to catch a lunchtime concert given by a couple of Chet's students, which I enjoyed.

Interesting information there Romany re insta/fb etc. As for pressure, I feel that DS has had a very gentle introduction and is coasting along at the moment - maybe things will start hotting up as the year progresses.

Zac.

talking of pressure, it does become apparent from around Y9, there's a bit more every year, depending of course on their programme, to the extent.
Dd has to decide soon what she is doing for 6th form even though only Y10. It will be interesting whether she chooses saxes, or Voice, can't see it being Piano, although she's doing gr5 soon.
They are having regular networking classes and she has a cv, followers on instagram and a work fb. They are also starting to look at conservatoire auditions as well as working for GCSE.
So, it does become a lot more demanding going up the school. There are no huge shocks though as it is sort of gradual rather than all expected in one year, which is good.

Not lots happening here but just enjoyed playing Telemann treble recorder duets with DD on her new recorder, just lovely to have that time with her. Also she is getting better than me as her oboe playing means her breath control is so much better than mine! Finally she is getting a lesson after several weeks, she is looking forward to getting some proper input instead of me just sticking my nose in!

druidsong many thanks for the link will be passing on to DD

He is indeed ZakStarkey, he's one of my son's musical role models and a lovely chap.

Interesting discussion on supporting practise. I got to grade 2 piano in my early teens and looking back I can see that my progress and exam marks were down to lack of regular practise. I think my parents just left me to it so I didn't do much and then got in a vicious cycle of not enjoying the lessons because I hadn't practised enough in between. I'd forgotten everything from my piano lessons when DS started (apart from where middle C was!) but I've picked it up again along with him. My little bit of knowledge is helpful but I think the main thing is just being supportive & encouraging daily practise. He's easily much better than me now on the piano. I've considered lessons and maybe doing grade 3 alongside him but I'm not sure it's a great idea to have us both going through exam stress at the same time!

I have no experience of string instruments so the cello is quite alien for me but again, just encouraging regular practise and making supportive noises seems to be helpful. We also had a revelation this week that poor practise sessions were often linked to DS being hungry. Don't know why I hadn't realised this before but it does at least seem easy to fix!

I have never learned an instrument but still feel sometimes can be relatively constructive during practice for dd though I don't sit through every practice now as I used to. Now she is practicing for grade 5 I find I can't really contribute much for pieces (new one this week!) other than ask questions, and make positive noises to encourage. I can sit there with a list of scales and ask which ones she knows, which ones need practice etc, and ask for random ones so the same ones don't get done every practice. And it is relatively easy to hear if they are right or wrong.

Umm... yes Looseattheseams - that's encouraging. I can't play any of my children's instruments. However, I do sit there with their practice diaries going "umm... x says you should have the thumb on the back of the neck - are you doing that?" (and inwardly thinking .... 'which bit is the neck again?'.

With cello I am still not actually sure which is an up and which is a down bow (oops). But the teachers inform me that my hopeless supervision is enough to help them make the progress. I'm also grateful for technology - a tuner app/Youtube and the ABRSM practice partner go a long way!

Just to reassure any non-musician parents - a friend of mine doesn't play an instrument but she uses the notes in her DS's practice book to make sure he covered what the teacher wanted him to work on. (She does joke that these days she could probably do the theory exams!) He's on about grade 7 on his instrument now and doesn't need prompting but I know his early rapid progress had a lot to do with her just being there, encouraging him to practise, and being interested.
Both my dcs are beyond my musical ability level, needless to say!

Aw, that's so lovely, catkind.

Yay neleus, glad you could make the concerts. Must be quite a musical treat.

I'm feeling very lucky today too. Just from playing accompaniments with both kids and all of us enjoying it. Sod exams and performances, this is what I do music for, playing lovely music with lovely people :)

Me too! I love music!

DS has done his concerts this week and I managed to see all. What's a privilege to be able to attend such concerts. The parents of mini musicians are so lucky, aren't we? Lovely to feel I'm still part of his musical journey too.

I can’t play either the piano or a brass instrument!! But I do love music and help when I can - even if it’s just to drive them around !!