Anyone got a child that learnt a string instrument before say age 5?

[threebob]

Ds has decided he wants to play the cello next year (Term 1 starts in Feb here). He will be 4 and there are teachers that teach that young and the music school will lend him an 1/8 size cello.

I am a music teacher (flute, piano and pre school)it's my speciality to work with very yound children, and I have seen it work with a keen child and a committed parent, especially a musical one.

I guess my main concern is that I will look like the ultimate pushy parent, as he had a whole year more before he starts school.

Any horror stories, or successes cheerfully received.

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That's the funny thing - it's early start traditional cello, although they do suzuki violin they don't offer it for cello.

I'm not sure that ds would get on with suzuki method anyway. Whilst he was trying a cello he did a big tremolo and said "this is my wind music".

I started playing the violin at 3/4... not very well... but it was great fun

dd sterted the cello at 7 and was on a 1/4 size at first, which we rented from the teacher. She is very musical (sounds like a brag but isn't, she can also be a real PITA). She is 9 now and has done her grade 1 theory and is doing grade 1 practical week after next.

Music teacher say she has 'real potential' and is 'very mature' for her age.

I played the flute to grade 7, so I'm fairly musical myself. I will say one thing. The early days are bloody painful if you have a good sense of pitch ! Teacher says not many families are 'supportive enough'

Ds1 has started violin this term, having just turned 5. He is LOVING it. He's not doing suzuki, and is picking up the reading music really quickly. I think a string instrument is a lot more appropriate than piano because the instrument is sized for the child, and there is only 1 line to think about! Judging from ds1, I'd thoroughly recommend it.

I think Jacqueline Dupré was five when she started learning the cello.

This is good news. Thanks everyone.

I will call the cello supervisor today and have a chat.

DS started the violin while he was in reception so aged 4.5

he did suziki method which DH had to do too

we stopped it cos the teacher was extrememly creepy - he totally freaked me out

He now plays trumpet and keyboard and sings

He learns cello as part of his music lessons in small groups - but doesn't bring it home atm

The only reason I am contemplating this is that we have just bought an estate car.

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I like the fact he's picked something I can't play, and that can be the right size for him.

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Loving the tape on the fingerboard!

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I suppose it depends on whether the child has a good sense of pitch and can adjust their fingers, or whether the child puts their fingers on the tape so that he/she gets it right and learns good pitch.

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I spoke to the early start cello teacher today - and discovered that she had been the moderator at my recent diploma exams!

We are going to meet her on Saturday and let ds have a go on a 1/8th cello.

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