Have you taught your child music/ to play an instrument?

[MoHoHo2]

At school I was 'musical' - played several instruments and sang in various choirs etc.

I'd love it if my kids were interested in music too, and would like to begin to teach DS1 who's 5, at home after school. (He's already showing some interest).

But I don't know where to start. It would probably be playing the recorder or piano.

Has anyone done this, and have any tips, or recommendations for books, fun structured teaching manuals or something??

You need tortoiseshell Mo2! Hope she will see this, not sure she's around. Maybe keep bumping?

OH - is she a music teacher??

I've started doing this with ds2 (ds1 showed no interest or inclination). I play piano a lot, so felt well qualified to give him a start.

I like this book a lot: \link{http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/03979/details.html\Me and my piano} - my sil (concert pianist and teacher) recommended it to me, as it teaches 5 notes in the RH first, quickly, so they can then enjoy playing 'real tunes' and writing their own music, rather than getting bogged down with trying to learn two hands.

The link also takes you to Musicroom.com, who offer excellent service, and don't charge postage!

DS2 (who's also 5) has loved these books: \linkwww.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/058972/details.html\Theory made easy for little children} ... they have loads of stickers, and are just tremendous fun. (There is a book 2 available too.)

Finally! \link{http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/09319/details.html\Chester's flashcards} are fab as well. You can play all sorts of games with them too.

I used to work for OUP music, so I feel incredibly guilty recommending all this Faber and Chester's stuff! When children are a bit older OUP does publish some fantastic piano books, with fun illustrations and so on: Prehistoric Piano Time is great ... but for just starting out I think there is better material out there.

DS2 has actually shown more interest in singing and theory rather than piano playing. When he is a bit older and ready to commit to practising regularly, I will pay for him to have lessons. Atm he just loves writing his own songs!

Sorry this is so long - hope it's helpful!

This is the link that went wrong:
\link{http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/058972/details.html\Theory made easy for little children}

Great suggestions and links - thanks! Looks like the MusicRoom is just the sort of site I was looking for.

Ooooh - I can't wait to get my recorder out again!

Schone Weinachts Namen Roslein (excuse cod German but I am terribly impressed :))