October Music and Musicians Thread

[Wafflenose]

I thought I would start a new thread, as September's is looking unlikely to last for another month.

The music threads are open to all musicians and parents of musicians, no matter what their age or level might be. We have quite a few kids on here who are very serious about music, and plenty who do it as one of many hobbies.

For anyone who's new, I am a teacher of woodwind, and mum to two girls. Goo (10) plays the flute and recorder to a similar level (Grade 7 on both), and started the piano in April - she won't be doing exams on that. She is hardworking, committed, highly strung, and a stubborn little madam. Rara is 8 and far more laid back. She is taking Grade 3 Recorder this term, is a little behind that on the cello, and just this week started learning the clarinet. I don't suppose she will carry on with three instruments in the long term, but we'll wait and see which she loves!

Goo doesn't know what she wants. A while ago it was Zoology but today she mentioned playing the flute in an orchestra and giving lessons too. Rara wants to run a cattery, or work in an animal rescue centre.

drummersmum they have choose their own path, we have two examples in the family where the children have bowed to parental pressure and started careers that their families wanted to do. Neither finished the course. The best thing I can do for DS is to make sure he ends in a position where he has real choices, I'd rather him choose music because that's what he wants to do rather than choose music because he doesn't have any other options. I keep hoping he'll jump ship and become a lawyer but the clock is ticking down now.

Waffle very seasonally appropriate, thank you. We skipped straight to Christmas last month, the band recorded its Christmas CD so I've been listening to Frosty the Snowman for weeks now.

Waffle that was great! Tell Rara she really spooked us in this house!

DS 15 doesn't know what he wants to do so I definitely don't expect DD to know. DD mentioned becoming a vet last year, this year it was a famous piano player, then a music teacher, then back to "I don't know".

I can't say I would be over the moon with a career in music but as long as she is happy with her choice than that is all that matters.

Its so lovely to see Rara playing, thank you!

Hope you all had a spooky Halloween evening!

Hmm, what to do about the thread...? I thought if it got to 600 posts, I would start a new one for November, but if it only got to 500+ I wouldn't bother. Do we need a new one, or is November going to be a quiet month before Christmas musical events take place?

Too early to say, whatever career she is pursuing, I am hoping learning to play an instrument(or two) will help her in the future, when she is happy or sad, when she successes or fails. A career in music doesnt mean someone has to play an instrument isnt it? PR, relationship manager, web design etc for bands, festivals could also have loads of connection with the music industry.

waffle November has a few exams I think. It's up to you, captain.

I'm tired, so am going up to bed in a minute. I'll decide in the morning!

Spooktacular playing from Rara, well done!

Thank you!

New thread here

Don't be frightened about a career in music. Like anything if you're good, you'll earn a very decent living! It takes over huge amount of your life; like a professional sports person from an early age. Yes. Huge problems regarding GCSEs etc...but if a student is both talented and determined, they can reach the attained goals. NCO. NYO.Then the London music colleges. EUYO. Possibly a year or two in Berlin/Paris/NY. (Esp for string players.) Funding is readily available if talented. But essentially support from parents, at an early age, plus excellent teaching is the way to go....I'm always inspired by the abundance of talent we have in this country. And disgusted by the ignorance of many who don't regard it as a "real job". In the case that a student decides to take an academic route in life, the Personal Statements for the Russell Group look favourably on musicians. (Imperial College has the best student orchestra in London! Believe me, I know!)Number one rule though, there is always somebody better. .....

Thanks for your input mumswallet!
We have started a new thread (November) so many people have migrated to it!