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

[CruCru]

Hi all

Here is the new music thread for January - I hope no one minds me starting it.

I am mum to a son (7) who is learning the piano and trumpet and a daughter (5) who is learning the piano and violin. I am having piano lessons and played the trumpet as a child.

Some of the people on these threads (and their children) are fantastic musicians. Some are more like me. All are welcome.

Thank you to Wafflenose for all the time she has spent managing these threads.

DS once had two piano teachers, just for one term. But the teacher at JD acted as an assistant teacher to the other teacher, and although they never met nor talked, they shared comments written on a note via a pigeon post (DS). It didn't create any confusion as it was clear who was driving the lesson. I think two drivers wouldn't work for young DCs.

DS once had two piano teachers, just for one term. But the teacher at JD acted as an assistant teacher to the other teacher, and although they never met nor talked, they shared comments written on a note via a pigeon post (DS). It didn't create any confusion as it was clear who was driving the lesson. I think two drivers wouldn't work for young DCs.

Aw, sorry, double post... I'll blame the slow response of the internet!

Really appreciate your responses, do you think it would be ok to ask after receiving an offer or mention at audition? How soon after the audition do they tell you and how long do you have to accept? That piano workshop teacher who said would be personally auditioning him already knows who his teacher is and that my son is v attached to him (but also dying to come to the Guildhall!).

I think when you receive an offer varies as some get it on spot. But I remember we had to decide which JD to go by the end of April or early May. Then all the paper work started so it shouldn't be too late to make a request after you accepted or got an offer. JD needs to know who are coming before starting the allocation of teachers! I asked once we received official offer letters. If I were you, I would let him go for the audition and enjoy the experience, then think of all the logistics once received an offer. It sounds like he'll get a place though!

Neleus, thanks, this is good advice. Hopefully by the time his teacher will know (and stay another year!)...

busyspinning that’s really lovely that he can continue to play with his old teacher. It is a special bond when they have been with one person for a long time, DD was the same so I was super stressed looking for someone new. Hopefully she has made the right choice 🤞Good luck to zeemama with whatever you decide

Thank you lotsofmilk! His whole piano journey has been non stop but things will hopefully slot into place. 🤪

Lotsofmilk I remember you talking about jds and looking for a teacher before Christmas I’m so pleased you’ve found someone . The jd decision is so difficult when you don’t live that close to one, with the right teacher I don’t think you necessarily have to go - but it’s hard work putting everything together !!

Busyspinning, yes it is so tricky. I would just drop it but ds totally keen and one weekly lesson is never enough for him and having trouble finding local music activities for his age and level. We are relatively close to jd (30 min direct train) but teacher is on our street!

Thank you busyspinning! Yes zeemama finding local ensembles in the area at the right level is a challenge, we rely a lot on extra workshops/courses etc. in the school holidays.

Lotsofmilk yes we have done piano summer camp (Chetham’s) but not that much still for 10yr old (then 9) pianists... I like the whole social aspect of jd, the kids at Guildhall seemed friendly and supportive of each other in that workshop and none of his primary school friends can relate really. Also since he spends hours on the piano play dates are a bit infrequent so would love it if he made some other music friends who “get” practising etc

It sounds like he would really enjoy JD zeemama ! Finding friends that relate is important

Thank you Lotsofmilk, I think so too. Best wishes to you and your dd! 💕

Thank you zeemama 🙂

Zeemama just to confirm what others have said, my ds attends JD but doesn't have lessons there, as he also attends one of the aforementioned specialist schools. You are right about the social aspect - ds love's attending and has made lots of friends there.

Hi all

I have a bit of a random question. A friend is thinking about having her son learn to play an instrument but isn’t sure what. I’ve suggested they have a wander round a few of the musical instrument shops in Charing Cross Road / Marylebone and see what they like the look of. Is it possible that the people who work in the shops will know of teachers? We live in Islington so reasonably central. It would be a pity if he falls in love with the oboe (say) but it ends up really hard to find a teacher.

Another suggestion would be to do a Google to see if any music services are running open events for kids to try out different instruments. Or I know some orchestras run events specifically to introduce kids to the different orchestral instruments. Just wonder if it would be helpful to hear the instrument played by a professional in context before deciding, rather than just what looks nice? I took my DS to hear the NCO play when he was little and he loved seeing kids not that much older than him making amazing music.

Littleladsdad, yes, I remember your nice messages, his school is mini zee’s dream but as only year 5/ 10yrs old want him to hold off. Actually I just took ds to a senior concert there recently on a Wednesday evening (Rush hour) and though we live in north London it took almost an hour and I kept thinking he shouldn’t audition just in case he gets in and would then want to board :) but I know your ds is a bit older and thriving there. Will keep an ear out for him!

That’s a good idea Boyskeepswinging. I’ll suggest it.

Sorry, when I said “see what they like the look of” I meant what he likes the feel of / what she thinks she can face supervising practise of / what the shop recommends / what they can find a teacher for. I should think the shops will let the children try a few things out - I took my daughter to Hobgoblin to try out a violin before I asked about lessons.

No worries, Cru

DS chose piano because we had one and second instrument because of liking the look/sound of it when we had proms on when he was quite little. Brass so we waited a few years more, then we found a teacher to give him a a trial lesson, teacher would have also let him try other brass instruments if he wanted.

I was thinking some excerpts of BBCYM might be a good thing to show kids so they can see different instruments shown off to best advantage and by young people too. Our music service have a trial day like boykeepsswinging describes too. Also how old is child? Some instruments are easier to tackle when they're a bit bigger.

I suspect in London they'd have no problem finding good teachers (and bad and indifferent!) for anything he takes a fancy to, so easier than most places.

Aw posted on the wrong thread! Please ignore....