How to support musical 7 year old

[Newuser123123]

Hello,

I have a just turned 7 year old who seems to have lots of potential for music. She has a good ear, pitch, rhythm etc and is playing grade 1 level piano pieces, she has also picked up the recorder in a couple of days playing complex pieces.

Apart from showing off, is there anything I can do/ should be doing to nurture this? Her school piano lessons have stopped due to lockdown. Her school isn't particularly music focused.

She's also academic and very sporty but not exceptional, just a good all-rounder.

We're Midlands based.

Thank you so much in advance

I don't have children so can't really advise but read the title of your post and thought of this book. Might be an interesting read for you. www.amazon.co.uk/House-Music-Kanneh-Masons-Kadiatu-Kanneh-Mason/dp/1786078449?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Birmingham Schools music service used to be excellent - not sure what the status is now. Check out CBSO, Ex Cathedra and similar for concerts/events tailored at younger people.

Do you have music on around the house? You could leave the radio on different music stations.

Encouraging, opening up opportunities to explore and experiment, not pushy

Make sure she practices every day- just ten to fifteen minutes at her level, but if she is in the habit of working on something every day it will stand her in good stead when she's older because she will already have self-discipline.

Perhaps look for an online tutor during the pandemic, so she can keep up her lessons?
My children are keeping theirs going this way but you need to have an instrument at home, obviously.

Thank you all, we do have a piano at home and I'll make sure to restart lessons ASAP.

I have a feeling that piano won't be her main instrument so I think concerts are a good idea so she can see what other instruments she likes.

Thanks again

Developing her reading of music will always be useful too- something a pianist will usually be better at than an instrument that only has one clef!

Oh absolutely, I play the piano (badly) and always struggle with 4 notes at a time, must be easier for those who learn piano first!

Can you learn recorder as well so you can play duets? Lots of concerts to watch online just now too, she might find herself drawn to a particular instrument. Some of the Benedetti foundation after school sessions are brilliant for encouraging musicianship, see their website or Facebook page. Also NYCOS ( national youth choirs of Scotland) have loads of singing and rhythm games on their website. Sounds like she will really enjoy music.

Duets is a great idea, I hadn't thought of that. I played woodwind at school but not to any great standard. I just got mildly worked up (probably due to the state of the world) that I wasn't doing enough for her and it was urgent! I've calmed down now, can see it's a long term thing and have put enquiries in with local piano teachers.
I'm the meantime will buy another recorder and a book of duets, or maybe some with basic piano accompaniments.
Thank you all so much for your thoughtful comments x

Come and join the music thread too, loads of helpful advice there.

What form do the school music lessons take? If you are able to, I'd be considering private 1:1 30 minute piano lessons which she will likely get far more benefit from than a group keyboard lesson. Regarding other instruments, I'd be inclined to se what she comes up with herself.

Please ensure she has some free time to practice in, little is more soul destroying for a teacher than a musically able child whose every non school hour is filled with activities which leave no time for music practice!

Thanks I'll take a look at the music thread.

It was technically group lessons but she was by herself (odd numbers I guess) for 20 minutes.
We carried on with zoom, and while the teacher was lovely, he was probably a bit too gentle and slow.

I'm thinking a half hour 1:1 piano with maybe a bit of theory, and yes will make sure she has plenty of time to practice, easy enough with lockdown!

Thanks again

It can be hard to get the balance between pushing them or them losing interest because the pace is too slow. My dds wind teacher is great at pushing them but also realises when they need to slow down and consolidate. Having a private lesson makes the communication so much easier.

There's no rush but in the next few years is a great time to start an orchestral/band instrument. Or recorder(s) could even be it if she's enjoying that, properly played recorder music is awesome. Playing together with others has been the biggest boost for my kids' playing standard and enjoyment.

If in Birmingham look up Services for Education. They have a great music section with plenty of ensembles for all ages and abilities. Some you have to audition some not. Great recorder ensembles. Have moved alot online this year and still making great music only at home!

Thank you for the great tips xx

Yes lots of great recorder playing going on in the midlands, especially Birmingham. Birmingham schools recorder sinfonia is one to look out for and worth keeping an eye out for national youth recorder orchestra (NYRO) events in the future.