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Gifted child

15 replies

gmc600 · 07/09/2023 15:16

Looking for some advice and thoughts on this, so our oldest child DC1 is incredibly gifted musically and is learning two instruments at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 2nd instrument teacher has said that DC1 is progressing so fast that we should get an instrument that is over £10k or they will be limited in how much more they can learn. The alternative is to buy a £4-5k instrument but that will limit progression quite a lot. We could probably afford the alternative but to do as the teacher has suggested would make our lives very difficult financially (although we agree that this would be the best way to get the most from DC1’s talent and feel quite strongly that we should try our best to do this).

One thing that’s making me turn against this is the idea that DC2 will never get the opportunity to get this much spent on them no matter what it is if we spend so much money on DC1, which seems incredibly unfair. I just don’t know what to do as I don’t want to have to explain to either child in the future why we A) didn’t try our best to help develop their talent or B) gave so much to their sibling that we had no money left to spend on them.

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GunkyAndGungey · 07/09/2023 15:17

What instrument is it?

Reugny · 07/09/2023 15:19

Have you told the teacher you can't afford the 10K?

DorotheaDiamond · 07/09/2023 15:24

There are various music charities that loan instruments- I think one is Benslow? Teacher/conservatoire should be able to advise…

suspect this is cello? How old is Dc? Good string instruments to keep their value…

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RichieMcAl · 07/09/2023 15:27

One of my children has horses so I feel your predicament!

If they are super talented is there a loan scheme or could they get sponsorship?

SpringSummerDreamer · 07/09/2023 15:39

Yes, go through music teacher or google national or regional grants for this sort of thing. We also have a very local charitable grant for help with music. Even your Parish Council or local Councillor may know of something.

botanics · 07/09/2023 15:57

benslowmusic-ils.org/ - loan scheme for string instruments. Also some suggestions at www.wrightviolins.com/blog/funding-your-instrument-where-to-find-help

Gall10 · 07/09/2023 16:11

10k?
grand piano?
why would an upright not suffice?

gmc600 · 07/09/2023 17:09

Grants are a great idea, should really discuss this with her teacher and also do some looking ourselves for suitable grants.

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gmc600 · 07/09/2023 17:12

DC1 is 9 and has passed piano grade 5 exam, but this is about a pedal harp as a lever harp is only good up to ~grade 3 (we have already purchased an upright piano last year).

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thirdfiddle · 07/09/2023 17:26

Yes indeed research into loan schemes, grants, trusts etc. Could be local general purpose things, or wider scale music specific. Awards for Young Musicians might be one to look at. Also if you talk to her music school about the issue they probably know where to look.

DorotheaDiamond · 07/09/2023 19:05

gmc600 · 07/09/2023 17:12

DC1 is 9 and has passed piano grade 5 exam, but this is about a pedal harp as a lever harp is only good up to ~grade 3 (we have already purchased an upright piano last year).

Eek harps are expensive! Loan or hire probably your best option….

gmc600 · 08/09/2023 13:18

Thanks all for your replies, would look at hiring one but doesn’t seem sensible as monthly cost is £80+ and this would be long term. Also as @DorotheaDiamond mentioned good string instruments keep their value, so we would end up spending a lot more just spread over a long period.

Another thing is that the conservatoire has offered a much smaller bursary this year despite a large increase in their base fees, any suggestions on what kind of thing to say on appeal to hopefully get a bit more? I’ve already got a draft mentioning our financial situation; DC1’s achievements, efforts, enthusiasm and passion for music; benefits from last year like it bringing out more confidence (DC1 is pretty shy) and how the other benefits like the chance to play in student concerts etc are so important for our child. Thanks again!

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KindOfLike · 10/09/2023 12:44

Your son is doing amazing, congratulations. I'm sorry I can't post anything helpful but please could I ask how often and how long your ds1 practices the piano to have managed grade 5 at 9. It's a huge achievement Is he at prep school?

Asking for a friend Wink

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