anyone have a musically-inclined child? advice please

this whole piano thing has thrown us for a loop.
my 5yr old is learning the piano at a scary speed. we would have never thought, he just said he liked it, started playing around, picked up songs with 2 hands, plays by ear.

he started with formal lessons 2 months ago, and his teacher wants him to be in a recital next month.
he's learning entire "pieces" with little effort, when the teacher just expects him to know half of the first line.

he did give us the "just something to think about" as far as his age, he's never had a 5yr old, youngest was 7-8 at his recitals. and told us its a very formal/"professional" type thing..

he also said at this age, if they mess up, it may ruin it for them and they will turn away from it for a long time.. OR if we think he's the personality that will be able to handle it if he makes a mistake.

HE did a talent show a few months ago at school. he had just turned 5, it was the speedstacking cups and it was a huge middle school auditorium packed, and he did fine.. but this seems more intimidating...

has anyone had a small child in a recital playing an instrument? advice ?

Re: anyone have a musically-inclined child? advice please

I say go for it.

I have a stepdaughter who plays the violin - she was 9 or 10 when she started, so obviously she was older, but it gives her a good feeling to play. She is ok, nothing to base any scholarship fantasies over but, I say you should give it a shot with your DS...

If you think the other way, it could be an amazing experience and make him want to do it even more.

If he messes up, if he returns to it would depend on how others reacted. Anyone who does any professional ANYTHING has messed up in competitions, recitals, performances, games, etc.... If he is told that that doesn't matter, and everything will make him better, he hopefully will embrace the challenge!

Re: anyone have a musically-inclined child? advice please

my stepdaughter has been playing various instruments and singing since she was 7. She has participated in NYSMA & All county, plus all of her district events. She is the type of child that expects perfection & would often be mad or upset if other kids "messed up".

I say let him go for it, it sounds like he has a natural talent that will guide him.

Re: anyone have a musically-inclined child? advice please

Posted by lipglossjunky73

I say go for it.

I have a stepdaughter who plays the violin - she was 9 or 10 when she started, so obviously she was older, but it gives her a good feeling to play. She is ok, nothing to base any scholarship fantasies over but, I say you should give it a shot with your DS...

If you think the other way, it could be an amazing experience and make him want to do it even more.

If he messes up, if he returns to it would depend on how others reacted. Anyone who does any professional ANYTHING has messed up in competitions, recitals, performances, games, etc.... If he is told that that doesn't matter, and everything will make him better, he hopefully will embrace the challenge!

Re: anyone have a musically-inclined child? advice please

Half of the teachers comments I would disregard and the other half I would think on.

If this is the typical intimate recital, the audience will mostly be family and friends of the performers. With that kind of audience, it doesn't matter if he messes up chopsticks and does a handstand instead of playing his piece - they are STILL going to applaud. Applause will not put him off.

On the other hand - only you know your child's maturity level. Piano takes some discipline usually - so I would venture to guess that he is probably fine to handle a misstep without screaming and throwing a fit in the middle of the piece. And if he can get through the piece - even with mistakes - he will get applause and the errors will be forgotten in the glory of the moment.

You should be so proud! He sounds like a super talented kid!

Message edited 5/22/2008 7:01:40 AM.