There is a Suzuki violin school in Portland that looks high quality, and starts kids off as early as 3. I've always loved seeing tiny little musicians - and dream of my own kids being one of those. I believe all children have musical ability, and if guided and shaped can become excellent musicians early on. However, I have no idea if Jasper would have any interest, and I don't have the budget to sign up for violin lessons in March (when he turns three)... especially if I don't know if he'd be into it or not. (Not to mention buying a violin, bow, case, strings, music, etc.)So, I've been looking into alternatives. I love the idea of giving lessons or experiences, rather than "stuff" as gifts. The problem is, stuff is a one time cost that can easily be justified.
But, when it comes to making justifications, Erik told me "we're doing all this for them anyway, right?" I think he has a point. I'd rather invest in my kid learning a skill than just ignore it as something that's too expensive.
There are plenty of skill learning opportunities for three-year-olds out there: Sports (T-ball, soccer, swimming), Gymnastics or dance, and I found a Musikgarten studio right nearby in Gresham.
So now I have to weigh options. What would interest Jasper most? What kind of budget do we have for this type of thing? How far am I willing to travel to take him to things? What level of quality will I settle for?
On a related note:
I really like the idea of an artsy playschool coop. Once a month would be music (I could host that), once a month visual art, then movement/dance, then perhaps something educational in another sense or field-trip style activities. I'm hosting a playgroup that I attend maybe once every-other month tomorrow, so I guess I'll start there to see if anyone is interested.
Back on the lessons idea, I have a question for you.
- How did you make the choices for starting your kids with lessons?
- What are pros and cons?
- What advice do you have for me?
Thanks!
5 comments:
I have had similar thoughts for Dashiel. He is three but won't be in preschool until August. I go to two different play groups each week so he can have exposure playing with other children but I'm not starting him in anything serious, besides preschool, until he is older and I can tell if he will have interest or not. He will definitely take piano lessons, not from me, but I won't start him until he can read well. The main reason he isn't in any type of class is that I really can't handle anything else right now in my life but I can only do so much with a 3 year old, a 20 month old and a baby due in three months. So my advise is; be realistic about what your family as a whole can do and then don't feel bad.
I loved how well Charlie would respond to music when he was about 1 or so. But I let them wait until they could choose the subject in 6th grade and they both chose their instrument. I did have both of them in piano lessons for a while but neither liked practicing - but most especially hated the recitals. Didn't like being in the spotlight with the attack of the nerves! So... I've let it peter out until now. Ch expressed a desire for lessons (in guitar), but I found a free bass teacher for him (a classmate using Ch for a guinea pig for his online tutoring) and he's had two lessons so far. I think he's enjoying it. So after trying to force them, I've learned there really is no point in spending the valuable money on something they don't like. I'm sure I didn't help much, but.... I think if I'd have started earlier and did that kind of a playgroup, though, that it would be a different story. I really like that idea!!
No, no Lisa, Peter is FAR too young to be playing an instrument!! :)
Tell Charlie that I for one *always* thought that the bass player was cooler than the guitar players. They're just back there strumming away and setting the rhythm. Something I've wanted to learn, but not bad enough to make the time for it yet.
bass is my fav too.
I say don't waste the time, effort, and money when they're so little they won't even remember it. I did all sorts of stuff with Haven and Avia. The two little ones are just going to have to be satisfied with having a "more interesting" home environment.
I've watched lots of kids now - the ones who start an instrument in 6th grade catch up pretty quickly to the great majority of the ones who started earlier. There is the occasional kid who is completely in love with an instrument and is far ahead. The rest of them are usually tired of their parents nagging them to practice.
I say do the co-op. Save your money for college expenses.
Lyric, I think you're right. I mentioned the idea at today's playgroup... but only one has a kid developmentally on target with Jasper. She was a theatre major... I wonder if we could do dress ups or something if she's serious enough to do it. Only, she's the main organizer of the current play group, so I wonder if she'll want to join in another one. I'll keep you posted.
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