Children of Musicians?

I have found that the Suzuki method has turned a lot of kids off to music by making it such a school-like activity. That's really not the way I like to teach. On the other hand, I try to only keep students who actually want to continue learning with some of their own initiative. I suppose that Suzuki is just fine if you're going for all the supposed benifits of having a child learn music; better logic and pattern recognition etc.

So, it depends on whether you think he would pursue music as an interest (hobby or profession), or if you just want him to know music as a prerequisite for other things in life. If he has the initiative to do music on his own, the best way to teach him is to let his interests guide some of the material. Obviously, there are some things that you have to start with in any case (and, for these, I can't stress enough how much easier things go with a keyboard on hand while teaching, even with a string instrument), but past the basics, you should let him dirrect the flow. Does he want to pursue Baroque music? Romantic show-stoppers? Broadway tunes? Transcribed pop music? There are careers in all of these, and there's always the option of simply keeping music as a hobby. Just don't channel the interest so much that he gives it up. That's what I find Suzuki has done to all but the kids with the most pushy and vicarious parents. Those kids are pushed into it so hard that they actually teach themselves to like it. That's an option, but I would guess letting a child's interest flourish or wither on its own is a better course.

If I could go back in time and change one thing about my life, I would have begun playing violin sooner. I didn't start taking violin lessons until I was 13. I'm currently in college majoring in violin performance, but I had to make up for a lot of lost time. Start your son on violin. He might not like it, but the best thing you can do for him now is at least give him the opportunity to choose. Who knows? He could end up loving it as much as the rest of us do.

Interesting question!

I'm a parent, too, and I'll share my own experiences with you:

I used to be a full-time musician (classical and folk) and when my daughter was born, I vowed never to force my musical tastes onto her - rather, I wanted to provide lots of different options, and let her decide what she'd like to play (if anything!)

She was exposed to a wide variety of musical genres from the start (her dad's a jazz musician) - and she demonstrated an early love of music and great aptitude for it.

She learned recorder in primary school, but she quickly got bored with the classical repertoire. She became increasingly obsessed with rock music and guitar. I was thrilled that she was confident enough to make her own decision there. She learned acoustic guitar for a couple of years, and yearned for an electric one - I ended up buying her one for her 17th birthday!

She's just turned 19, and loves playing both guitars, but only for her own enjoyment - she has no interest in pursuing music as a career. She loves all kinds of music to listen to - mainly rock, but she enjoys classical, jazz and practically everything else, too.

I think the best thing is to listen to your son - maybe (like my daughter) he'll be drawn to a different genre of music to yours, despite the influences in the home - offer him lots of different options, but ultimately let him choose his own musical path.

Good luck!

Hafwen x

i wish had been given a opportunity like this. HEre's what you do. Give him several different extra activites, from sports to music, hell even dance. Give him art, give him soccer, and whatever else. Give him these so that he may choose. make sure you cover the spectrum. He'll find one that he loves. Its all about what interests him. And no, you won't be a show biz mom. just do it so he has fun.

DO NOT FORCE MUSIC ON YOUR KID!

show him music, tell him what music is, play him music, but dont TELL him he HAS to be a musician...dont take away his own independence. He may be a good artist, or a good speaker...let him decide what he is good at, let him find his OWN calling. Its your kids life, not yours. just remember that, live by it, and thats all you need to know.