Q and A
Got a question? Ask Cristin!
How long does it take to develop good vibrato?
Nov. 23, 2009 by Susan
Learning a musical skill, as with any skill, it is difficult to assign a deadline for how long it should take to learn that skill. Every person is different and will learn and develop at a unique pace.
Vibrato is a physical motion, and should be developed in small steps. It is, unfortunately, not something that you learn and then move on from. It is something that string players are constantly tweaking to improve. Even historical violin greats have been known to criticize their own performances and to point out that the vibrato was particularly good (or not!)
Be diligent and patient ~ happy muscle building!
Vibrato is a physical motion, and should be developed in small steps. It is, unfortunately, not something that you learn and then move on from. It is something that string players are constantly tweaking to improve. Even historical violin greats have been known to criticize their own performances and to point out that the vibrato was particularly good (or not!)
Be diligent and patient ~ happy muscle building!
What is the best age to start a child with piano lessons?
Nov. 23, 2009 by Susan
I think it's great to start formal piano lessons (with a private teacher) between the ages of 5 and 8 years old.
HOWEVER, it is NEVER TOO LATE, and every parent should be exposing their children to music as soon as they're born! Before 5 years of age, a child needs to experience different instruments.
Take your child to concerts of all different types of music (as long as you can stand it!). Point out some of the various instruments, if you know what they are, and how it looks to play those instruments: "Ooh! Look at the guy playing the xylophone - that looks fun!" or "Those violin players sure are moving their hands fast - that looks hard!" or "Look at the guitar player running all around the stage - how can he play and dance at the same time?!"
If you don't have a piano or keyboard in your home, I would suggest getting one and allowing your child to experiment and "play" with it (respectfully, of course). You don't have to break the bank or your budget for this, just go for exposure. See my Piano and Keyboard Product Tips.
Older than 8 years old? No problem! Older children and adults usually have a clearer idea of what instrument they want to play and can sit still even better than those 5 year-olds! If you have a piano or keyboard in your home, chances are he or she has "played" with it already and may have even taught him/herself to play something on his/her own.
Never hold back on pursuing piano lessons just because you or your child is older than 8 years. Just do what your teacher asks of you and play the instrument every day and enjoy watching the progress!
HOWEVER, it is NEVER TOO LATE, and every parent should be exposing their children to music as soon as they're born! Before 5 years of age, a child needs to experience different instruments.
Take your child to concerts of all different types of music (as long as you can stand it!). Point out some of the various instruments, if you know what they are, and how it looks to play those instruments: "Ooh! Look at the guy playing the xylophone - that looks fun!" or "Those violin players sure are moving their hands fast - that looks hard!" or "Look at the guitar player running all around the stage - how can he play and dance at the same time?!"
If you don't have a piano or keyboard in your home, I would suggest getting one and allowing your child to experiment and "play" with it (respectfully, of course). You don't have to break the bank or your budget for this, just go for exposure. See my Piano and Keyboard Product Tips.
Older than 8 years old? No problem! Older children and adults usually have a clearer idea of what instrument they want to play and can sit still even better than those 5 year-olds! If you have a piano or keyboard in your home, chances are he or she has "played" with it already and may have even taught him/herself to play something on his/her own.
Never hold back on pursuing piano lessons just because you or your child is older than 8 years. Just do what your teacher asks of you and play the instrument every day and enjoy watching the progress!
When Should A Child Begin Music Lessons and What Instrument Is The Best To Begin On?
Nov. 30, 2013 by Patti
Hi Patti,
Thanks for your question.
I strongly believe children should be exposed to all kinds of music and musical instruments from birth, with formal lessons beginning around Pre-K or Kindergarten, at age 4 or 5 years. (Click Here for More About This.)
In my opinion, and generally speaking, I think piano is perfect for beginning lessons at this age. Violin, viola, cello, guitar and drums are best to start around 7 or 8 years old. Brass and woodwinds are best to start around 9 or 10 years old. The Suzuki method begins children as young as 3 years old on violin, viola and cello, but I have had the most success when young children learn some keyboard, first, then diversify to other instruments.
As with many things, this is not a rigid formula for ages to start music as each child is unique with different maturity levels, interests and physical size.
All the best,
~ Cristin Patterson ~
Thanks for your question.
I strongly believe children should be exposed to all kinds of music and musical instruments from birth, with formal lessons beginning around Pre-K or Kindergarten, at age 4 or 5 years. (Click Here for More About This.)
In my opinion, and generally speaking, I think piano is perfect for beginning lessons at this age. Violin, viola, cello, guitar and drums are best to start around 7 or 8 years old. Brass and woodwinds are best to start around 9 or 10 years old. The Suzuki method begins children as young as 3 years old on violin, viola and cello, but I have had the most success when young children learn some keyboard, first, then diversify to other instruments.
As with many things, this is not a rigid formula for ages to start music as each child is unique with different maturity levels, interests and physical size.
All the best,
~ Cristin Patterson ~
