[HANASHIR:13510] Re: Learning Instruments

[FAVNI <FAVNI...>]

I remember when we started my older daughter on piano at five. She was 
definitely too young developmentally, so we waited a bit and then at seven 
resumed lessons. Indeed it is mainly about the teacher - certainly for the 
first experiences. But then there is also the child's natural interest and 
proclivities. Both my children finally ended up with the same teacher - a 
Ukranian-disciplined classical pianist who terrorized the older and 
challenged the younger. As a result, the older one was turned off -(is 
currently an artist and animated filmmaker) while her sister, loved the 
discipline required, practiced 3 hours daily till she discovered math, and 
boys - and stopped at 14. 
When she went off to college, there was a Steinhouse piano on every floor, 
and she started playing again.
Last year at age 24 , with her first paychecks, bought her very own piano, 
and has been taking jazz piano lessons. For her, it will be a passion forever 
and the skills learned have served her well in all aspects of her studies.
My ex-husband was trained as a classical violinist in Israel, had wanted 
flute but was too young, (re lungs etc) so was given violin which he did not 
love! 
One of the dilemmas is that with a single note instrument, like recorder or 
flute, you don't get the wonderful sense of harmony that comes with a 
polyphonic instrument. He always lamented not having played piano and 
learning to harmonize so insisted on the girls starting with the keyboard.
And as for me, I envy everyone who plays piano and has had the privilege of 
musical training. As an untrained musician I am so limited by what my hands 
can do ... but at least I can hear many simultaneous notes and voices in my 
head. (OK OK ----mostly positive)
Fran Avni

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