I have recently taken on 4 children under 12 to teach them basic music theory and whistle. I know that this is a bit like the blind leading the blind, but I agreed to help, so now I need to pretend that I actually can help in some way.
I’m wondering if some of you (like Tom) would mind sharing your experiences in teaching music to younger children. I would like to include a basic understanding of theory as well as help them to develop their listening skills.
The first time we talked about proper breathing and how to hold the whistle. We talked today about whole notes and learned to find the C,B and A notes on the staff. We also learned to play Mary Had a Little Lamb with these three notes (learned primarlily by ear).
We also discussed the basic physics of sound, frequencies, octaves, and our method of dividing the octaves (all in a very basic way utilizing wood blocks…).
I haven’t taught whistle, but I’ve taught bagpipes to children. It’s been my experience that short lessons are the best. Children lack the attention span for anything more than a half-hour. I kept the lessons 20-30 minutes, twice a week.
Theory is extremely important in highland piping, for the music is more structured than Irish or folk music. It is a challenge teaching children to read music. If the child is old enough that he/she knows fractions, that makes it alot easier. I explained everything in terms of fractions, hoping that one day it would click with them, and in most cases it did.
Of course practice, or the lack thereof, is essential to development. If the kid won’t practice there is really nothing that you can do. Just keep teaching them tunes that they can recognize in addition to throwing a few “traditionals” in there. Hopefully they will stay interested long enough!!! I know that this is all obvious stuf, but I hope it helps.
You might want to start with G, A, and B notes (all left hand) and play Hot Cross Buns. Also G is the easiest note to find on the treble staff because the treble staff symbol stretches around the G line. Also the B is the next easiest as it’s the middle line of the staff. Also GAB allow the kid to easily keep a hold of the whistle with thumb and index finger of left hand.
I sat in on a beginner’s class last weekend and saw that a 3 and 4 year old that handled quite well.
You may also want to have them watch you play by looking over your shoulder. That way they get to see you play from a similar point of view as when they see themselves play.
The Most Important Thing? Have fun. If they learn nothing else but have fun with the music then you’ve done your job. At thier young ages, leaning more music skill may have to wait until their physiology make the learning process easier. A kids neurology under-goes big time growth and adaptation between birth and 5 years old. Its why most formal schooling doesn’t start until after 5.
So if you teach them that music is fun, you’ve given them the seed and they’ll harvest the reward as their bodys, minds, souls grow and mature.
So of course set the example and …
Enjoy Your Music,
Lee Marsh
P.S. Okay I re-read your post the right way this time, my earlier reading had you teaching 12 children who were around 4 years old. However, even if I can’t read a simple post straight, BAG is still a good start for the notes and having fun is still the best seed to plant.
[ This Message was edited by: LeeMarsh on 2001-07-26 14:34 ]
Erik,
It is a wonderful feeling to be able to teach music to others, and the more you do it the easier it gets and the better teacher you become. I’m sure you will do very well with your young pupils. Good Luck!!
Sue
