Young beginner?

blueday · #1 03-09-2007, 10:19 PM

Is seven years old too young to begin double bass? I am looking for a teacher, and also options for an instrument -- my youngest child only wants to play this instrument. I have tried encouraging cello or violin, but at this point, it is clear, he only wants to play double bass. I don't want to sell him on something else when he really wants this. I need some guidance on when might be a realistic time to start lessons for him. Thank you.

mr.redpants · #2 03-09-2007, 11:11 PM

I think so.
I began formal lessons on double bass when I was 13 - average ht and wt. Too young, physically, to handle a half size instrument. I'd say take piano. learn to read and interpret music, the begin the bass when you are bigger, older, and can get a good tone out of the instrument. Don't start on the electric bass, develop bad habits, etc.
Now I'm 48 and play as much as my day job allows

jallenbass · #3 03-10-2007, 08:30 AM

My son started on a 1/4 size when he was 8. We used the George Vance books. No problem. It also helps that my wife is a Suzuki violin teacher. She knows how to teach young kids. The bow length was the big challenge. A 1/4 size bow is not really proportional to the instrument. He was having a hard time with that. I think we ended up with a 1/16 size and that fits much better.

PNeher · #4 03-10-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueday

Is seven years old too young to begin double bass? I am looking for a teacher, and also options for an instrument -- my youngest child only wants to play this instrument. I have tried encouraging cello or violin, but at this point, it is clear, he only wants to play double bass. I don't want to sell him on something else when he really wants this. I need some guidance on when might be a realistic time to start lessons for him. Thank you.

REmeber that the size of the instrument and how it "fits" the player is all important. I started bass with a 1/2 size bass at age 11 (after playing cello for three years). I recommend cello, but only if you have a good teacher who knows that you are intending to be a bassist (as my teacher did). There are now 1/16 size basses, for really small people. Someone here has mentioned George Vance (in Silver Spring, MD)... good place to start inquiries. On the West Coast: David Young. Small basses are available... you should have a teacher who specializes in small people playing small basses!
Good Luck!
PN

Stan Haskins · #5 04-13-2007, 02:34 PM

Not to contradict the others on this thread, but 7 is definitely not too young to start playing bass. I have personal experience with 5 year olds who are learning bass using the Suzuki methodology. They use fractional cellos strung as basses, played in a standing posture.

For detailed info about this, you can contact Virginia Dixon (Bass professor and Suzuki bass teacher trainer), who has lots of experience with little bassists. There are other Suzuki bass teachers around the country, too. PM or email me if you want any contact info, I don't feel comfortable posting anyone's contacts online without their permission. Oh yeah, like Patrick said, George Vance has also done lots of work on this, though he's no longer affiliated with the Suzuki people. So he could be a good resource, too.

My five year old daughter is about to start playing bass herself, after a couple of years on piano (I'm so proud!)

damonsmith · #6 04-16-2007, 07:30 PM

I am going to go with Stan. As far as I am concerned interest is the only requirement and only goal when you are talking about kids and music.
Progression, skill, talent and all that are nice but if they are into music they should do it.
My mom taught guitar and piano when I asked for a bass guitar in HS my dad said to learn guitar from my mom then I could have a bass. Well, I blew off music until I got my own bass around 18 or 19 because, really, who wants to learn guitar (actutally I did learn guitar chords, fingerpicking and and various strums from my mom as an adult)?
If the kid wants to play bass the kid should be given the chance.

blueday · #7 12-27-2007, 07:37 PM

My now 7 1/2 year old has now been playing the bass (1/8 size) for about 7 months. He has joined a local community youth orchestra (there are two second graders -- the other on violin) and is playing a simplified bass "2" part. He practices most days, but often it is just him playing some of his favorites. He is making progress -- he plays in first, half and second positions, and reads music easily.

Thank you for encouraging us -- he is having fun and looks forward to being old enough to play with the school orchestra, and learn some electric bass!

PNeher · #8 12-28-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueday

My now 7 1/2 year old has now been playing the bass (1/8 size) for about 7 months. He has joined a local community youth orchestra (there are two second graders -- the other on violin) and is playing a simplified bass "2" part. He practices most days, but often it is just him playing some of his favorites. He is making progress -- he plays in first, half and second positions, and reads music easily.

Thank you for encouraging us -- he is having fun and looks forward to being old enough to play with the school orchestra, and learn some electric bass!

Glad to hear that TALK BASS had a positive influence. Yes, starting young is only a matter of getting the "right" bass, having motivation and encouragement, and a teacher who is skilled and knowledgable. Best to you for the New Year!
Patrick