How young is too young?

[jimmyjames]

I recently started giving lessons and it's been pretty fun so far, it's even helped to develop my own skills further too which is awesome.

Anyway, i was just hanging out in my building's stairwell rocking out my bass, and there was a family coming up the stairs who heard me playing, they said they have a 4 year old who they want to learn guitar. I explained the difference and they said that they would still like for me to go by twice a week to teach their kid to play.

I'm not one to turn down a gig, but is 4 too young? I mean, he can't even read yet,how do i tell him to takes notes to study from? Lol

Help?

[jimmyjames]

Clicked the wrong forum, wanted to put this in Misc.

Can i get it moved please?

[Muzoid]

I take students as young as 3, as that's the age I started, but it's more of a music exploration thing, and I prefer the parents to sit in and enjoy the fun, it also helps if they get distracted easily.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Never too young. Obviously will need a smaller scale instrument.

[jmattbassplaya]

I'd think that was too young unless they've already shown aptitude or a desire to learn music. I've tried showing my nephew things on guitar, bass, and piano ever since he was about four or five and haven't gotten anywhere with him in over six years. By contrast, I was teaching myself how to read music and play piano when I was about three. Actually, some of my earliest memories are of me playing songs on piano.

[jmattbassplaya]

On second thought, I might take the parents up on their offer but I'd explain to them that teaching their child might be a little difficult because of his age. Like others have said, invite the parents along to lessons and have them help out in the learning process. Also, just because he can't read doesn't mean he can't listen. Give him a CD of really simple, kid friendly songs that he can take home and listen to, then we he comes to lessons you could teach him how to play the melodies of those songs on piano.

[jimmyjames]

Usually when I teach somebody, I try to do it with little to no influence of my own musical taste, so I always start off with left/right hand technique, follow that by rhythm studies, then dive into theory. I figure, if ur hands know how to go where your brain wants to go, that's all you need. But of course ill also go into different styles of music.

So I don't want to teach him songs just yet, I want to build his actual physical ability to maneuver the instrument. Then dive into songs...

I know the kid wants to learn, he couldn't stop looking and listening to me play for a good 10 minutes.

Having his parents sit in is a good idea if they have the time. I just want to make sure my teaching technique will keep a 4 year old interested lol

[R. Laevinus]

4 is not too young. Kids often start at that age (or younger!) on classical instruments such as piano and violin.

It takes a pretty solid teacher though, plus a smaller instrument (obviously), and VERY supportive parents.

[chokeslam512]

Read up on the Suzuki method used in Japan. I am actually in favor of what those parents are going for. Get the kid a real instrument before he discovers Guitar Hero.

[pasta4lnch]

isn't there a youtube clip of a 4yo kid slapping and popping?

[GrapeApe]

Originally Posted by chokeslam512

Read up on the Suzuki method used in Japan. I am actually in favor of what those parents are going for. Get the kid a real instrument before he discovers Guitar Hero.

This x 1,000,000,000,000. Get him into a real instrument before technology ruins his creativity, and you'll be doing him a great service.

[Rockmusician]

I don't think there is a such thing as too young. If a child is interested, has the patience and is willing to learn, I would take them as a student.

[D.A.R.K.]

You can try, it really depends on the individual and where they are at. There is a difference between teaching and babysitting, hopefully it's not the latter. I'd ask a lot more pay for early developmental responsibilities, myself.

[Muzoid]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

On second thought, I might take the parents up on their offer but I'd explain to them that teaching their child might be a little difficult because of his age. Like others have said, invite the parents along to lessons and have them help out in the learning process. Also, just because he can't read doesn't mean he can't listen. Give him a CD of really simple, kid friendly songs that he can take home and listen to, then we he comes to lessons you could teach him how to play the melodies of those songs on piano.

In regards to teaching reading to any newbie student (regardless of age)...years ago there was a talk show (CBC Radio) with one of Toronto's top music teachers that totally changed the way I teach in one statement:

"Music is a language...teach it as a language. When we are young, we learn to speak long before we learn to read...teach the student to speak the instrument first, reading second"

So if you take this into consideration, there is no need for the child to read right off the bat.

This has worked wonders for me.

[john grey]

Originally Posted by chokeslam512

Read up on the Suzuki method used in Japan. I am actually in favor of what those parents are going for. Get the kid a real instrument before he discovers Guitar Hero.

The avoidance of the negative impact of this type of "playing pretend" is perhaps one of the most important things you can contribute to the kid's life.
IF you introduce the fun and joy in playing for real - no matter how you do it, the potential for escapist-fantasy & frustration to overtake the child's life in many other areas many help him beyond anything that any other teacher or school system can do.

You may provide an ethical bedrock for the rest of his life.You might provide a foundation of reality that allows him to begin to see his potential.
It's a very good thing to do (IMO).

[Stumbo]

Seems to me that a singer/pianist would be best for the kid. Introducing music, singing along with simple tunes/melodies. Pushing keys on the piano is much easier than fretting a guitar/bass.

PaulBorgese.com | The Benefits of Music on Child Development

[jmattbassplaya]

Originally Posted by pasta4lnch

isn't there a youtube clip of a 4yo kid slapping and popping?

Yep. I believe his name is Brandon Rose. I'm a subscriber to his channel. Really, really talented kid. He's going to surpass me in ability within a year But good for him!

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Seems to me that a singer/pianist would be best for the kid. Introducing music, singing along with simple tunes/melodies. Pushing keys on the piano is much easier than fretting a guitar/bass.

PaulBorgese.com | The Benefits of Music on Child Development

Agreed. I think bass or guitar might be a little too difficult for a four year old. Of course, there's always kids who prove me wrong on this.

[Fela]

Originally Posted by Muzoid

In regards to teaching reading to any newbie student (regardless of age)...years ago there was a talk show (CBC Radio) with one of Toronto's top music teachers that totally changed the way I teach in one statement:

"Music is a language...teach it as a language. When we are young, we learn to speak long before we learn to read...teach the student to speak the instrument first, reading second"

So if you take this into consideration, there is no need for the child to read right off the bat.

This has worked wonders for me.

+1 just what i was about to say
i started out this way and IMO i find it more productive

[groooooove]

it depends on the kid.

glenn gould was reading music before he could read words. most kids will just want to bang around on the instrument for a bit.

i think as a music teacher of a 4 year old the goal should be just to peak an interest.

[Ric5]

If they drool on the bass then they are too young.


Or maybe too old ...