Re: Giving kids musical pleasure

["Lawrence Pratt" <LPratt@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is a nice thread, if a little short on harmonica-speak.  It all
could be applied to the harmonica, though.  

My kids are girl 12, and boy 7. Its interesting watching two kids
approach music so differently.  The 12 year old has played flute in
school and with private instruction for 4 years or so.  She can read,
somewhat.  She cannot improvise or play by ear.  I think she picked
flute because 1) we had one 2) dad plays one and 3) it wasn't as big as
a cello. The 12 year old NEVER ONCE practiced of her own free will. 
Last fall she announced that she want to play a bass guitar.  Hmmmm, I
thought, could she really be interested in a new instrument?  Christmas
brought a bass guitar and a drum kit for the 7year old.  I told them I
wanted a rhythm section by fall.  She now takes bass lessons,
ocassionally practices without being reminded.  

The 7 year old started drum lessons last January.  When he was 2 years
old, he sat in a car seat strumming a toy plastic guitar to the
radio.....ON THE BEAT!  After five months of drum lessons, he sat in
with my band at a gig.  He held down the rhythm for "The Weight" by The
Band.  Nothing really spectacular, but he was rock solid on the beat. 
He often goes to his room and "improvises" in a manner of speaking, 
(He's working on his version of the theme to James Bond right now.) 
along with this he also "practices" the homework his instructor gives
him.  

So, why is it that one child wouldn't practice if her life depended on
it, while another child (presumable from the same gene pool) can't get
enough?  I chalk it up to the words of John Lee Hooker..."Its in 'im,
and its got to come out."

Best Regards to All,

Larry Boy Pratt
www.parkhousejam.com