playing recorder??

[teastaigh]

Hi, We've been working with Oak Meadow's curriculums loosely for a few years now, and I've been looking ahead as I feel my son may need more in terms of music. He is 4 1/2, with an unusual attention span. He is on the tall side for his age, and I was thinking that maybe his hands and he are developed enough to begin to play an instrument. I was thinking of ordering recorders and books (so we can learn together). Is this too soon? I also remember some past issue of Mothering which talked about children and dulcimers. I play the flute reasonably well and am also interested in us being able to make music together. But, I'm also a strong believer in not pushing as childhood is precious and my son is quite precocious and pushes himself quite a bit. I try to be a more balancing influence. What do you think or what have you experienced with your own wee ones? Thank you!

[Linda in Arizona]

Recorders are very inexpensive. You could get one and give it a shot, and if it doesn't work out you could put it up for a another year. My kids are 3 and 5 and each have a recorder. They love playing them, but are completely uninterested in learning any actually notes or music -- they just like to make noise. This doesn't bother me at all, but it would drive some moms nuts.

The records aren't nearly as loud as my DH's full set of drums, which are in the middle of the living room!

We have lots of small, easy instruments such as maracas, bells, clave, bongo drums, etc. (Waldorf doesn't think percussion instruments are appropriate for small children)

Our house is full of instruments and we are considering unschooling for music lessons.

[dandelion]

My son is also a tall 4 1/2 with an unusual attention span. We just gave a recorder last week and he loves it! I refuse to show him how to play the notes, but he's experimenting and I think he'll figure it out on his own eventually.

Does your son have a xylophone? Mine has one and has been teaching himself to play songs on it like "Twinlke, Twinkle" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb". We also have a piano which he's just beginning to play for real since he learned that most songs won't work on the xylophone. I don't plan on teaching him to read music for a long time though because I'd rather have him create on his own.

We've also been thinking of giving him a guitar since he really likes them, but a dulcimer sounds even better.