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CKwasniewski
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| Posted: Feb 18 2008 at 11:39am | IP Logged
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I have recently been getting more and more resistance from my ds (8) about the piano. Crying, complaining, moping, avoiding practice. He says its no fun and therefore he doesn't want to do it. Of course, eveyrthing doesn't have to be fun... but it seems to be very dry, drudgery and its sucking the joy out of it for him.... He is a very musical kid and has done VERY well with a fun teacher in the past.
I don't know if the main problem is...
1)the book--we just bought the Thompson book bc he wanted to switch from Bastien
2) teacher--a WCC student who has taught kids before, but is very quiet (as opposed to the "big" personality of my ds)
3) age--is it just too early, too much right now?
4) time of year--end of winter blues
5) Wrong instrument?? I recently read through this book and it would seem to suggest that another instrument might be better for his personality...
Right Instrument
or combination of all?
Help!  I have so little musical experience... I really don't know what to do next. Back off? Try to make practices more fun? HOW??
TIA,
ck
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SusanJ
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| Posted: Feb 18 2008 at 11:44am | IP Logged
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How long has he been studying piano? If he's been at it for a couple years and has learned basic theory, etc., I would let him quit especially if you think he would happily play something else. Eight is a bit young for a lot of the other instruments but he might have enough wind. You might also see if he'd stick with piano in addition to a "fun" instrument of his choice. Piano will be useful to him no matter what he decided to make "his" instrument.
Susan
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CKwasniewski
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| Posted: Feb 18 2008 at 12:13pm | IP Logged
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He had a year of lessons when he was 5 1/2-6, and progressed very quickly. Then he had a year off, when we moved. We started him again this (school) year, and more or less he started over. So, he definitely still has lots to learn...
Side note:
We'd be happy to switch instruments, at the point of proficiency, but there seem to be teachers here for strings, piano and guitar only around here. Anything else, he'd have to join the school band....
ck
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SusanJ
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| Posted: Feb 18 2008 at 12:26pm | IP Logged
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What is the obstacle for strings? Is he interested? That would be a great choice for someone his age as the instruments can be sized down.
Hmmm . . . I can't really give you "parenting" advice in this area because my 3yo is loving his violin lessons! But I would probably tell your son he has to do piano up to a certain point just like he has to do other subjects he doesn't like (are there other subjects he doesn't like?). It is an important part of his education and I think piano, in particular, should be learned by anyone who has the opportunity. Maybe he would be motivated if you told him he could quit when he got through his book? Would he work harder to get to the end? I'm just throwing stuff out, here, haven't been through this myself.
I hope you come up with something! There are lots of musicians on this board, so I'm sure some others will chime in.
Susan
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 18 2008 at 1:26pm | IP Logged
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I might start looking at other options for teachers. Sometimes,it isn't really that a teacher is bad, but that they simply aren't right for a particular student and their needs (that was true for me even in college). I had some teachers that inspired me to flourish, and others that I just sort of tolerated. The tolerated one's weren't bad, just not right for me.
No matter what sort of instrument he might pursue later, piano competency can only be an asset, imo.
He also might not like the music. I know you just switched books, and I'm not familiar with that method book, but lots of them have supplementary books at the various levels of various types of music. Perhaps having a piece he loves to work on alongside the more boring stuff would help. (It doesn't even have to be from the same series as his main book, only at the comparative level. Sometimes there is even sheet music at the level he might like).
He might be bored because its not challenging or not, or he might be going through a phase. I think most students go through phases where the rose loses its bloom. You might stick it out a bit longer, making some of the changes or compromising a bit. Is it the theory he hates or doesn't get, well, maybe pull back a bit so he can rediscover the love for making music.
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Kristie 4
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I also say that it might be good to take a look at the teacher. We changed my ds7 teacher for the violin and have had amazing results. He liked his first teacher, but the lessons draaaaaaged and he would get so tired holding the violin with no variation. His new teacher has provided some needed variation and juice (not to mention that she is so much more experienced with beginners...)
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MacBeth
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| Posted: Feb 18 2008 at 1:59pm | IP Logged
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I'd go for another teacher as well. It can make a big difference. Even my kids who take time off from lessons always take theory classes because the LOVE the theory teachers they have had. Yet another weird-but-true Derham kid factoid.
Even at the college level, a good fit with a teacher makes a big difference. Libby has taken trial lessons with several professors to make sure the fit is right before applying to a studio. And some professors do the same. One conservatory will only admit students for whom the fit has been tested and approved by the prof.
Other ideas:
*Switch books. That's nice and easy.
*Do more listening to different types of piano music, and see what sparks an interest.
*Let him practice/play in unorthodox ways. When my youngest began piano, his teacher let him play with his nose...just as long as he was playing.
*Inspire him with interesting biographies of pianist and composers.
*Take him to a college recital.
*Leave the piano open (if possible) so he can tickle the keys at his leisure.
*If you think he'd prefer a different instrument, try that. I am a big proponent of switching things until they work.
BTW, CK, the younger kids' orchestra teacher has the same last name as you do... 
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CrunchyMom
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Or, get a dvd of Victor Borgue. Hilarious man and AMAZING pianist. If he's a big personality kind of kid (like you say), he might be inspired by VB more so than just listening to a concerto or something. You actually learn stuff, too (though, a children might have trouble discerning the jokes from the facts??). He certainly makes music (and other bits) fun, imo!
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CKwasniewski
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| Posted: Feb 18 2008 at 6:13pm | IP Logged
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Okay, Ladies, Thank you for your advice!
We'll start looking around for a new teacher for next year.
A friend told me about a possible string teacher, as well. I'll be looking into that.
In the meanwhile, we discussed drums... and he was "totally stoked"  by the idea! I just bought him a bodhran... Can anyone recommend a book or dvd?
But I am not going to push this!
thanks,
ck
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guitarnan
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Malachy Kearns is one of the world's best. Check out the tutorial here. You can buy a DVD here.
(Note: We have this DVD; I haven't watched it, but could make the time to do so if you like.)
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CKwasniewski
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| Posted: Feb 19 2008 at 3:08pm | IP Logged
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Thank you, Nancy! It looks great.
I wd be grateful if you could watch this and tell me what level its aimed at... but No Rush! Also, if there were any off-color jokes or anything... 
Thanks again, everyone, ds is having a major attitude change!  And now, I don't feel so panicky...
ck
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4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Piano--Help!
