violin question
[email protected]
Hi~
My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She takes piano
lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the future.
This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a violin for Christmas.
First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes lessons we would
probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as children grow.
She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for Little people, Back
to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the "toy" one will
sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy" violins?
Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the journey to
unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her so long <<G>>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She takes piano
lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the future.
This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a violin for Christmas.
First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes lessons we would
probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as children grow.
She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for Little people, Back
to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the "toy" one will
sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy" violins?
Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the journey to
unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her so long <<G>>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/30/2003 11:55:30 AM Eastern Standard Time,
MarSi77@... writes:
at age four. So I bought one and signed him up for Suzuki, in which the mom and
child supposedly learn together. Well, the first assignment was to build a
toy violin, from a box covered in brown shopping-bag paper and strings drawn on
with red magic marker. One end had a paint paddle attached to be the "neck.
No sound to worry about sounding bad at least! <g>
The idea was that little children really need to be able to make
mistakes, to be rough, to fumble and drop it, whatever. The first task is to
ingrain the standing still, the standing straight, the tucking under the chin at the
right spot, the lifting and lowering and repositioning, et cetera, ad
nauseum. Not making actual sound.
I don't mean to misrepresent the method or diss violin playing -- it
did not work for us, obviously, probably for were many reasons other than this
and that wouldn't apply to your situation anyway. My only real point is that
when this method DOES work, it all starts by building and handling your own toy
violin and then not playing at all. If you can get anything helpful out of
this, more power to you! <gg> JJ
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
MarSi77@... writes:
> She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for Little people,Dunno if this will help, but my little guy wanted to play the violin
> Back
> to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the "toy" one will
> sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
>
> Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy" violins?
> Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
>
at age four. So I bought one and signed him up for Suzuki, in which the mom and
child supposedly learn together. Well, the first assignment was to build a
toy violin, from a box covered in brown shopping-bag paper and strings drawn on
with red magic marker. One end had a paint paddle attached to be the "neck.
No sound to worry about sounding bad at least! <g>
The idea was that little children really need to be able to make
mistakes, to be rough, to fumble and drop it, whatever. The first task is to
ingrain the standing still, the standing straight, the tucking under the chin at the
right spot, the lifting and lowering and repositioning, et cetera, ad
nauseum. Not making actual sound.
I don't mean to misrepresent the method or diss violin playing -- it
did not work for us, obviously, probably for were many reasons other than this
and that wouldn't apply to your situation anyway. My only real point is that
when this method DOES work, it all starts by building and handling your own toy
violin and then not playing at all. If you can get anything helpful out of
this, more power to you! <gg> JJ
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lori
I would rent one now and let her goof around with it. It's not
terribly expensive to rent, and some places will let you rent to own.
I was just thinking about renting a viola because I want to learn to
play one.
I too would shy away from the toy ones, as I don't think they sound as
good as the real thing.
Why does she have to wait to play violin?
Lori
terribly expensive to rent, and some places will let you rent to own.
I was just thinking about renting a viola because I want to learn to
play one.
I too would shy away from the toy ones, as I don't think they sound as
good as the real thing.
Why does she have to wait to play violin?
Lori
On Sunday, November 30, 2003, at 08:43 AM, MarSi77@... wrote:
>
> Hi~
> My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She takes piano
> lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the future.
>
> This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a violin for
> Christmas.
> First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes lessons we
> would
> probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as children grow.
>
> She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for Little
> people, Back
> to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the "toy" one
> will
> sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
>
> Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy" violins?
> Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
>
> ~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the journey to
> unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her so long <<G>>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
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>
>
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/30/2003 10:55:25 AM Central Standard Time,
MarSi77@... writes:
I took up ukulele last year. I own two relatively inexpensive uke's.
They're good for learning. I do have to face prejudice from some music snobs who
snort over them being ukulele's in the first place. lol. A 5 yo friend of mine
even said, "My daddy said your ukulele is a TOY!" His daddy owns an
expensive guitar, but never plays it.
My ukulele is not a toy. It is a musical instrument. It's not expensive and
not particularly finely made. But it sounds good to me and I'm learning a
lot and I didn't have to spend hundreds and then feel guilty over the expense
when I don't play for a week or two. It didn't cost too much to find out that I
really like playing ukulele and I'm good enough at it to have a good time and
meet my own goals. Moreover, now that I can actually play ukulele, I know
exactly what to look for when I want a new one, if I do.
Eventually I will buy another instrument. The best advice I've heard is to
visit lots of music stores and try their instruments. The instrument you keep
coming back to should be the one you buy. It helps if you already know a
little about how to play, I suppose. Unfortunately, since I don't live in Hawaii,
there are never any ukulele's in the stores that aren't the cheap China-made
variety. And they'll have one of those IF I'm lucky. So what am I supposed
to do? Just NOT take up ukulele until I could afford/put my hands on only the
best one? Time's a wastin', I say. I took advantage of what was available
and now...I'm a ukulele player. :)
I say get your daughter a violin in her size, even if you have to rent it.
People have instruments lying around in their closets that aren't being used.
Ask around. I don't know about violins, but even if it's a relatively cheap
one, you can gauge her interest and aptitude and see if it's something that's
going to stick for her. Time's a wastin'. :)
Tuck
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
MarSi77@... writes:
> She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for Little people,~~~
> Back
> to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the "toy" one will
> sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
I took up ukulele last year. I own two relatively inexpensive uke's.
They're good for learning. I do have to face prejudice from some music snobs who
snort over them being ukulele's in the first place. lol. A 5 yo friend of mine
even said, "My daddy said your ukulele is a TOY!" His daddy owns an
expensive guitar, but never plays it.
My ukulele is not a toy. It is a musical instrument. It's not expensive and
not particularly finely made. But it sounds good to me and I'm learning a
lot and I didn't have to spend hundreds and then feel guilty over the expense
when I don't play for a week or two. It didn't cost too much to find out that I
really like playing ukulele and I'm good enough at it to have a good time and
meet my own goals. Moreover, now that I can actually play ukulele, I know
exactly what to look for when I want a new one, if I do.
Eventually I will buy another instrument. The best advice I've heard is to
visit lots of music stores and try their instruments. The instrument you keep
coming back to should be the one you buy. It helps if you already know a
little about how to play, I suppose. Unfortunately, since I don't live in Hawaii,
there are never any ukulele's in the stores that aren't the cheap China-made
variety. And they'll have one of those IF I'm lucky. So what am I supposed
to do? Just NOT take up ukulele until I could afford/put my hands on only the
best one? Time's a wastin', I say. I took advantage of what was available
and now...I'm a ukulele player. :)
I say get your daughter a violin in her size, even if you have to rent it.
People have instruments lying around in their closets that aren't being used.
Ask around. I don't know about violins, but even if it's a relatively cheap
one, you can gauge her interest and aptitude and see if it's something that's
going to stick for her. Time's a wastin'. :)
Tuck
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Wife2Vegman
Thanks to all who responded about how best to respond
to my 5yo's "reading".
Thanks especially to Sandra, who reminded me that
there are more than two choices, which seems to be
something I forget more often than not (but I am
getting better).
wifetovegman
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to my 5yo's "reading".
Thanks especially to Sandra, who reminded me that
there are more than two choices, which seems to be
something I forget more often than not (but I am
getting better).
wifetovegman
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
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Nora or Devereaux Cannon
Pawn stores are your friends. If you can beg or rent a violin
playing person to go with you all the better.
| On Sunday, November 30, 2003, at 08:43 AM, MarSi77@...
wrote:
|
| >
| > Hi~
| > My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She
takes piano
| > lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the
future.
| >
| > This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a
violin for
| > Christmas.
| > First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes
lessons we
| > would
| > probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as
children grow.
| >
| > She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for
Little
| > people, Back
| > to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the
"toy" one
| > will
| > sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
| >
| > Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy"
violins?
| > Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
| >
| > ~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the
journey to
| > unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her so
long <<G>>
| >
| >
| > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
| >
| >
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|
|
|
playing person to go with you all the better.
| On Sunday, November 30, 2003, at 08:43 AM, MarSi77@...
wrote:
|
| >
| > Hi~
| > My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She
takes piano
| > lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the
future.
| >
| > This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a
violin for
| > Christmas.
| > First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes
lessons we
| > would
| > probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as
children grow.
| >
| > She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for
Little
| > people, Back
| > to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the
"toy" one
| > will
| > sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
| >
| > Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy"
violins?
| > Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
| >
| > ~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the
journey to
| > unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her so
long <<G>>
| >
| >
| > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
| >
| >
| > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
| > ---------------------~-->
| > Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon
or Lexmark
| > Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the
US &
| > Canada.
| > http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511
| > http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/0xXolB/TM
|
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
| > ~->
| >
| > "List Posting Policies" are provided in the files area of
this group.
| >
| > To unsubscribe from this send an email to:
| > [email protected]
| >
| > Visit the Unschooling website and message boards:
| > http://www.unschooling.com
| >
| > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
| > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
| >
| >
| >
|
|
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Sponsor ---------------------~-->
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| --------------------------------------------------------------
-------~->
|
| "List Posting Policies" are provided in the files area of this
group.
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|
|
|
cheryl
Try www.StringWorks.com for a violin. They also rent with some of the
rental payments going toward a purchase price. I just went through this
with a cello for me, and will soon be purchasing a new (better) violin for
my daughter. After you've read everything on the site, call and talk to
them. They are patient and wonderful to deal with. They answer all of the
questions, even the ones you might feel silly asking. I went through pawn
shops, Shar Music (really sent me a piece of garbage!), and four months of
looking. They(StringWorks) have a two week trial period (if you decide to
buy) before they'll even charge your credit card, just in case you don't
like the instrument. I believe that their violin rental is only around $18
a month. If you have any questions and want to e-mail me off-line, that's
fine. We loved Suzuki, but no one near us teaches by that method.
Good luck, and enjoy!
Cheryl
rental payments going toward a purchase price. I just went through this
with a cello for me, and will soon be purchasing a new (better) violin for
my daughter. After you've read everything on the site, call and talk to
them. They are patient and wonderful to deal with. They answer all of the
questions, even the ones you might feel silly asking. I went through pawn
shops, Shar Music (really sent me a piece of garbage!), and four months of
looking. They(StringWorks) have a two week trial period (if you decide to
buy) before they'll even charge your credit card, just in case you don't
like the instrument. I believe that their violin rental is only around $18
a month. If you have any questions and want to e-mail me off-line, that's
fine. We loved Suzuki, but no one near us teaches by that method.
Good luck, and enjoy!
Cheryl
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nora or Devereaux Cannon" <dcannon@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 4:19 PM
Subject: Re: [UnschoolingDiscussion] violin question
:
> |
> | >
> | > Hi~
> | > My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She
> takes piano
> | > lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the
> future.
> | >
> | > This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a
> violin for
> | > Christmas.
> | > First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes
> lessons we
> | > would
> | > probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as
> children grow.
> | >
> | > She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for
> Little
> | > people, Back
> | > to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the
> "toy" one
> | > will
> | > sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
> | >
> | > Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy"
> violins?
> | > Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
> | >
> | > ~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the
> journey to
> | > unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her so
> long <<G>>
Wife2Vegman
--- Nora or Devereaux Cannon <dcannon@...> wrote:
years ago for about $50. They have 1/2 size violins
as well. I jsut saw a "student violin" there for $25
including case and bow.
If your daughter is really interested, get her a nice
used one. Providing our kids with the very best
choices for following their interests helps them
succeed. Think of it as "curriculum" (wink).
We did just that for my daughter for her artwork, and
she is a successful young artist now. You can see
some of her work at
http://theeclectichomeschooler.homestead.com/SarahsArtGallery.html
(Just ignore the homeschooling stuff, as I haven't had
time to update that to reflect our unschooling...the
unit studies and such are from 3+ years ago! There is
a cool picture of my kids on the homepage though, if
you use the back button on the page)
wifetovegman
__________________________________
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Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
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> Pawn stores are your friends. If you can beg orAlso E-bay. I bought a nice student flute there two
> rent a violin
> playing person to go with you all the better.
>
years ago for about $50. They have 1/2 size violins
as well. I jsut saw a "student violin" there for $25
including case and bow.
If your daughter is really interested, get her a nice
used one. Providing our kids with the very best
choices for following their interests helps them
succeed. Think of it as "curriculum" (wink).
We did just that for my daughter for her artwork, and
she is a successful young artist now. You can see
some of her work at
http://theeclectichomeschooler.homestead.com/SarahsArtGallery.html
(Just ignore the homeschooling stuff, as I haven't had
time to update that to reflect our unschooling...the
unit studies and such are from 3+ years ago! There is
a cool picture of my kids on the homepage though, if
you use the back button on the page)
wifetovegman
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
http://companion.yahoo.com/
Robyn Coburn
He hasn't replied, but may yet - however David Alpert talks about one of his
girl's interest in violin at length in "And the Skylark Sings With Me" - a
delightful book. I also wonder why she can't start violin now - even if it
is "just fooling around" with it, in the spirit of John Holt. Does she enjoy
piano? Can you only afford one lesson at a time? Which would she prefer of
the two?
Robyn L. Coburn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
girl's interest in violin at length in "And the Skylark Sings With Me" - a
delightful book. I also wonder why she can't start violin now - even if it
is "just fooling around" with it, in the spirit of John Holt. Does she enjoy
piano? Can you only afford one lesson at a time? Which would she prefer of
the two?
Robyn L. Coburn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/30/2003 4:12:51 PM Eastern Standard Time,
lojo@... writes:
Hmmm..she shouldn't have to wait ...
Thanks!
~Marcia
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
lojo@... writes:
> Why does she have to wait to play violin?Ahhhhh! A good question for this " new" unschooler.
>
> Lori
Hmmm..she shouldn't have to wait ...
Thanks!
~Marcia
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tia Leschke
>Make sure you find out first what size is needed. Violins come in full size
>
>Also E-bay. I bought a nice student flute there two
>years ago for about $50. They have 1/2 size violins
>as well. I jsut saw a "student violin" there for $25
>including case and bow.
down to (I think) 1/16 size.
Tia
twina_b
Hi!
My 11 year old son has been playing the violin for over a year now.
Fortunately for him he is big enough to have a full-sized violin.
Also fortunately (even though we are renting right now--he wants a
cello and guitar and bass guitar), the rental on the violin is $25
per month. You can actually purchase a used violin for around $300
and save yourself the rental interest.
If your daughter really wants a violin, I say by all means get her a
violin. Even if you rent one for a month just to see how she really
reacts to it and interacts with it, it is well worth the money. You
can also purchase the Suzuki program which will have her playing that
violin befor your month is up (check Amazon for Suzuki).
As far as a toy is concerned, don't do it. My other son (their
twins) wanted a saxophone (alto) since he was at least 3 years old.
First thing we did was go and buy that silly toy. He hated it,
completely and totally. He continued to ask for a sax-o-phone until
he was able to pronounce it properly. For his 11th birthday we
rented a Bundy Alto Sax. He just looked at it for two months and
insisted we pay for lessons. We did, but could only afford about
five weeks worth of lessons right off. It really paid off, he had an
excellent teacher and we are six months out--he's playing in our
church's orchestra. I have decided to re-employ that music teacher,
in addition to their other lessons (through the orchestra and our
public Baltimore School for the Arts which is free). The orchestra
members have given him many accessories and expensive books and have
taught him lessons that will last a lifetime as they are mostly men
over the age of 40ish. He has played in a wedding and at many other
churches. We are soo proud of him we don't know what to do. Since
the age of three he was convicted in his desire to be a saxophonist.
The members of his orchestra have invited his twin brother to join
with his violin. He will attend his first practice this Thursday.
The violinist will be the only strings player in the all brass
orchestra. The orchestra plans to make its first CD in February and
I am overjoyed at their success.
So, if your daughter wants a violin---get it immediately. Just
supervise her care and use of the violin until she is able to take
care of it herself. You will know once she has that cute little
violin in her possession whether she really wants to play it
seriously or just for fun.
BTW: Playing an instrument helps tremendously with our school work
(critical thinking skills) and discipline issues.
My 11 year old son has been playing the violin for over a year now.
Fortunately for him he is big enough to have a full-sized violin.
Also fortunately (even though we are renting right now--he wants a
cello and guitar and bass guitar), the rental on the violin is $25
per month. You can actually purchase a used violin for around $300
and save yourself the rental interest.
If your daughter really wants a violin, I say by all means get her a
violin. Even if you rent one for a month just to see how she really
reacts to it and interacts with it, it is well worth the money. You
can also purchase the Suzuki program which will have her playing that
violin befor your month is up (check Amazon for Suzuki).
As far as a toy is concerned, don't do it. My other son (their
twins) wanted a saxophone (alto) since he was at least 3 years old.
First thing we did was go and buy that silly toy. He hated it,
completely and totally. He continued to ask for a sax-o-phone until
he was able to pronounce it properly. For his 11th birthday we
rented a Bundy Alto Sax. He just looked at it for two months and
insisted we pay for lessons. We did, but could only afford about
five weeks worth of lessons right off. It really paid off, he had an
excellent teacher and we are six months out--he's playing in our
church's orchestra. I have decided to re-employ that music teacher,
in addition to their other lessons (through the orchestra and our
public Baltimore School for the Arts which is free). The orchestra
members have given him many accessories and expensive books and have
taught him lessons that will last a lifetime as they are mostly men
over the age of 40ish. He has played in a wedding and at many other
churches. We are soo proud of him we don't know what to do. Since
the age of three he was convicted in his desire to be a saxophonist.
The members of his orchestra have invited his twin brother to join
with his violin. He will attend his first practice this Thursday.
The violinist will be the only strings player in the all brass
orchestra. The orchestra plans to make its first CD in February and
I am overjoyed at their success.
So, if your daughter wants a violin---get it immediately. Just
supervise her care and use of the violin until she is able to take
care of it herself. You will know once she has that cute little
violin in her possession whether she really wants to play it
seriously or just for fun.
BTW: Playing an instrument helps tremendously with our school work
(critical thinking skills) and discipline issues.
--- In [email protected], MarSi77@a... wrote:
>
> Hi~
> My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She takes
piano
> lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the future.
>
> This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a violin for
Christmas.
> First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes lessons we
would
> probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as children
grow.
>
> She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for Little
people, Back
> to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the "toy"
one will
> sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
>
> Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy" violins?
> Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
>
> ~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the journey to
> unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her so long
<<G>>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
The Burton Bunch
Auctions or yard sales! We recently attended an estate auction and picked up two 50 year old clarinets for $30 - and a trumpet for $6. One of the clarinets simply needed a reed and is playable "as is", the trumpet needs a little work but is playable. They also had a banjo and guitar.
Jinger
Jinger
----- Original Message -----
From: MarSi77@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 7:43 AM
Subject: [UnschoolingDiscussion] violin question
Hi~
My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She takes piano
lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the future.
This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a violin for Christmas.
First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes lessons we would
probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as children grow.
She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for Little people, Back
to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear the "toy" one will
sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy" violins?
Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the journey to
unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her so long <<G>>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[email protected]
A couple of years ago some of us pooled money to get a cello for a friend
whose cello had been stolen. We couldn't afford really good one, so we got one
he might not mind taking camping (he's in the SCA and a lot of those events are
partly or mostly outdoors).
I was the purchaser. We had $430 or so. I found a cello on e-Bay for $300
and we spent the rest on a stand for it, a humidifier, a tuning fork and some
music.
The cello was new. It's made in China. They sell them on e-bay. If a cello
is $300, the violins must be much less.
China is CRAZY about western music. Strange, for a communist country,
whereas in Russia classical music was considered part of the old ways, and the moved
toward traditional music and theatre (of the people, not of the ruling
class), China pushes European classical tradition. (It's not of their ruling class,
maybe? I don't know.)
So they're making instruments for their own billion and some people, and some
of those flow down to us.
Yes, there's a prejudice against Chinese stuff. But for a small child,
maybe lack of prejudice-avoidance.
The cello came with a hard case which would cost way over $100 by itself, and
a soft case (cloth bag) also.
I took it to a cello-playing acquaintance to be set up and tuned.
Maybe you could arrange for a violinist (even from the local college or high
school) to tune it when it arrives.
I broke a string when Holly first got a violin, because I was used to guitar
strings and I turned it too fast and too far. It's a very slight and gentle
move compared to a guitar. I would get help at first, before you give it to
her, so it will be tuned and useable when she gets it.
There are WONDERFUL books with CDs out. Some will help you tune (play the
notes for you), and she could play by ear or you could figure out the system of
notation (there's more than one) and help her out with the book while she
listens to the CDs.
Maybe once in a while you could bring in someone who plays to play with her.
It doesn't have to be called "lessons." Ask them to come and do a play
session with her. Pay the price of a couple of lessons. Tell them to just show
her a few things and not worry about follow-up.
Sandra
whose cello had been stolen. We couldn't afford really good one, so we got one
he might not mind taking camping (he's in the SCA and a lot of those events are
partly or mostly outdoors).
I was the purchaser. We had $430 or so. I found a cello on e-Bay for $300
and we spent the rest on a stand for it, a humidifier, a tuning fork and some
music.
The cello was new. It's made in China. They sell them on e-bay. If a cello
is $300, the violins must be much less.
China is CRAZY about western music. Strange, for a communist country,
whereas in Russia classical music was considered part of the old ways, and the moved
toward traditional music and theatre (of the people, not of the ruling
class), China pushes European classical tradition. (It's not of their ruling class,
maybe? I don't know.)
So they're making instruments for their own billion and some people, and some
of those flow down to us.
Yes, there's a prejudice against Chinese stuff. But for a small child,
maybe lack of prejudice-avoidance.
The cello came with a hard case which would cost way over $100 by itself, and
a soft case (cloth bag) also.
I took it to a cello-playing acquaintance to be set up and tuned.
Maybe you could arrange for a violinist (even from the local college or high
school) to tune it when it arrives.
I broke a string when Holly first got a violin, because I was used to guitar
strings and I turned it too fast and too far. It's a very slight and gentle
move compared to a guitar. I would get help at first, before you give it to
her, so it will be tuned and useable when she gets it.
There are WONDERFUL books with CDs out. Some will help you tune (play the
notes for you), and she could play by ear or you could figure out the system of
notation (there's more than one) and help her out with the book while she
listens to the CDs.
Maybe once in a while you could bring in someone who plays to play with her.
It doesn't have to be called "lessons." Ask them to come and do a play
session with her. Pay the price of a couple of lessons. Tell them to just show
her a few things and not worry about follow-up.
Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/30/2003 10:55:12 AM Central Standard Time,
MarSi77@... writes:
ebay. We stopped Suzuki lessons because they were taught by an intimidating 4
foot tall nun, but should probably get around to taking some more. We bought
it used and will resell it some day perhaps when the kids get to a bigger size.
My four and five year old get the violins out probably once a week and play
on them. Just for fun. You can't beat it!
Maybe I'll hunt for more lessons soon...
Elizabeth in IL
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
MarSi77@... writes:
> This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a violin forI'm probably a bit late in responding, but we got a good little violin off
> Christmas.
> First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes lessons we would
> probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as children grow.
>
>
ebay. We stopped Suzuki lessons because they were taught by an intimidating 4
foot tall nun, but should probably get around to taking some more. We bought
it used and will resell it some day perhaps when the kids get to a bigger size.
My four and five year old get the violins out probably once a week and play
on them. Just for fun. You can't beat it!
Maybe I'll hunt for more lessons soon...
Elizabeth in IL
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/1/2003 6:06:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ejcrewe@... writes:
**************************************
I just wanted to add that getting out instruments OURSELVES does so much to
get the children interested. My son took accordian many years ago. He hasn't
touched it in years. The other day I got it out and started trying to learn
one of the Morris Dance songs for our 4H group. I hadn't gotten the first line
done when he said, "Here mom, let me try." So I handed it to him. 2 HOURS
LATER......he handed it back to me :o). He went through his entire book of
music. "Mom, it's so fun!"
He's 15 now, and was about 9 or 10 when he took lessons. I think with some
kids maturity will spark interest too.
Another time I got my fiddle out, and the accordian to work on 4H music, and
next thing I knew, the oldest foster son pulled down his guitar, Michael found
his harmonica, another pulled out his recorder, another found a different
guitar and a tin whistle. Even my husband pulled out his Dobro (which he hasn't
touched in about a year) and started picking at it. Music is so catching and
I personally love the sound of music being tried!
I took lessons as a kid, hated it, but when I learned that the "old
fashioned" way that common folks often learned music, passing it from one person to
another, I caught on very quickly to the fiddle. I just always hated reading
music. You don't have to read music to play music.
Nancy B. in WV
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ejcrewe@... writes:
>>My four and five year old get the violins out probably once a week and playon them. Just for fun. You can't beat it!<<
**************************************
I just wanted to add that getting out instruments OURSELVES does so much to
get the children interested. My son took accordian many years ago. He hasn't
touched it in years. The other day I got it out and started trying to learn
one of the Morris Dance songs for our 4H group. I hadn't gotten the first line
done when he said, "Here mom, let me try." So I handed it to him. 2 HOURS
LATER......he handed it back to me :o). He went through his entire book of
music. "Mom, it's so fun!"
He's 15 now, and was about 9 or 10 when he took lessons. I think with some
kids maturity will spark interest too.
Another time I got my fiddle out, and the accordian to work on 4H music, and
next thing I knew, the oldest foster son pulled down his guitar, Michael found
his harmonica, another pulled out his recorder, another found a different
guitar and a tin whistle. Even my husband pulled out his Dobro (which he hasn't
touched in about a year) and started picking at it. Music is so catching and
I personally love the sound of music being tried!
I took lessons as a kid, hated it, but when I learned that the "old
fashioned" way that common folks often learned music, passing it from one person to
another, I caught on very quickly to the fiddle. I just always hated reading
music. You don't have to read music to play music.
Nancy B. in WV
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Krisula Moyer
Around here, violins often turn up at pawn shops. I know one shop that
started selling decent low end new violins he gets from over-seas somewhere.
They cost about 75 to 100 dollars. Reasonable enough and when the child
outgrows it you can recoup some of your money selling it on ebay. IMHO
you're more likely to get a deal from a local pawn shop or music store than
ebay where the bidding competition is national.
-krisula
started selling decent low end new violins he gets from over-seas somewhere.
They cost about 75 to 100 dollars. Reasonable enough and when the child
outgrows it you can recoup some of your money selling it on ebay. IMHO
you're more likely to get a deal from a local pawn shop or music store than
ebay where the bidding competition is national.
-krisula
devries3blessed
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know what we have done for our daughter who
is 6 yrs old. She also insisted that she wanted to play violin
along with her piano lessons. We shopped around and finaly decided
to go with a new no brand name one from ebay. It is just great and
we only paid $40.00 (violin, case, bow, chin rest and rosin). This
way it is no more expensive than one of those toy ones that breaks
the first time you use it and it is just like the name brand ones.
We will be able to find out if she truly is interested or just
wanting to have a toy. The good thing is that we can allways turn
around and sell it on ebay again.
Good Luck!
Connie
--- In [email protected], "twina_b"
<d.towers@v...> wrote:
Just wanted to let you know what we have done for our daughter who
is 6 yrs old. She also insisted that she wanted to play violin
along with her piano lessons. We shopped around and finaly decided
to go with a new no brand name one from ebay. It is just great and
we only paid $40.00 (violin, case, bow, chin rest and rosin). This
way it is no more expensive than one of those toy ones that breaks
the first time you use it and it is just like the name brand ones.
We will be able to find out if she truly is interested or just
wanting to have a toy. The good thing is that we can allways turn
around and sell it on ebay again.
Good Luck!
Connie
--- In [email protected], "twina_b"
<d.towers@v...> wrote:
> Hi!now.
>
> My 11 year old son has been playing the violin for over a year
> Fortunately for him he is big enough to have a full-sized violin.$300
> Also fortunately (even though we are renting right now--he wants a
> cello and guitar and bass guitar), the rental on the violin is $25
> per month. You can actually purchase a used violin for around
> and save yourself the rental interest.a
>
> If your daughter really wants a violin, I say by all means get her
> violin. Even if you rent one for a month just to see how shereally
> reacts to it and interacts with it, it is well worth the money.You
> can also purchase the Suzuki program which will have her playingthat
> violin befor your month is up (check Amazon for Suzuki).old.
>
> As far as a toy is concerned, don't do it. My other son (their
> twins) wanted a saxophone (alto) since he was at least 3 years
> First thing we did was go and buy that silly toy. He hated it,until
> completely and totally. He continued to ask for a sax-o-phone
> he was able to pronounce it properly. For his 11th birthday wean
> rented a Bundy Alto Sax. He just looked at it for two months and
> insisted we pay for lessons. We did, but could only afford about
> five weeks worth of lessons right off. It really paid off, he had
> excellent teacher and we are six months out--he's playing in ourteacher,
> church's orchestra. I have decided to re-employ that music
> in addition to their other lessons (through the orchestra and ourorchestra
> public Baltimore School for the Arts which is free). The
> members have given him many accessories and expensive books andhave
> taught him lessons that will last a lifetime as they are mostlymen
> over the age of 40ish. He has played in a wedding and at manyother
> churches. We are soo proud of him we don't know what to do.Since
> the age of three he was convicted in his desire to be asaxophonist.
> The members of his orchestra have invited his twin brother to joinThursday.
> with his violin. He will attend his first practice this
> The violinist will be the only strings player in the all brassand
> orchestra. The orchestra plans to make its first CD in February
> I am overjoyed at their success.work
>
> So, if your daughter wants a violin---get it immediately. Just
> supervise her care and use of the violin until she is able to take
> care of it herself. You will know once she has that cute little
> violin in her possession whether she really wants to play it
> seriously or just for fun.
>
> BTW: Playing an instrument helps tremendously with our school
> (critical thinking skills) and discipline issues.future.
> --- In [email protected], MarSi77@a... wrote:
> >
> > Hi~
> > My daughter ( age 5) is passionate about the violin. She takes
> piano
> > lessons right now... and will take violin some time in the
> >for
> > This is the second year in a row she has "asked" for a violin
> Christmas.we
> > First of all, they are very expensive and when she takes lessons
> wouldchildren
> > probably RENT one not buy one since they change sizes as
> grow.the "toy"
> >
> > She pours over any catalog that has violins (Music for Little
> people, Back
> > to Basics Toys, etc.) I hesitate to get her one for fear
> one willviolins?
> > sound awful and turn her away from the violin all together.
> >
> > Has anyone had any experience or recommendations with "toy"
> > Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.to
> >
> > ~Marcia (who is hs ds7 and dd5... and has just begun the journey
> > unschooling and is loving life and wonders what took her solong
> <<G>>
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/3/03 8:24:29 AM, keller@... writes:
<< We shopped around and finaly decided
to go with a new no brand name one from ebay. It is just great and
we only paid $40.00 (violin, case, bow, chin rest and rosin). >>
I'm guessing this is probably the same company importing the Chinese-made
instruments. If so, it's not like the regular e-bay bidding for a week stuff,
it's a set price and they have lots of each one.
Sandra
<< We shopped around and finaly decided
to go with a new no brand name one from ebay. It is just great and
we only paid $40.00 (violin, case, bow, chin rest and rosin). >>
I'm guessing this is probably the same company importing the Chinese-made
instruments. If so, it's not like the regular e-bay bidding for a week stuff,
it's a set price and they have lots of each one.
Sandra