giving lessons to a 9 year old

krichards · Post by **krichards** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 6:19 pm

For Christmas, I will be giving my 9 year
old niece a flute and lessons from her favourite aunt. Buying the flute was the
easy part...now I''ve got to figure out how to teach her! I picked up the
flute at school when I was 12 and have been playing it for years. Learning "the
basics" was so long ago!! Any advice on how and where to begin? She doesn''t
even read music yet - have I bitten off more than I can chew?

fluteluversmom · Post by **fluteluversmom** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 6:33 pm

Almost none of the band kids here knew
how to read music before they started band with the exception of the ones that
had played piano. I would suggest picking up a method book that you work with.
This will allow her to learn how to read music as well as learn the fingerings
she needs. Also remember to start her out on just the headjoint first before
assembling the flute. Good luck..it sounds like a lot of fun. I really enjoyed
watching my daughter learn to play and it brought back memories of learning
myself so many years ago. Kim

MattMom · Post by **MattMom** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 10:45 pm

Check with your local high school. They
may know an upperclassman that has a good coaching style, and can start your
niece off right. There are several benefits - there is a natural affinity
between preteens and highschoolers, and the per hour rate will be less. My first
private instructor was a student....and went on to become a recording artist! On
the other hand, if you want to teach her, go get some elementary books, and
remember to work slowly....you'll be surprised how much you remember. The
earlier post referring to using just the headjoint was excellent. I can still
play "Mary had a little lamb" with a headjoint and my right index finger. (I
should go on David Letterman with Stupid Human Tricks!) Good luck. Sharing music
with children will be both hugely frustrating and tremendously joyful/rewarding.
Cate

krichards · Post by **krichards** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 5:52 pm

Thanks for the tips. I'd forgotten
until you'd mentioned it, but I used to play Mary Had a Little Lamb with the
headjoint and my finger too. That seems like so long ago. Maybe the basics will
come back to me.

Whistler · Post by **Whistler** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 12:55 pm

Hi, I am being taught by a teacher who
teaches children of all ages and she uses some fantastic methods which keeps
kids interested and teaches them great techniques at the same time. Take a look
at my previous posting named 'balloons, bubbles and feathers' I am sure it
will help. Whistler

Whistler · Post by **Whistler** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 1:10 pm

Whoops - Sorry I mean 'bubbles,
balloons and straws'. Whistler

justanotherpiper · Post by **justanotherpiper** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 4:45 pm

I know of a really nice method book that
you could use. It's a beginner's method book, and practically everyone I have
talked to recommends this book. It is Book 1 flute, Standard of Excellence
Comprehensive Band Method book, by Bruce Pearson. You might check with
fluteworld.com to see if you can order one. I hope that this helps!!![;)]