suggested practice sessions

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Halwit
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:32 am

suggested practice sessions

Post by Halwit »

Hi Guys

I have come to this forum in desperation.
My daughter is up to grade 5 with the flute
She plays really well and gets good results at school or in exams with her playing and theory to an extent. But
It is really difficult to get her to practice
even for a short while a day.
I tend to think it may be pure boredom and she needs a good practice session to keep her interest up.
Can anyone suggest some ideas for her playing.
It is now coming to the point were she is talking of giving up the flute
Now I am a great believer in you should not push someone into something they dont want to do
It only breeds resentment.
But if there was something that may get her enjoying practice
It may help

Thanks in advance

fluteguy18
Posts: 2311
Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm

Post by fluteguy18 »

It might be the KIND of music she is practicing. I would suggest getting her to look at different types of music. Celtic music for instance is VERY different than classical-type music. Sometimes we all need a break from the standard literature to refresh our interest.

I would also see about getting her to attend a flute convention. It could be local or even the National Flute Association's Convention this August [It's in Kansas City]. Festivals, masterclasses... any gathering of large numbers of flutists is always invigorating.

Halwit
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:32 am

Post by Halwit »

Hi Thanks for your suggestion
But I have tried and she does play varied peices not just classical
Its the routine I believe need pepping up
I think I should also point out
I am in the UK in Liverpool
So a USA convention is not on the cards just yet :D
But it is an idea for the UK
Thanks

fluteguy18
Posts: 2311
Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm

Post by fluteguy18 »

Ah. I see. Well, maybe you could take her to a good concert. Those are nice. Or, perhaps you could set up a tour of a local Music School/Department/University. You could also see about lessons. If she takes lessons, a different teacher might help. If she doesn't have lessons, getting a teacher can work wonders.

Sometimes people just need a break from things and need fresh air. She might just need a rest from playing in order to get excited again. I know that I did for a while here recently.

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snowstripedmoose
Posts: 28
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:28 am
Location: Australia

Post by snowstripedmoose »

I can relate to what you are saying about your daughter i was in the same boat except I was the person who wasn't practicing and my parents were getting real jack of me not bothering. My insight into the problem was that I just had had enough and needed a breather i had people prodding and pushing i got skipped from grade 6 trinity to 7 and I was also studying grade 12 at school, taking theory lessons and going to university part time as well. In my case flute teacher after another dropped me as they thought i wasn't serious however i was i just didn't have the motivation or time to deal with practice.

I found the deep core to the issue is to try and give her space and support. Don't force the issue ask what you can do to help.

I gave away flute and piccolo playing for 8 years so I could get through university and get a decent job. I moved half way across the country and didn't realize just how much i missed music til the guy upstairs in my block of flats starting playing the electric guitar keeping me awake at night. I now have moved back to where i was originally living and decided to fill the gap with music and now I actually like practicing. I now see it as a way of dealing with stress not causing stress as i'm taking it at my pace not a dictated pace.

I hope my two cents help you out
goodluck :D
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twiggy208
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 3:49 pm

Post by twiggy208 »

I know what you're saying, when I got to grade 3/4/5 i really wanted to give up because the music that I was playing was more or less the same the whole year round - exam pieces. God, they bored me to death!! But then I found a way out - band.

I live on the Isle of Wight, UK and here we have a really good music network; there's the IOW Music Centre based at one of the high schools that runs every saturday morning during term time. Over 400 kids go there and there's string groups, recoders, choirs, beginner wind band, 2 senior wind bands and a Youth Symphony Orchestra. There are also loads of other orchestras and marching bands etc. that run throughout the year around the Island. I don't know whether your kid would be into that, but i know that if i didnt start going to band, i would have quit a long time ago!

Try finding out if there are any bands running in your local area or get them involved in a school band - not only will she get used to playing in a group and get invaluable experience but she may well also meet other people her age that are interested in music and can start playing with. Try looking in social clubs or community halls for information about bands and give them a call - i dont know how it works where you are but most bands here are open to anyone wishing to come along and don't often ask for a particular level of experience.

Hope that gave you some ideas :)

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