Mr. Ruggiero (Mr. 'R')

Visit the TeacherWeb® videos to learn about the features, modifications, and customizations available on your website. Click here to learn more.

Hello Parents,

Over the years, I have been asked a number of music questions on PIN Night.  
Below is a list of those most frequently asked questions, along with their 
answers.  I hope that the answers are helpful to you.

Mr. 'R'

1.  Q:  At what age should my child begin playing a musical instrument?

A:  The answer depends on the social and physical development of the 
        child.  Children who can attain for about 30 minutes and possess well-
        developed gross and fine motor skills can successfully begin playing  
        a musical instrument.  Generally, most children usually acquire these 
        skills sometime within their seventh year or at the beginning of 
        their eighth year.  However, you know your child.  If he or she 
        possesses the necessary skills at an earlier age, your child may be 
        able to begin playing a musical instrument earlier than age seven.

2.  Q:  What is a good starter instrument for my child?

A:  Piano is a good starter instrument.  Although the piano is large, 
        your child does not need to hold it and can concentrate on moving the 
        hands. Also, your child only needs to use simple hand movements with 
        beginning piano, which will allow for some degree of success while he 
        or she is developing the necessary finger strength and hand 
        coordination.

The violin is also a good starter instrument.  Violins are sized for 
        different sized hands.  At a young age, your child will most likely 
        need a 1/4 size violin.  Much like the piano, the bow and finger 
        movements are simple in the beginning, allowing the coordination and 
        fingers to develop.  The 1/4 size violin is also very light, so it 
        will be easy for a young child to hold.  In addition, the skills 
        learned from playing either of these instruments will transfer nicely 
        to other types of instruments if your child decides to try something 
        different as he or she matures.

3.  Q:  Should I choose an instrument for my child?

A:  Never!  At the beginning stages of your child's musical development, 
        you can suggest that your child start with either the piano or the 
        violin, but let your child make the ultimate choice.  Children 
        instintively know which instrument is best for them.  You can always 
        say, "Start with the piano (violin), and later, when you are ready, 
        you can try a different instrument if that is what you decide to do."

At the beginning, it is often a good idea to expose your child to the 
        sounds of many different instruments.  It will help him or her choose 
        the instrument that he or she will ultimately play.  Google different 
        instruments on the computer.  Let them see the instrument and hear  
        it. Let them hear the symphony on the radio, or when they are ready, 
        take them to a concert.  The Boston Symphony Orchestra plays a number 
        of Youth and Family concerts throughout the year.  Above all, do not 
        purchase anything.  Always rent an instrument in the beginning until 
        you know that your child is committed to making music and playing a 
        particular instrument.

Or, would you like to view and optionally restore one of these previous versions?

Password: Forgot your password?

TeacherWeb.com

Content on this site is the responsibility of the Subscriber. Additional information is available in the TeacherWeb Terms & Conditions

Mr. Ruggiero (Mr. 'R')

Frequently Asked Questions