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When deciding which musical instrument to start lessons on (counting voice as an instrument!), we need to consider these three questions:
1. Do you like the sound?
2. Do you like how it feels when you play?
3. How soon do you want to be able to make music?
(Wrapped up in that last question is these: How hard are you willing to work? Do you have a practice partner willing to help? Do you have the time and space in your life for this? What will happen if you don’t start now (how much do you want this)?)Answer these questions at the Baton Rouge Conservatory petting zoo, Saturday April 8 from 2-4PM.
*Students and teachers will show you each instrument’s sound.
*Try each instrument to see how it feels.
*Talk to students and teachers about the challenge level.I’ll unpack these questions one by one in future videos. For now, save the date! Click the link in the comments to register.
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8 Comments-
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![Profile picture of RuthRoland]()
Thank you, Joel! Very detailed as always. The formatting here is a little limited. I’ll be fleshing out the numbered points in 5 videos (overview, each point, summary). The asterisks represent bullet points for the first video. #1–finished product sound; #2–how it feels to play; #3–this is funny, because “learning curve” was the phrase you took issue with in the breakout room. Since this is just a bullet point, I’ll stay away from the term “challenge level” and use the language in the true #3–how soon you’ll be able to make music–which seems like an approachable way to talk about the learning curve. Do you agree?
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![Profile picture of JoelElfman]()
Sorry, it maybe that learning curve is better for me than challenge level, and there maybe a more direct way to say it. Or maybe, I’m just Fickle! LOL!!!
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![Profile picture of RuthRoland]()
Yes, I’m sure I managed to take it from bad to worse! And it’s really good to know. But actually #3 is the words I plan to use, and everything below is just notes. Thanks as always!
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![Profile picture of DanielaBorgialli]()
I really like this and love love the title. I have a curiosity around #2 – they don’t know how to play yet so is it about “how it feels to play with it!!!” – although that’s awkward languaging – but I do know what you mean. how it feels to hold the instruments? (although a piano you won’t hold it necessarily)…
the asterisk – the first one – I’m bothered by “shown …sound”. Maybe “…show how each instrument sounds”.
Again – super fun.. i’d love to come!-
![Profile picture of RuthRoland]()
Thanks, Daniela! Regarding #2 yes, I wish you could join us! There will be teachers at every station assisting folks with proper set-up and technique. You’d get an idea of how fussy each is (ukulele–not at all; violin–very) and whether your body (neck, shoulders, etc.) is more suited to one than another. Of course, this is just a taste, and most things become less awkward with practice. But it can factor in to choice. Many children sign up to play violin, envisioning playing soaring melodies at the first lesson. These children might be better served by harp or clarinet lessons. Other children will spend two years of determined practice on violin before having a breakthrough and being able to play anything they want. They don’t mind (or even actually enjoy) the physical requirements, and they have a goal in mind–a sound they aspire to (and eventually achieve). I’m sure you know how it goes!
And yes, I debated over show versus sound, vision versus hearing. I settled on show instead of demonstrate for the sake of the smaller, more understandable word. I hope some parents will show their children my video when asking whether they want to go. I expect there will be other activities going on that day, and choices may have to be made.
Thanks for your feedback!
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![Profile picture of Jackie Barker]()
I love this so much! I have a desire to learn piano and ukelele… but #3 is definitely a barrier for me. I’d LOVE to visit your petting zoo though. 🙂
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![Profile picture of RuthRoland]()
Thanks! It’ll be our first time, but I bet it will be a blast! Ukulele is actually the speediest track from zero to hero. Didn’t I see instruments hanging on your wall in the Zoom call?
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Overall I like this a lot. I’m a little confused which statements you are using the numbered or asterisked sentences.I know they are related, still a bit confused. Another element you might consider is in #1– is it useful to distinguish between how the instrument sounds when you try to play in the beginning or as it is supposed to be played (don’t like the phrase, but I will use it for the moment to distinguish between the 2 different sounds); in #2– is it useful to distinguish between how the instrument feels in your hands, & how it feels when you play. #3– Challenge level seems a bit abstract, maybe learning curve (that is a more common term & I think it might have a wider outlook than challenge level)