Many concerts experienced, many stickers earned from practicing the viola since last time I wrote. Some time ago I had big problems in motivating Elli to practice. She said she would prefer playing the clarinet or the timpani. I think she was so overwhelmed for the fact playing is not easy. I tried to explain that playing any instrument is hard in the beginning. Maybe the clarinet would be even more difficult.
I have been forcing Elli to practice. She's been crying some times that she hates to play. Still, I've forced her. Not every day, but every now and then. At least she has to practice the day before the lesson. We had a deal that she has to play the viola at least to the moment when we have to buy her a bigger viola. Then she can quit or maybe change for another instrument. Until that she will be playing the viola. Of course I hope she loves playing then.
I hated playing the piano for years and still I played it. My mother said that I have to make the decision when it is time to inform the music school about participating next autumns lessons. Springtime, when there are all those spring concerts and everybody is having fun and you get compliments about you playing, I always wanted to continue. And then I just hated it every other time of the year. Piano just wasn't an instrument for me. Finally, I changed the instrument when I was 15. After that I have loved practicing. I haven't touched the piano much, but I love my saxophone.
For fiew weeks I felt Elli didn't really get much joy from playing. I wasn't quite sure if she was pretending or was it really so she did not like it. I bet she was surprised by the fact that practicing is had work. Now when she has learned something she at least seems to enjoy playing. She has played all the classics like Twinkle twinkle little star and basic Suzuki pieces (even though she is not thought with Suzuki method). She even has some favorite pieces she wants to play, even more than that obligatory 15 minutes. Of course it's getting more fun when she begins to handle the instrument. I hope she realizes that she could do amazing things with her viola.
Today we were talking about the coming performance and how to act on the stage. Elli doesn't really concentrate well before she starts to play. So she might have her fingers on wrong places e.g. and start to play. I told her that even those very good professional soloists take a moment on a stage to concentrate before they start playing. Then she said: "One day I might be a soloist too." Who knows.
9/30/11
Learning to play without the pencil
There are many things in learning the music that I have not concidered to be important. At first we rehearsed at home so that I counted alound 1-2-3-4 and followed the notes with the pencil. That was not wise. I didn't event think about it, but soon I realized that E does not really follow the notes but the pencil. So then we had to learn to practice without pointing the notes. I'm happy I realized my bad on this stage and not later. That made me think that I as a parent can harm E's hobby. I have heard about parents who push their children too much and kill the joy. I have really been thinking that I will not be too pushy, but apparently I could do some harm and just ignore it. Well, this was just a little thing but it made me think.
When the little player is 6 years old the parents have to be quite active. I just can't let her be on her own. She does not know what the homework means and what means to work hard to achieve something. I had thought I'd suggest playing an instrument for her next spring so she could start next autumn, so at the same time she goes to school. Then the idea of homework and making effort would be easier to understand. But here we are, learning these things with the viola. It really demands time and input from us parents too. We have to check if she holds the bow right and remind her to concentrate. And force her to play also those homeworks she doesn't like. I really like to play with her too. Music could become the language that everybody in our family speaks, together.
E speaks a lot that she would like to play in the orchestra. I've been told she get's in to that next autumn. So now playing duets gives her a bit idea about polyphony. She get's to play pieces with two voices. In the lessons the teacher plays the violin and at home I play the piano and she has to play along the other voice. I think she also likes to hear herself being part of something that sounds like real music. She can only play 4 tones, the tones of the strings, but with somebody else she can play many things. Maybe I could write a version of Taivas varjele for two voices... The problem is our piano, wich is so out of tune. It sounds terrible and surely doesn't do any good for her ears.
When the little player is 6 years old the parents have to be quite active. I just can't let her be on her own. She does not know what the homework means and what means to work hard to achieve something. I had thought I'd suggest playing an instrument for her next spring so she could start next autumn, so at the same time she goes to school. Then the idea of homework and making effort would be easier to understand. But here we are, learning these things with the viola. It really demands time and input from us parents too. We have to check if she holds the bow right and remind her to concentrate. And force her to play also those homeworks she doesn't like. I really like to play with her too. Music could become the language that everybody in our family speaks, together.
E speaks a lot that she would like to play in the orchestra. I've been told she get's in to that next autumn. So now playing duets gives her a bit idea about polyphony. She get's to play pieces with two voices. In the lessons the teacher plays the violin and at home I play the piano and she has to play along the other voice. I think she also likes to hear herself being part of something that sounds like real music. She can only play 4 tones, the tones of the strings, but with somebody else she can play many things. Maybe I could write a version of Taivas varjele for two voices... The problem is our piano, wich is so out of tune. It sounds terrible and surely doesn't do any good for her ears.
9/7/11
Taivas varjele!
I almost forgot that last May when my daugter found out she can start playing
the viola this autumn there was also the icehockey world champinships
going on. In our household we watched almost every game and she came
familiar with all the songs related to ice hockey. I remembed this today when she asked if whe can listen to these songs from YouTube. Here they are: Ihanaa Leijonat ihanaa
Poika saunoo:
And especially Taivas varjele!
So. At that time she said that she wants to learn to play two pieces, Moomin song and Taivas varjele. Of course it is kind of funny, but I have promised to notate Taivas varjele for her, when she has learned some basics with her viola first. Before that I have to just hear her singing: Taivas varjele mikä sieltä tulee, sieltä tulee maaaaaaaaaaali!
8/31/11
A dream come true
Last weekend we bought to my girl her own viola. I think 550 euros for that instrument was a good deal. When we went to the store there was a violin teacher and a viola teacher helping us to choose the right instrument. Even I could hear the difference between those little 11 inches violas. Still I think I was happy I didn't have to make the decision myself. I was happy to hear the teacher of our girl to concratulate us for buying such a good instrument.
This kind of hobby forces us parents to take actively part to it. I feel a bit insecure about watching if she holds the viola right ect. How could I know? I have never played any violins or violas. There's lot to learn for me too.
I was googling information about violas before going to buy one. I found couple of thesis about viola in music schools ect. There was a one question that was written in many texts about the problem of identity concerning viola players who change the instrument from the violin to the viola, as used to be the case of almos all viola players. My child seems to have very strong identity about her instrument. She is really strict about calling the instrument right. If somebody asks her: How is it to play the violin? She corrects it immediately, it is the viola, don't you know? She is proud to play the viola, she thinks it is the best instument of all, at least better than the whining violin. There was a one music pedagogue who asked if it would have been more wise to start with the violin. That is changing, but maybe for some people it is still new that a 6-year-old can start with the viola. At least in Finland there has been small violas for sale less than 10 years.
I am very content to see the enthusiasm that my child has. She was "playing" front of the mirror, proudly watching herself. The she said: "I dreamed this so much, but now I don't need to dream anymore because I'm doing it right now." What a wonderful feeling for a parent! I have offered her something she dreamed about. I wish that enthusiasm lasts.
This kind of hobby forces us parents to take actively part to it. I feel a bit insecure about watching if she holds the viola right ect. How could I know? I have never played any violins or violas. There's lot to learn for me too.
I was googling information about violas before going to buy one. I found couple of thesis about viola in music schools ect. There was a one question that was written in many texts about the problem of identity concerning viola players who change the instrument from the violin to the viola, as used to be the case of almos all viola players. My child seems to have very strong identity about her instrument. She is really strict about calling the instrument right. If somebody asks her: How is it to play the violin? She corrects it immediately, it is the viola, don't you know? She is proud to play the viola, she thinks it is the best instument of all, at least better than the whining violin. There was a one music pedagogue who asked if it would have been more wise to start with the violin. That is changing, but maybe for some people it is still new that a 6-year-old can start with the viola. At least in Finland there has been small violas for sale less than 10 years.
I am very content to see the enthusiasm that my child has. She was "playing" front of the mirror, proudly watching herself. The she said: "I dreamed this so much, but now I don't need to dream anymore because I'm doing it right now." What a wonderful feeling for a parent! I have offered her something she dreamed about. I wish that enthusiasm lasts.
8/24/11
Finally, viola lessons!
Yesterday my little girl had her first viola lesson. She was a bit dissapointed because she didn't get to play any instrument yet. At first the idea was to loan a little viola from the concervatory, but there weren't any. She got to try 1/4 violin, just to make sure what size viola would suit for her. She was anxious, behaving badly aka. rolling her eyes and not staying at her place. I really hope she'll calm down when she gets the instrument on her hands. Well, I understand her. She has waited this so long.
On the way home we went to paper store to buy all the stuff we need: note paper, golden cardboard and stickers. The cardboard now is attached to the door and every time she has spent 15 minutes playing or learning notes, she can put one sticker to the cardboard. Oh yeas, we decided to pride her. After 10 stickers she gets something small, maybe lollipop or new stickers. After 30, she can choose a children's play, concert ect. She has already chosen her first prize. I know this is going to work, because we used the same method to win her fear to ride a bike without those small wheels.
Yesterday I spent the whole evening googling information about violas. I realized, that I have to go and buy a viola, and I don't know anything about those instruments. How could I know if it is good or not? While googling I realized how the viola still seems to be in the shadow of the violin. Next Saturday we are going to travel 200 km to find a store that sells small violas. Hope we'll find a good one!
On the way home we went to paper store to buy all the stuff we need: note paper, golden cardboard and stickers. The cardboard now is attached to the door and every time she has spent 15 minutes playing or learning notes, she can put one sticker to the cardboard. Oh yeas, we decided to pride her. After 10 stickers she gets something small, maybe lollipop or new stickers. After 30, she can choose a children's play, concert ect. She has already chosen her first prize. I know this is going to work, because we used the same method to win her fear to ride a bike without those small wheels.
Yesterday I spent the whole evening googling information about violas. I realized, that I have to go and buy a viola, and I don't know anything about those instruments. How could I know if it is good or not? While googling I realized how the viola still seems to be in the shadow of the violin. Next Saturday we are going to travel 200 km to find a store that sells small violas. Hope we'll find a good one!
8/8/11
"Have you ever peed in your pants?"
I have been thinking many times what is the best way to do culture for children. I'm not going to give the answer, because I do not know it. But however, this question should be asked once again. Years ago I was discussing about children’s classical music concerts with a concert musician. He said that he can’t understand why there always has to be funny clowns or musician dressed as animals when we do music for children. He said it underestimates the ability of children to understand and enjoy music at itself. That musician said the children’s concerts should be as “the adult’s concerts”, not so long though. I agree on that children should not be excluded from any kind of music only because they are kids.
On the other hand… Are that kind of concerts funny? I would not call Brahms or Bach very hilarious. Enjoyable maybe yes, but not very LOL. I enjoy different kind of culture and music. Sometimes I want to watch art films, sometimes comedy.
Last weekend we were watching children’s play and listening to the children’s concert. On the play Pinocchio asked Jiminy Cricket has he ever peed in his pants. Everybody started laughing. I saw my 6-year-old and dozens other kids enjoying the play. They were having a blast. Maybe the story told something important about honesty, but most of all it was funny.
Then on Sunday we went to the free children’s concert at Hämeenpuisto park in Tampere. And yes, there was a cow, pig, horse, cat and a man dressed up as a farmer on the stage. And chicken puppets. The musicians sang, played and did all the animal noises. I have to say that this band called Ammuu (as the cow says in Finnish) does really good music, they all are professional musicians and it really can be heard. So do these animal costumes do any harm? I don’t think so.
If we come back to the classical music, I really think jumping clowns are not needed there, not every time at least. I like crossover arts, but there should also be concerts for kids where they can concentrate purely on music. They do not need any clowns for that. But sometimes clowns and slapstick are great fun for adults too.
On the other hand… Are that kind of concerts funny? I would not call Brahms or Bach very hilarious. Enjoyable maybe yes, but not very LOL. I enjoy different kind of culture and music. Sometimes I want to watch art films, sometimes comedy.
Last weekend we were watching children’s play and listening to the children’s concert. On the play Pinocchio asked Jiminy Cricket has he ever peed in his pants. Everybody started laughing. I saw my 6-year-old and dozens other kids enjoying the play. They were having a blast. Maybe the story told something important about honesty, but most of all it was funny.
Then on Sunday we went to the free children’s concert at Hämeenpuisto park in Tampere. And yes, there was a cow, pig, horse, cat and a man dressed up as a farmer on the stage. And chicken puppets. The musicians sang, played and did all the animal noises. I have to say that this band called Ammuu (as the cow says in Finnish) does really good music, they all are professional musicians and it really can be heard. So do these animal costumes do any harm? I don’t think so.
If we come back to the classical music, I really think jumping clowns are not needed there, not every time at least. I like crossover arts, but there should also be concerts for kids where they can concentrate purely on music. They do not need any clowns for that. But sometimes clowns and slapstick are great fun for adults too.
5/19/11
A Little violist
My little girl starts playing the viola next autumn. I think I am as excited as she is. She had been talking about playing an instrument for some time. The favorite instrument changed many times. For couple of months it was a flute. But when we were at the conservatory at the happeninng where kids could test the instruments she chainced her mind. She couldn't get sound out of some wind instruments. I don't know why she was so scared but she didn't blow properly. (When she was 3 years old, she managed to get sound from every instrument she tried.) And when she failed to get a proper sound out of the corno she started to cry. She said she'll never play an wind instrument of any kind. So that was goodbye for the flute. Even though she had been testing my flute at home and knew how difficult it is.
That day she was very excited about the organ because "children like the big noise that comes of it". Well... I was such a cruel mom that in the enrolment paper for the audition I put the cross in "not sure about the instrument yet". So in the audition she had an opportinity to test instruments again. Then she picked the viola.
I have no idea how the audition went. Couple days before I realized that maybe I should tell her what will happen in the audition. I made her to clap rythms and sing tunes after me. When I was sitting in the hallway I heard some clapping throught the door. I felt terrible because I realized those were a bit longer and more difficult than we tested at home. But Elli did very well. I didn't hear singing and for some reason I was afraid that she couldn't sing right. She can't always sing in tune.
I was afraid that she would run out of the classroom and cry that it was too difficult. But she came out with confidence saying that she did very well and she thinks she'll get in. (All the 5-6 year olds said the same.) I prepared Elli that there were many talented kids applying and there are no place for all of them.
But. She'll take her first lessons at the Tampere Conservatory in august. We watched some viola music from You Tube and she can't wait to get her own viola. She also asked if she can already play in the orchestra. I'm so happy to hear her speak about music with such enthusiasm.
I hope that she'll enjoy living in the music wonderland also by playing the music herself. And I hope I have all the energy and nerves to help but not push her.
That day she was very excited about the organ because "children like the big noise that comes of it". Well... I was such a cruel mom that in the enrolment paper for the audition I put the cross in "not sure about the instrument yet". So in the audition she had an opportinity to test instruments again. Then she picked the viola.
I have no idea how the audition went. Couple days before I realized that maybe I should tell her what will happen in the audition. I made her to clap rythms and sing tunes after me. When I was sitting in the hallway I heard some clapping throught the door. I felt terrible because I realized those were a bit longer and more difficult than we tested at home. But Elli did very well. I didn't hear singing and for some reason I was afraid that she couldn't sing right. She can't always sing in tune.
I was afraid that she would run out of the classroom and cry that it was too difficult. But she came out with confidence saying that she did very well and she thinks she'll get in. (All the 5-6 year olds said the same.) I prepared Elli that there were many talented kids applying and there are no place for all of them.
But. She'll take her first lessons at the Tampere Conservatory in august. We watched some viola music from You Tube and she can't wait to get her own viola. She also asked if she can already play in the orchestra. I'm so happy to hear her speak about music with such enthusiasm.
I hope that she'll enjoy living in the music wonderland also by playing the music herself. And I hope I have all the energy and nerves to help but not push her.
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