Children and Music

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 104, 26 January 1933, Page 11

Children and Music

Sir,—Some days ago you published an article headed “Lessons on Music: reaching the Children: Views of an Expert. Truly extraordinary statements are attributed to the “ex[iert.” Let me quote a few: — , . . _ (a) “Children used to have music lessons so that they would be able to play for their friends. But nobody wants to hear them now.” . , (b) "Between the ages of eight auu ten is early enough to begin learning the Pi! (c)' “Most authorities now hold that it is useless for the average child to take violin lessons before he is twelve years 01< It would be of much interest to know upon what evidence, if any, the above dogmatic views are based. Continually increasing juvenile entries in , the competition festivals appear to give the lie to (a), while as regards statements (b) and (c), every teacher with extended experience must know them to be absolutely contrary to fact. Whenever a child shows distinct and unmistakable signs of musical aptitude one cannot begin too soon with systematic training always provided that the instruction be imparted in minute doses. Little ana often is the golden rule. ... . And if this be true of the piano and organ, how much more applicable is the idea to the study of the violin. I believe it was Kveisler who once said that if the would-be violinist had not mastere<l the “positions” by the age of ten there was little hope of his becoming anything above the ordinary. There has scarcely been a great player in history, no matter what the instrument, who did not begin his or her studies at an age vastly earlier than that laid down by the “expert” quoted above. —I am, etc., p AUS TIN. Seatouu, January 25.