I’m a parent of three children, none of which are of the age to seriously begin playing an instrument (4, 3 and 1). In my household, there is a good chance that each of them will learn to play something (hopefully saxophone, piano, and/or guitar). If not, I’m OK with that, but if they do, I’m pretty positive they will not quit. Why is that? As a student I was able to learn from my parents example, which is why both my sister and I played (excelled at actually) our instruments all the way through high school, and for myself, into college.
I speak to parents on a regular basis, and my number one advice for them is always this: it doesn’t matter what ‘brand’ you buy your kids (although CE Winds has my favor and stamp of approval), just make sure that it plays right from the beginning, and does not hinder your child from being able to play everything they need to play. When visiting with some very talented high school saxophone players recently in Miami, during an event for the Gold Coast Jazz Society, we brought some CE Winds ProSeries saxophones; tenor, alto, and soprano, along with us to let some of the kids try them out. In example after example, the kids were able to pick up our instruments and do things they were never able to do before on their own instruments. Even though these young musicians were very talented, their equipment was keeping them back. One even commented on how frustrated he was with himself that he couldn’t play certain things, but then was so relieved that he could, knowing it was just that his sax was holding him back the entire time.
Regular maintenance is necessary, not optional
This leads us into the next important step; keep the instrument properly serviced, at least every six months, but no less than once per year. This is so vital, because, student instruments generally take a lot of abuse, every day, and although they should be built well to withstand day to day abuse, they still need to be serviced.
Reinvest into their gift
As your student progresses, so should their equipment; the mouthpiece, the reeds, and perhaps, the instrument. By changing things up you will really keep them interested longer. Don’t go crazy and buy the most expensive mouthpieces in the market, but do some research and let them try some different models out, and different reed combinations. This is the reason we offer a consultation on mouthpieces; it helps the parents, and students, pick the right mouthpiece for them to meet their needs. It makes so much sense to not lose your entire investment by not reinvesting into their talent. It needs to be fresh, and it needs to be exciting.
Support means more than anything
And finally, and this has nothing to do with their ability, just be there for them. When I talk with parents who are really into ‘being there’ for the kids, taking them to competitions, watching them play or practice, just encouraging them, it makes a HUGE difference on whether they keep playing, or quit.
There are cases where them playing is just a lost cause, but perhaps it’s because they have been trying the wrong instrument. Once good thing to ask BEFORE they start to learn to play is why they picked that instrument. Did they pick it, did the band director pick it for them, or did the ‘economy’ pick it? If they did not pick it themselves, then they will immediately lose some of the passion for playing. If the band director picked it for them, talk to the band director and ask them why they did not allow your child to play their instrument of choice. If the economy picked it (because of the cost of instruments) then call us (904.996.9312) or another expert in buying/selling musical instruments. There are always options and answers, and we can help you find answers.
Peace,
Brian S.
President, Christopher Elliott LLC
