A lovely music lesson with Horse Jr. tonight
By The Horse
@TheHorse (238356)
Walnut Creek, California
February 20, 2020 8:59pm CST
I called Horse's Jr.'s mom to let her know that I had received a package today. It is an amplifier case that needs restoration.
Horse Jr. came over to analyze the case, and the repair that would be needed. First, we picked up the package and discussed the possibility that it could be a bomb. We decided that it was too light for a bomb, so we opened it up.
He asked if he could use my pocket knife to cut through the tape, and I said yes. He is 11-years-old. Is there a textbook age for letting a kid use a sharp knife? I don't know.
We analyzed the case, and decided that it was well within our ability to refinish. Then we got to playing music.
First, we practiced Bach's Toccata and Fugue in d-minor. We listened to my DG recording (vinyl) and tried to play along with it. Then we played a certain part that he is trying to learn, over and over.
Then we abandoned Bach and started working on singing harmony. I have always wondered about the age at which children understand (and can sing) harmony.
We worked on a simple kid song called "The Pirate Song," and were able to get it right for several measures.
Then I sent him home. I'm off to play music with a friend tonight, and I didn't want to overwhelm him. Hopefully, the harmony "schema" will remain with him.
Do you ever wonder about the age(s) at which children can understand different aspects of music? At the preschool today, I sang several songs with my "girlfriend." She has just turned two. But she sings in key, and may be one of those with "the gift."
Here's a random version of the piece I'm teaching to the kid. He gets it. I'm happy.
Though the composition is public domain, the performance belongs to the record label that recorded the following performer (see YouTube's attributes in the f...
16 people like this
13 responses
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
22 Feb 20
My dad always said a boy needs to fiddle around with real tools . . . well, we let my daughter and son use cutting tools from early on - within reason and with supervision of course.
Some kids you can tell are musical . . . in the way of rhythm, voice, possibly an instrument . . . pretty cool when it can be nurtured. I played piano since I was 4, but I didn't have the gift, nor did I have a passion for it. I found out later I was better at interpreting music as in dance - but I wish it was nurtured sooner.
Toccata and Fugue 
! What part does Jr. like playing? For me, by ear, the beginning is easiest to figure out without the music sheet - forget the faster parts 
.
! What part does Jr. like playing? For me, by ear, the beginning is easiest to figure out without the music sheet - forget the faster parts .1 person likes this
!
@TheHorse (238356)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 Feb 20
@yanzalong Do you still listen, even if you don't play?
@Alexandoy (65302)
• Cainta, Philippines
21 Feb 20
I have no ear for music and slightly tone deaf. I have also no inclination for music. Your son may be my opposite.
1 person likes this
@Alexandoy (65302)
• Cainta, Philippines
21 Feb 20
@TheHorse for a music lover, it is a joy to see a child wanting music as well.
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
21 Feb 20
what a great way to spend time with your son. That is so cool. I remember the days when mine were 11.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
21 Feb 20
@TheHorse kids are cool. When mine were that age I could do no wrong. Now, they are of the age, where I can do no right!
@BarBaraPrz (51838)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
21 Feb 20
I think we started to learn two-part harmony in grade 4, maybe 5.
Thanks for the Toc & Fu... I've always loved it.
@wolfgirl569 (135966)
• Marion, Ohio
21 Feb 20
I do think all are different. Sounds like a good day.
@RasmaSandra (98106)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Feb 20
That is wonderful that you can make music with your son. Perhaps as he grows if you keep it up he might just become a great musician. I must say your son looks really cool. He'll know the girl's socks off since he already has that teen idol look.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222726)
• United States
21 Feb 20
I remember entering a music contest in the classroom in elementary school. We had to identify pieces of classical music and their composers. So an 11-year-old should be able to have a great appreciation of music. You are so great to take the time to work with Horse Jr. Kudos.
@happylife1 (13403)
• Karachi, Pakistan
21 Feb 20
Good lesson.... Thanks for sharing
1 person likes this
