What is a good age to start CM?
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jukebox
- Posts: 25
- Joined: 08 Sep 2007, 02:10
Samanth Subramaniam's article on Mint provokes this question. Agreed one must start early to excel in or grow with anything. My observation has been that many CM teachers don't take on children below the age of 6 or 7 for discipline reasons. Having said that, I have also notice that my friend's daughter is way more focused than my own son. Both of them are of the same age. So is it possible to determine an average age for when one should begin, if one wants to begin early, ie?
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krishnanrasika
- Posts: 20
- Joined: 01 Mar 2008, 15:37
In my opinion, a conducive atmosphere has to be provided at home right from birth (or even before that) and maintained. Once the child is attuned to such a music consistently, they would automatically develop the inclination and discipline as early as even 5 years. They should also be exposed to periodic sessions of live music.Therafter, their aptitude can be monitored and decide on vocal or instrumental for in-depth study. But there can be exceptions and the golden rule is not to enforce music on the child, otherwise it can have negative consequences. As Pujya Swami Chinmayanada says, imparting knowledge is not like filling a pot, but like lighting a lamp.
I would also strongly recommend initiation on Saraswati puja day, in line with our tradition and the blessings of Goddess Saraswati goes a long way for sustained progress and excellence.
Pranams
Krishnan
I would also strongly recommend initiation on Saraswati puja day, in line with our tradition and the blessings of Goddess Saraswati goes a long way for sustained progress and excellence.
Pranams
Krishnan
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arunk
- Posts: 3424
- Joined: 07 Feb 2010, 21:41
My 2 cents:
Perhaps we should ask what you want your child to achieve w.r.t CM - or atleast at the minimum (in fact some would argue that even this question is wrong
. For example
1. Do you seriously want them to become a professional?
2. As good as a semi-pro?
3.. As good as all your community should reap praises?
4. Sing "good enough" (decent shruthi etc. ) to their satisfaction, and also may be acknowledged by most of your friends and community as "good".
5. Get enriched by CM via learning and use that as means to get intersted in it and get enriched by attending/listening-to concerts etc.
If it is 1,2,3 - earlier the better and you have push a lot.
If it is 4 or 5 - any age is fine.
You have to also then ask "To what level, am I influencing my desires on the child? Where is the tipping point where it becomes more about me than the child. What is my role?"
Arun
Perhaps we should ask what you want your child to achieve w.r.t CM - or atleast at the minimum (in fact some would argue that even this question is wrong
. For example1. Do you seriously want them to become a professional?
2. As good as a semi-pro?
3.. As good as all your community should reap praises?
4. Sing "good enough" (decent shruthi etc. ) to their satisfaction, and also may be acknowledged by most of your friends and community as "good".
5. Get enriched by CM via learning and use that as means to get intersted in it and get enriched by attending/listening-to concerts etc.
If it is 1,2,3 - earlier the better and you have push a lot.
If it is 4 or 5 - any age is fine.
You have to also then ask "To what level, am I influencing my desires on the child? Where is the tipping point where it becomes more about me than the child. What is my role?"
Arun
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sramaswamy
- Posts: 366
- Joined: 24 May 2006, 22:29
the following snippet is taken from
http://ragavani.org/AR_TheProdigyMaker_070708.aspx
and written by Kiranavali
Very often, I have a hesitant parent ask me whether it is too early for their 4-year old to start learning Carnatic music. Usually, my answer is, “No, by my father’s standards you may be some three years late!â€
http://ragavani.org/AR_TheProdigyMaker_070708.aspx
and written by Kiranavali
Very often, I have a hesitant parent ask me whether it is too early for their 4-year old to start learning Carnatic music. Usually, my answer is, “No, by my father’s standards you may be some three years late!â€
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arasi
- Posts: 16873
- Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 09:30
Arun,
Your "where is the tipping point where it becomes more about me than the child?" is well worth thinking about!
The other side is what Kiranavali says. And it is easier for parents to make a decision in that case. Such children would want music as much as they would, their favorite food. Come hover around you whenever you sing, play or even listen to music. Stop crying, even their play and listen to the music around them. They will drum to it. Sing or hum all the time. Ask you to play their favorite music over and over again. Whatever age that is, the child is ready.
Yes, one can learn music at any age--any art for that matter. When it comes to dance though, there may not be many rasikAs who would come to watch you if you are eighty!
Your "where is the tipping point where it becomes more about me than the child?" is well worth thinking about!
The other side is what Kiranavali says. And it is easier for parents to make a decision in that case. Such children would want music as much as they would, their favorite food. Come hover around you whenever you sing, play or even listen to music. Stop crying, even their play and listen to the music around them. They will drum to it. Sing or hum all the time. Ask you to play their favorite music over and over again. Whatever age that is, the child is ready.
Yes, one can learn music at any age--any art for that matter. When it comes to dance though, there may not be many rasikAs who would come to watch you if you are eighty!
Last edited by arasi on 07 May 2008, 08:59, edited 1 time in total.
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atangira
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 26 May 2008, 08:21
(Mod note: Moved from another thread )
I am a novice in music, especially classical Indian, and have thought about the following question only fleetingly, but is there a "right" age to start learning Carnatic music (for pleasure, not as a future profession)? Is someone too young or too old to really learn the system and perform to a decent standard? Probably the latter is a more interesting question. There will be practical considerations if one is at either extreme (understanding the notation, appreciating the intricacies, developing poise, handling the instrument or modulating the voice, being attentive enough etc.). Or to put it more simply, what is a good (or an average) age for a child to begin music lessons (5 yrs?) and for an adult to decide to let others perform and just enjoy the music (30 yrs?)
Thoughts?
I am a novice in music, especially classical Indian, and have thought about the following question only fleetingly, but is there a "right" age to start learning Carnatic music (for pleasure, not as a future profession)? Is someone too young or too old to really learn the system and perform to a decent standard? Probably the latter is a more interesting question. There will be practical considerations if one is at either extreme (understanding the notation, appreciating the intricacies, developing poise, handling the instrument or modulating the voice, being attentive enough etc.). Or to put it more simply, what is a good (or an average) age for a child to begin music lessons (5 yrs?) and for an adult to decide to let others perform and just enjoy the music (30 yrs?)
Thoughts?
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pranathi
- Posts: 13
- Joined: 27 May 2008, 14:27
I think a five year old kid will happily start learning, but for discipline reasons, my teacher used to take children seven years and above.
As far as an adult trying to learn music.. I think it is never too late to learn any art for that matter if you are really interested and work hard to do so. I have seen fifty plus people learning music just for the joy of singing. Whether their singing is enjoyable is debatable. But their zest to learn may be appreciated.
As far as an adult trying to learn music.. I think it is never too late to learn any art for that matter if you are really interested and work hard to do so. I have seen fifty plus people learning music just for the joy of singing. Whether their singing is enjoyable is debatable. But their zest to learn may be appreciated.
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vijay
- Posts: 2522
- Joined: 27 Feb 2006, 16:06
I guess no age is really too old to start learning if the objective is merely to understand/appreciate. With some persistence, an adult starting to learn CM can even hope to give a concert or two.
If the goals are any higher, I guess one would have to start sometime before 15 - for one, it is easier to grasp things at that age..for another, time is less of a constraint before college/higher studies/professional life
However I think there are cases where artistes who started learning adult reached very high standards...Didn't S Balachnader start learning very late?
If the goals are any higher, I guess one would have to start sometime before 15 - for one, it is easier to grasp things at that age..for another, time is less of a constraint before college/higher studies/professional life
However I think there are cases where artistes who started learning adult reached very high standards...Didn't S Balachnader start learning very late?
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sankirnam
- Posts: 374
- Joined: 07 Sep 2006, 14:18
UKS sir always likes to mention the case about how one of his students (Mr. Narayaniyer) studied mrudangam in his school in the Music Academy and ended up getting first class/distinction. His age? He was 72 I believe, and the retired general manager of Mahendra bank (sp?).
As long as there is motivation, one can learn at any age. The only requirement is motivation and plenty of time to practice. That is the key, you can be as much of a musical genius or child prodigy or whatever, but if you don't practice, then it is all worthless. That's the major constraint for very young kids (4,5 years old). The parents have to be prepared to sacrifice their time as well to make sure the child practices diligently and properly.
And like Vijay says, if you want to aim high, then you have to be prepared to make some sacrifices in other parts of your life for the sake of music.
As long as there is motivation, one can learn at any age. The only requirement is motivation and plenty of time to practice. That is the key, you can be as much of a musical genius or child prodigy or whatever, but if you don't practice, then it is all worthless. That's the major constraint for very young kids (4,5 years old). The parents have to be prepared to sacrifice their time as well to make sure the child practices diligently and properly.
And like Vijay says, if you want to aim high, then you have to be prepared to make some sacrifices in other parts of your life for the sake of music.
Last edited by sankirnam on 28 May 2008, 20:08, edited 1 time in total.
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manvantara
- Posts: 64
- Joined: 04 Apr 2008, 01:10
My teacher (Smt.Savithri Satyamurti) had some students as young as 3! She used to insist that an adult accompany the child and sit along in the class - and the class was never more than 30 minutes. She'd teach them little songs and then, after a few months, slowly start with the sarali varisai, all along continuing with teaching small songs (to keep them interested).
My own feeling is that it depends on the aptitude of the child - one might be ready at 3 and another might be ready at 6. It would be a good idea to take a child to a few classes - just to listen and watch - this will create an interest and the child might actually ask to start learning.
My own feeling is that it depends on the aptitude of the child - one might be ready at 3 and another might be ready at 6. It would be a good idea to take a child to a few classes - just to listen and watch - this will create an interest and the child might actually ask to start learning.
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chitrathiagarajan
- Posts: 214
- Joined: 26 Dec 2007, 08:13
The child should be interested in learning CM.With so much of diversions and pressure
in the educational system,I have seen many children promising candidates drop out of CM training.May be this way , we have only those interested and focused coming into the field.Family background also matters.Both father and mother should be interested.
"Nee padichu munnukku vandha porum. Pattellam apparam pathukkalam" should never be heard by the children at home.The child should be taught to practise CM as yoga,with breathing exercises,sitting postures on the floor which will help them in their our rigid educational system too.A teacher should spend a lot more time with the beginners to let them realise and learn sruti and layam two important aspects of CM.
My two bits on CM training.
CT
in the educational system,I have seen many children promising candidates drop out of CM training.May be this way , we have only those interested and focused coming into the field.Family background also matters.Both father and mother should be interested.
"Nee padichu munnukku vandha porum. Pattellam apparam pathukkalam" should never be heard by the children at home.The child should be taught to practise CM as yoga,with breathing exercises,sitting postures on the floor which will help them in their our rigid educational system too.A teacher should spend a lot more time with the beginners to let them realise and learn sruti and layam two important aspects of CM.
My two bits on CM training.
CT