That Jazz - Monkey Max Music and File Download

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Part IV: I Like the Way You Play: The Jazz Musician
Selecting the Right Instrument
Which instrument should your child play? If he’s ready for lessons, hopefully
he tells you, but other factors can come into play. In the following sections, I
show you what to consider as you and your child decide on an instrument.
(Check out Chapter 4 for more information on the instruments of jazz music.)
Trying out instruments for size
One consideration is practical: Children need to start with an instrument that
suits their age, size, and strength. They should be able to reach basic fingering
positions on a neck or keyboard or keys on wind instruments such as flutes,
saxophones, and trumpets. A full-size bass is too much for a 6- or 8-year-old,
but a 1 ⁄4- or 1 ⁄2-size model should do the trick.
There’s also a practical element of the instrument’s own size and volume. If your
child takes a bus to school every day, a smaller instrument is easier to carry. If
you live in a modest apartment, condominium, or mobile home, a trumpet or
electric guitar might prove to be too much for you or your neighbors.
If your child’s school has a music program (no sure thing these days), a
teacher may demonstrate instruments and let a child decide which one to
play. If not, encourage music by attending concerts or visiting music stores.
Surveying the pros and cons
of specific instruments
What kind of music does your child want to play? Basses, drums, saxophones,
and trumpets are prominent in jazz, but any instrument (and genre) is a good
place to start. All roads can lead to jazz eventually. I give you the lowdown on
the pros and cons of several instruments in the following sections.
If you have two children who are both learning instruments, think about getting
them involved with different instruments. This tactic avoids sibling rivalry and
gives each child her own territory to excel in.
Brass and wind instruments
Many children who gravitate toward wind instruments begin with the clarinet.
It’s less cumbersome to play and more portable than a saxophone. Keep
in mind, though, that the clarinet requires a strong embouchure — musical