Expert: Sean Martinfield - 12/23/2010

Question
Hello,
I 6 year old daughter who is very interested in singing and acting.  I think that she shows some natural ability in this area but I am very biased, of course.  I also am not very musically inclined myself.  
I recently enrolled her in a Musical Theater Class for 6-8 year olds and I thought she did quite well for her first time on stage and not having any previous experience.  However, the student evaluation came back saying that she "really needs to work on her singing and following the music".  
I am wondering, at this age, whether to pursue instruction for her.  I am also wondering if I should start Piano lessons to help her learn to read music.  

Here is a link to her solo in the play. It's very short, 30 seconds.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzNBdVlSTLo

Any advice you could give me about what types of instruction (if any)we should pursue would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello, Christy –

Thank you for the question.

I was learning to read music at 5. It's a tool that keeps a roof over my head and food on the table. I strongly suggest giving your daughter piano lessons. It will give her skills that will not only influence what she is doing now but for the rest of her life.

I watched the video. Thank you for including it. I would give her the same evaluation. One of the components of learning the piano is ear training and rhythm. All my kids know how to sing a variety scales and use them to warm-up before learning or reviewing their material. That way, they are more focused and attentive to the musical line of whatever they are singing. The rest is about great articulation and being able to communicate a story.

Think about finding a children's chorus in your community. Here in San Francisco we have the SF Girls Chorus. Instruction begins at 7 years old. The advanced singers perform every season with the San Francisco Opera and Symphony. Also consider a faith-based group that has an on-going children's chorus. It's a great way to learn to sight read and to acquire a variety of social behavioral skills.

I am a vocal coach to working singers in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm also the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.
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Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
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