music type classes | ADHD Information

i was always active in choir and band...and i took organ lessons way back when.  i'm just curious as to whether ADD/ADHD kids do well in general with these type of classes.  again, i understand that it probably does depend on the individual.  i'm thinking of renting a piano...my dd is 9...but i'm not sure if this is the way to go or not.  i *think* she will want to try and instrument next year in school...so i thought this might get her a jump start.  i just remember my mom nagging me to practice, etc and i'm not sure i can handle one more commitment/possible struggle with her:)

i'd love to hear your stories:)

shelley 

oh good quesition.  Sorry I do not have a story to share but I am anxious to see what others have to say.  I too have been thinking about starting my son in piano lessons but scared he will just get frustrated with it like he does with a lot of things that take "thought" for more that 10 min.  btw  he is 6 and currently on Adderal xr.

If they won't practice don't bother with it most teachers will stress that. Kinder music available for kids under 7. It very much depends on the child. My son is in band and has been since 4th grade. He started playing the drums and is now playing the baritone (a euphonium). He is s Junior this year. He loved playing drum but in his Freshman year he got into trouble in band because he did not want to attend lessons and he was always cutting up in class. The band director switched him to the baritone rather than kicking out of band. (Only because his sister was always great in band and his father and I are very active in band boosters). He fooled around all sophmore year and his band teacher wanted him to leave the band by the end of his sophmore year. Chris (my son) insisted he liked playing the baritone and wanted to be in band. We gave him the summer to improve his attitude and practice the instrument. He amazed us in the end and started working at it. He attended all the marching band practives over the summer and praticed several hours a week. he now is shooting for first chair in his band and is looking like he will get it.

I don't know how to advise you as to whether or not to start your child on an instrument. Try her on several instruments and if she seems to have a "knack" for it, and she shows a real interest in playing, let her give it a try. There are so many pluses to being in the band program (I am sure you know that) that it is well worth the effort to get her to practice her instrument.

Good Luck!

My 7 year old is failing music in school...LOL But he loves music in general. My MIL picked him up one of those big organ/piano things with all kinds of music to it and he loves it! He will sit at that thing for an hour. One thing about ADHD kids, if they do like something, they WANT to be really good at it and WILL concentrate hard. But, he likes to do it on his own. If I try and show him the "correct" way, he gets mad.

Maybe you should buy your DD a cheap organ or that thing like I have at a yard sale, let her fool around with it on her own....my grandma drew letters on the keys for me when I was little and tought me a couple simple songs...try that with her. If she likes it, do a little more and a little more, if she really likes it, get her lessons.

My grandkiddies play more than one instrument and ADD helps with this. Good question because I want my son to learn how to play an instrument. Which one would be best suited for a child with ADHD? I tried taking my son to a Drumming Circle but he complained it was too loud. He participated partially so that was good enough for me and we ended up staying for an hour so mom (me) could have some fun too. I've always liked violins but wonder if it's appropriate for boys to play? Sounds sexist I know and I try not to get swayed that way but I don't want life to be any harder for him as it has been already.