A PARENT'S GUIDE TO MUSIC LESSONS

This orderly, concise presentation of common sense, fact and generalization is aimed at parents who want their children to learn something about music, but who have little knowledge of the subject themselves. The first section attempts to answer (and does to a degree) such questions as: can children learn about music before taking instrumental lessons; how can parents help with practising problems; how can you spot a gifted child, and how do you choose a music teacher. Whereas most of the ideas are sound--parents should show an interest in music if they want their children to--the authors tend to oversimplify and/or temporize: re practising, they advise against punishment, then add that punishment will probably be needed at some time. The second section is a catalogue of instruments (including banjos and guitars) which gives prices, methods of care, uses, and prerequisites for playing. A music camp directory, a list of Youth Symphony Orchestras and a directory of music miscellany (record companies, etc.) are appended. While not incisive, this offers a range of basic information that will give readers an idea of what's going on in music education.