The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1944-01-14


Musical Talents was the topic Of
Mrs. James Breakey. as she spoke
most Interestingly to members OF
the Ypsilanti Child Study Club,
Thursday evening at the home OF
Mrs. Charles Lamb.
Mrs. Breakey said, at Is the wish
OF all parents TO cultivate in their
child an appreciation OF all that is
good and beautiful. Material things
can be taken away but artistic
things live with us always"
How can this appreciation be
stimulated?
The speaker started with the pre-.
school child.
Mothers should sing to their chill
dren, play records and show a love
OF music. The child should be sur
rounded with music in his home.
When the child is three years old
he can be taught to sing. Then a
sense OF rhythm can be developed.
This can be developed through
clapping, marching and musical
toys. Children as young as three
years OF age should be taken TO con-
certs.
As soon as your child expresses 4
desire TO play an instrument, the
parents should choose a teacher
This should be done wisely. Let the
child choose the instrument he
wishes to play even though 1t is not
the parents choice. The speaker
said, every child has right to his
own means OF musical expression.
The parent must not spoil the en-
thusiasm OF the child by insisting
he play a certain instrument.
Next Mrs. Breakey gave results
OF the child's taking lessons. She
stated, one OF three things will hap
pen:
l. The child may l'se his enthus.
iasm. He may take the attitude
that he isn't accomplishing any
thing and that It is all too much
trouble. There may be one OF three
reasons for this attitude.
/. Parents fault-A parent may
feel as soon as his child starts tax
ing lessons he is relieved OF all re-
sponsibility. This is a grave mis-
take. A parent must be just as en-
thusiastic as he was before the
child started taking lessons.
.. Teachers fault-The teacher
may be an excellent teacher and
still not be the right teacher for
your child. Their personalities may
clash which would cause a very I'M
harmonious atmosphere.
3. Irregularity OF lessons. This
may cause the child to become dis
couraged. The speaker said, Don't
give up too soon" II a child has an
unfavorable attitude toward his les
sons talk the difficulty over with
his teacher. After a years try with
one teacher if the same condition
exists change teachers.
The second type which may re-
suit from lessons is the exception
al child. The child who is excep-
tionally musical and talented. The
advice Mrs. Breakey gave in this
case Is to stand behind your child.
be enthusiastic and fill your child's
life with music.
The third classification is the av-
erage child. In this case moderate
improvement Is shown. The child
enjoys her LESSONS but is not excep
tional. The speaker urged that par
ents encourage their children to
keep on and they will be reward.
ed
A child cannot realize the value
Of music to him later in life.
In regard TO practicing the speak
er stated that it can become a
habit A strict schedule must be
adhered to. one must remember
that even a genius does not always
enjoy practic!ng.
In closing Mrs, Breakey said
even though your child isn't espe-
cially talented he should be given
an opportunity to study music.
Music is a mind builder. II devel-
ops quickness OF thought. accuracy.
and concentration OF mind. II Is Il
pleasant occupation for leisure
hours.
Music haters are made, not born.
II is up to parents TO make their
child music lover.
Mrs. Vernal Seyey presided dur
ing the business meeting.
Mrs. Bancroft Brien as chairman
OF the Red Cross committee urged
all members who could possibly do
so 10 assist with surgical dressings.
Mrs. Arthur Walker. representa-
tive TO the Council OF Social Agen-
cies in the Child's Guidance Divi-
sion, gave the first OF series OF
reports concerning Estate Laws
Relating to Juveniles She re-
viewed the topic. Juvenile Division
Of Probate Court"
Mrs. Sevey reminded members OF
the clubs part in the Fourth War
Loan Drive.
Mrs. Richard Warner was named
as a worker.
The next meeting will be the an.
nual dinner, February 10. II will be
held at the Congregational Church
at Gas. DR.. o. r. Yoder. superin-