Learning the violin is not as straight forward as you might think in China.
My wife and I decided to get our eldest daughter some music lessons. My wife was keen on the violin. There are a wide variety of music schools and lessons available in Shanghai and they all offer a free test lesson to see if your child likes the school and instructor.
We chose three different options. The first was quite a famous and expensive school with multiple campuses and was the nearest location. They almost immediately suggested we try the cello instead. I was keen as I actually prefer the look and sound of the cello. And our daughter was fine with the suggestion. But their fees were far more terrifying than I had imagined.
The second school we sampled a free lesson at was a cheaper option. However once again they suggested the cello. And a third school, a third free lesson, and a third suggestion of the cello.
Hang on a moment! I was quite suspicious at this stage so I asked why they were steering us away from the violin. Did they have an over supply of cellos and a shortage of violins? ‘No,” replied the gentle bad news voice. “Your daughter is 6 years old. It’s too late to start teaching her the violin. She should have started when she was 3.” “!” I replied. I was quite speechless. However in the end we all agreed to the cello.
Pandora with her ‘chosen’ instrument the cello.
Pandora and the cello.
However we had some bad news for our three year old daughter. “Sweetheart, you’re learning the violin.” Our eldest took well to the cello but little Hermione did not like practicing the violin and a short while later that was that.
As a family photographer I was able to take more artistic license with our own family photos, so I was inspired to do a short series of B&W portraits of my wife (who is very proficient at the guitar) and two daughters with their ‘chosen’ instruments.
Pandora and cello.
My wife who is very musical and proficient at the guitar. Blackbird by the Beatles being one of her favourites.