Children Quote by Lawrence English
“If you want to kill off a child's interest in music, get them a recorder.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2015
Providing a recorder to a child often diminishes their enthusiasm for music due to its limited expressive range and perceived difficulty.
In simple terms: Recorders can kill a child's music interest.
Key Takeaway
Offer more expressive instruments early.
Themes
music education
child development
instrument choice
engagement
accessibility
Mood
thoughtful
encouraging
practical
Type
advice
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school music classes
- home lessons
- budget constraints
- parental guidance
Key Concepts
pedagogy
psychology
cultural expectations
instrument design
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives could spark interest?
- How can teachers make recorders fun?
A Different Perspective
Recorders can be valuable if taught creatively; they aren't inherently discouraging.
![“My first tape piece was made with that Sears Roebuck recorder. I modified sound using cardboard tubes with a microphone in the end to filter the sound. I had a wooden apple box with a Piezo [contact] mic and little objects that I could amplify on the box. I used the bathtub for reverberation.” quote by Pauline Oliveros](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/196/pauline-oliveros-8481_amplify_my-first-tape-piece-was-made-with-that-s_1181946.jpg)
