check this kid out.

[JohnW400]

This was posted at AAJ. the kid can play


YouTube - andreas varady play swing

[jazz omaha]

depressing video

[princeplanet]

depressing, maybe, but also inspiring, as in, if a kid can do it....

Child prodigies are nothing new, there are kids this age copping Rach or Paganini, it's been going on for centuries. I try not to compare my modest gifts against freaks of nature, I mean, you didn't stop playing Trivial Pursuit just because you saw the Kim Peek documentary,..... (actually, come to think of it, I think i did! ).....

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Just a coincidence that he comes from a Gypsy background?

http://www.andreasvarady.com/

Biréli Lagrène was also a child prodigy and from a Gypsy background, too.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Not a coincidence, I'd say.

Those of a Gypsy social origin have a tendency to be more musically inclined than some other ethnicities; just like Jewish folk tend to be inclined towards excellent public speaking.

I'd say the ratio of 'child prodigies' in each society is the same, but the gypsy focus on music means there are more musically inclined ones there.

[musicalbodger]

Isn't there another thread on this kid — or am I sliding into senility?

[JohnW400]

Originally Posted by musicalbodger

Isn't there another thread on this kid — or am I sliding into senility?

There's a thread on AAJ which is where I first saw it. He has a few you tube vids.

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Originally Posted by musicalbodger

Isn't there another thread on this kid — or am I sliding into senility?

http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/showc...ust-watch.html

The tricky thing about "or" is that both sides can be true

[JohnW400]

I guess I'm a day late and a dollar short

[princeplanet]

So, is this kid actually improvising? If so, then consider my mind totally blown to smithereens....

[Gambrosius1984]

Those gypsy kids! Man they are so good. I was at Samois last year and got to see so many little kids with the guitar so big compared to them, but they could play circles around many adults there. Saw Adel Reinhardt(Django's greatgrandson) and Pierre Manetti(Romane' son) jam a killer set on the main stage and they were both about 13, 14.

Hopefully all the young players continue and blossom, like Bireli Lagrene and Boulou Ferre. I know Jimmy Rosenberg was an amazing child prodigy, but fell into drugs a few years back and has recently began to get back on track.

[Jazzophobe]

Sheesh! I'm selling all of my guitars and becoming a percussionist!

[Jazzyteach65]

Originally Posted by Shadow of the Sun

Not a coincidence, I'd say.

Those of a Gypsy social origin have a tendency to be more musically inclined than some other ethnicities; just like Jewish folk tend to be inclined towards excellent public speaking.

I'd say the ratio of 'child prodigies' in each society is the same, but the gypsy focus on music means there are more musically inclined ones there.

It's been well-documented that the culture of Romani and Sinti Gypsy rellies HEAVILY on music, song and dance. In fact, I've heard some cases where parents feel musical education/fluency is far more important than learning how to read and write. If you go to a Djangofest in Fance, I GARAUNTEE you'll see at least 10 kids with great technical skills.

It bothers me that the American culture can't embrace the value of musical education/fluency in ANY genre like other cultures can. The East Asians, the Russians ect, the list goes on and on, but the Americans? NOPE

This young man obviously has clean technique, a great handle on melodic embellishment and chromatic lines. I HOPE he doesn't get exploited like young atheletes over here, or that his head gets to big or that he stops evolving and working on his sound.

Kid makes me wish my father was a guitarist instead of a travel agent!

[JohnW400]

[quote=Jazzyteach65;83824]
It bothers me that the American culture can't embrace the value of musical education/fluency in ANY genre like other cultures can. The East Asians, the Russians ect, the list goes on and on, but the Americans? NOPE

quote]


It used to, at least in some school systems. I went to school in NJ back in the 60's and 70's.

They started music in grade 3 with "flutophones", then recorders and fianlly in 5th or 6th grade they had orchestra or band. Interested parents would "rent to own" band intruments (mostly Bundy or Selmer brand).

When you got into middle school they had band, jazz band, chorus, madrigal singers and music appreciation .

They also taught wood shop, metal shop and graphic printing and this was for 7th , 8th and 9th graders.

When you got into HS you had marching band, jazz band, chorus, choir, piano, guitar, theory 1 & 2, Drama , Art of film (we had to make our own movie).

They also taught automotive shiop as well as metal/ wood shop on the HS level as well as languages. In 1972 they taught Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian. I heard at one point later on that they also had some courses in Japanese and Mandarin.

I don't know what happened between 1976 when I graduated and today. I feel that I got a WELL rounded education. I look at todays curriculum of the three r's coupled with no child left behind and I wonder what kind of students the schools are spitting out.

I mean look, back in the day they even offered shop classes and home economics. They knew then that not everybody has it in themselves to go on to be Phds. Hell, they had typing and stenography as well. I even remember getting certified in first aid. IT was required as part of Health/Phys Ed.

To me that shows more of a commitment to no child left behind than does a bunch of tests.


So excuse the rant. I'm with you on education.

[musicalbodger]

[quote=JohnW400;83831]

Originally Posted by Jazzyteach65

It bothers me that the American culture can't embrace the value of musical education/fluency in ANY genre like other cultures can. The East Asians, the Russians ect, the list goes on and on, but the Americans? NOPE

quote]


It used to, at least in some school systems. I went to school in NJ back in the 60's and 70's.

They started music in grade 3 with "flutophones", then recorders and fianlly in 5th or 6th grade they had orchestra or band. Interested parents would "rent to own" band intruments (mostly Bundy or Selmer brand).

When you got into middle school they had band, jazz band, chorus, madrigal singers and music appreciation .

They also taught wood shop, metal shop and graphic printing and this was for 7th , 8th and 9th graders.

When you got into HS you had marching band, jazz band, chorus, choir, piano, guitar, theory 1 & 2, Drama , Art of film (we had to make our own movie).

They also taught automotive shiop as well as metal/ wood shop on the HS level as well as languages. In 1972 they taught Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian. I heard at one point later on that they also had some courses in Japanese and Mandarin.

I don't know what happened between 1976 when I graduated and today. I feel that I got a WELL rounded education. I look at todays curriculum of the three r's coupled with no child left behind and I wonder what kind of students the schools are spitting out.

I mean look, back in the day they even offered shop classes and home economics. They knew then that not everybody has it in themselves to go on to be Phds. Hell, they had typing and stenography as well. I even remember getting certified in first aid. IT was required as part of Health/Phys Ed.

To me that shows more of a commitment to no child left behind than does a bunch of tests.


So excuse the rant. I'm with you on education.

ditto all that for over here in the UK too. Guess that's why we have the "celebrity culture" these days. Big business, with government collusion, just wants suckers out there whom they can entrap with debt and then fleece. But you try telling the kids that these days.

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Everyone in my younger daughter's third grade class (@ public school) is learning the recorder. It's inspired her to start flute lessons. (I had hoped she'd want to learn guitar ) They are also learning ukulele -- maybe there's a future Jake Shimabukuro there:

YouTube Video

[musicalbodger]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

Everyone in my younger daughter's third grade class (@ public school) is learning the recorder. It's inspired her to start flute lessons. (I had hoped she'd want to learn guitar ) They are also learning ukulele -- maybe there's a future Jake Shimabukuro there:

I think having to learn the recorder would inspire you to start ANY other lessons

[Jazzyteach65]

[quote=JohnW400;83831]

Originally Posted by Jazzyteach65

It bothers me that the American culture can't embrace the value of musical education/fluency in ANY genre like other cultures can. The East Asians, the Russians ect, the list goes on and on, but the Americans? NOPE

quote]


It used to, at least in some school systems. I went to school in NJ back in the 60's and 70's.

They started music in grade 3 with "flutophones", then recorders and fianlly in 5th or 6th grade they had orchestra or band. Interested parents would "rent to own" band intruments (mostly Bundy or Selmer brand).

When you got into middle school they had band, jazz band, chorus, madrigal singers and music appreciation .

They also taught wood shop, metal shop and graphic printing and this was for 7th , 8th and 9th graders.

When you got into HS you had marching band, jazz band, chorus, choir, piano, guitar, theory 1 & 2, Drama , Art of film (we had to make our own movie).

They also taught automotive shiop as well as metal/ wood shop on the HS level as well as languages. In 1972 they taught Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian. I heard at one point later on that they also had some courses in Japanese and Mandarin.

I don't know what happened between 1976 when I graduated and today. I feel that I got a WELL rounded education. I look at todays curriculum of the three r's coupled with no child left behind and I wonder what kind of students the schools are spitting out.

I mean look, back in the day they even offered shop classes and home economics. They knew then that not everybody has it in themselves to go on to be Phds. Hell, they had typing and stenography as well. I even remember getting certified in first aid. IT was required as part of Health/Phys Ed.

To me that shows more of a commitment to no child left behind than does a bunch of tests.


So excuse the rant. I'm with you on education.

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 It pisses me off what the "No child left behind" did to our country. To answer your question, stats have shown that there have been NO significant improvement in proficiency in the three r's since the program's inception, as well as there are LESS students pursuing arts (gee, I wonder why)

IT MAKES ME WANNA CHOKE OUT THOSE MOTHERF+CKERS THAT MAKE UP THESE STUPID BILLS AND ACTS . (Sorry, I'm heated about this.)
Man if I had jazz education, shop or first aid back in high school (class of '99) I can't imagine how much more well-rounded/ or where I'd be! And to think we are robbing these kids of what they are due-THEIR American heritage of jazz and blues music, the ability to know how to save a life ect. All they are taught as far as that stuff goes as far as I know is health.

In the guitar ensemble I teach, I'm afraid to even play jazz records or let them here Albert King, b/c it's "not in the cirriculum." And this is at a Montessori. If I or ANY of us educators could get any of our 11 year-old students to appreciate improvisation, we would have more young players like this 11 year-old guitarist, rather than having the parents expose the kids to the music, then having to pay for private lessons. The problem with this is that few parents appreciate intelligent music here, and in turn it leads to clueless children, our future, who in turn would rather hear Lady Gaga over Lady Day, which in turn makes society more clueless and unintelligent.

[Jazzyteach65]

This is what American society is coming to:
http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/vid...love-the-kesha

[PaulD]

Yikes! 11 years old...I couldn't play like that till I was at least 13 (not)!!

Just incredible!

Paul

[TommyD]

Originally Posted by jazz omaha

depressing video

If you really want to get depressed, listen to him on "Giant Steps"
Tommy/

[musicalbodger]

Originally Posted by TommyD

If you really want to get depressed, listen to him on "Giant Steps"
Tommy/

Why be depressed by a youngster with talent? It should be a cause for celebration.

Looked at from another angle, you're assuming his talent, the hours of practice he's put in and the fact that he's probably playing out his father's dream haven't taken their toll on this 11 year old brain? Maybe his dream is to play soccer like David Beckham.

[TommyD]

Originally Posted by musicalbodger

Why be depressed by a youngster with talent? It should be a cause for celebration.

Looked at from another angle, you're assuming his talent, the hours of practice he's put in and the fact that he's probably playing out his father's dream haven't taken their toll on this 11 year old brain? Maybe his dream is to play soccer like David Beckham.

I totally agree, but I was just having some fun commenting on the post that said, "depressing video".

[musicalbodger]

Originally Posted by TommyD

I totally agree, but I was just having some fun commenting on the post that said, "depressing video".

Sorry, TommyD, I wasn't on your case, just felt like putting a different angle on it.

[Drumbler]

Regarding the US education system, it's hard to fathom.

School budgets are obscene. I'm from NJ.

Where is the money going?

However our school district does have a solid music program. And a jazz band in both middle school and high school.

And our school taxes are way too high.

My property taxes, of which the school tax is about 3/4 are like another mortgage payment.

[Drumbler]

Hey, it says this Varady kid plays entirely by ear.

So that's what ears are for!

Andreas Varady | Jazz Guitarist
About Andreas...
Born in Slovakia, into a Gypsy family, the exceptionally gifted Andreas Varady has been playing the guitar since the age of four. Although only twelve years old, he is already an accomplished and imaginative musician, inspired by his favourite guitarists George Benson, Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass. Taught by his guitarist father Bandi, Andreas plays completely by ear, and since moving to Ireland with his family in 2008 has gained much experience through busking and attending Limerick’s weekly jazz workshop.

[82Benedetto]

Thumbs up. I think this further proves my point that theory and all of that is overrated. This kid's lines sound better to my ear than half of many famous players manufactured, shape based ones.

I'm from NJ, too, btw. I know where you're coming from

Originally Posted by Drumbler

Hey, it says this Varady kid plays entirely by ear.

So that's what ears are for!

Andreas Varady | Jazz Guitarist
About Andreas...
Born in Slovakia, into a Gypsy family, the exceptionally gifted Andreas Varady has been playing the guitar since the age of four. Although only twelve years old, he is already an accomplished and imaginative musician, inspired by his favourite guitarists George Benson, Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass. Taught by his guitarist father Bandi, Andreas plays completely by ear, and since moving to Ireland with his family in 2008 has gained much experience through busking and attending Limerick’s weekly jazz workshop.

[Drumbler]

I looked up some Jimmy Rosenberg on youtube.

Not sure of the dates but he does not look too good. Looks like a hophead.

Being a child star is a bad idea. It's bad news.

In most of these cases the parents are driving these kids relentlessly. It's not healthy.

Frustrated parents living through their kids. BAD.

This kind of thing has been going on forever. If you get a chance read Mel Torme's bio on Buddy Rich, "Traps, the Drum Wonder".

Same stuff. Buddy Rich, Michael Jackson, Lindsey Lohan, Judy Garland, etc.

Sports, music, whatever. BAD if the parent is driving the kid.

GOOD if the kid is driving him/herself.

In most of these cases the parents are driving these kids relentlessly. It's not healthy.

This is true, but there do seem to be some kids that have a rare combination of passionate drive, focus, intelligence, sensititivy, and supportive parents.

Here are a couple:

Chris Thile

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

Julian Lage

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

Who knows what makes one group turn towards one direction and the other continue to mature.

[musicalbodger]

Originally Posted by jeffstocksmusic

Who knows what makes one group turn towards one direction and the other continue to mature.

Parents. They're the ones that lay the foundation upon which everything stands or falls. What is it the Jesuits say? "Give me a child until he is 9 and he is mine for life." Most of a person's emotional and intellectual path is laid down by the age of 5. Once an adult, you just have to do the best you can with what has been instilled in you. If you're lucky you can adjust the bad or malformed parts of your personality but if you haven't been given the eyes to see, or the wherewithal to develop eyes to see then....