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Did anyone see 20-20 last week? Actually, it might have been "20-20 2" if there is such a thing: I never watch it but just happened to stumble upon it partly because I was on vacation. Anyhoo...

The last feature was about a Utah family of 5 children, all of whom were accepted at Julliard. The 2 eldest daughters are a duo, I believe the remaining 3 children are boys. It is remarkable really. 1) The mother, who majored in music, taught them all. 2) They are Mormons, hence no TV. 3) The children have been home-schooled. These 3 points must have been a considerable influence on the level of success that has been reached. But, can you imagine--all 5 of your children getting accepted to Julliard! Amazing.

It seems to me that the absence of TV played a large role in their story. I am reminded that we didn't have TV in our house until I was 6 years old and I am very greatful for this.

I seem to recall someone posting an article about that family on the "old" Piano Forum awhile back. Maybe someone can recall the link, it was very interesting.

Bernard,

I can think of a fourth factor, TALENT

[ November 08, 2001: Message edited by: Bill G. ]

You think that Mormons don't have TV's? People have a lot of strange misconceptions about Mormons but this is a new one. That is not at all true. I grew up a Mormon and don't remember a time when we didn't have TV.

Angstschneeman,

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I was repeating what was said on the program which implied that strict Mormons don't watch TV.

Bill G., yes, of course.

HMMM....

I wonder if these children had, or were given, any other choice. Seems to me they may have been destined for this, whether they wanted to or not. TV or not, it may have been a matter of the parents resolve, deciding from day one - "Were gonna raise musicians!" A local young piano phenom from my home town, now studying music in university, is the son of two music teachers. The mother played music to the child using headphones while he was still in the womb. Sometimes our destiny is found by us, and sometimes it's set for us.

I did not seen the program, but I recall the post from the old forum WG mentioned, which as I recall was linked to a news or magazine article about the family. Don't they have like a gazillion Steinway grands in their home?

Jamie

The 60 minutes segment looked like an advertisment for Steinway, there was one in almost every shot. It was really interesting when the reporter spoke to the Piano Dept. Chairperson about the future of these amazingly talented siblings. She suggested that they may be to "nice" to pursue professional careers as concert artists. They came across as well adjusted, fun loving kids.

[ November 09, 2001: Message edited by: Bill G. ]

I can only imagine the culture shock that these 5 will encounter (are encountering?) moving from what sounds like a highly sheltered environment to Julliard! What an education, musical and otherwise...

Nina

Hopefully their adjustment will be without as many bumps as that of the Real World New Orleans' Julie. (But then, hopefully they won't be as air-headed as Julie either.)

sorry, couldn't resist a bit of RW bashing here ...

I bought a TV Sept 11 2001. I find it very difficult to adjust to having it in my home. I had no TV for the last 10 years or so. NPR and newspapers are a better source for news.

Already I am less social and practice piano less. Too much tendency to live *vicariously* as you sit on the couch eating potato chips.

And, Oh what a life it offers you. So much wonderful excitement, travel, drama, romance, music, intellectual discourse. It almost satisfies my real need for these things, till I turn the box off.

I am considering giving it away.

Kenny,

Good idea, then you'll have more time to spend on the computer, exchanging thoughts with dimwits like me