Student cannot reach octave

[fleetfingers]

This question is actually regarding my son, who I teach - or "guide" rather, he kind of teaches himself. He cannot reach an octave but has been wanting to learn Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca, and I'm not sure how to advise him. First, I will suggest that he learn the sections without octaves and focus on perfecting those for a while. Hopefully, he will have a growth spurt soon. But when it comes time to learn the octave sections, should he stretch as best he can and play them anyway, even if it is messy? Or should he roll them? Just wondering what other teachers do, because I have not encountered this yet. My other students are not this far in repertoire, but still the other ones this age can already play octaves anyway.

By the way, when can a boy typically reach an octave? How common or uncommon is it that he is turning 12 this month and still cannot reach?

[johnmar78]

Hey Fleet, if no strain on his hands, roll it baby....make it sounds like a harp

[perprocrastinate]

If he's been playing for a short time only, his hands will probably stretch.

I couldn't reach an octave when I started playing, and I was 15.

[lloyd_cdb]

By the way, when can a boy typically reach an octave? How common or uncommon is it that he is turning 12 this month and still cannot reach?

I'm 27 and can't reach more than an octave (when actually playing).  I couldn't reach an octave until at least 16, and started playing at 6.  Don't stress, everyone's different.  Rolling it is always a good option, especially if his hand only grows a bit more.  It's great practice, and if he can only reach an octave he'll have to roll 10th's anyway.

[the89thkey]

I would have him learn some pieces that do not involve octaves first, until he can reach one. I realize that there are not a lot of these but it still is preferable because you really cannot play Alla Turca with rolled octaves...
I don't remember what I did when I couldn't play an octave, that was many years ago... I can reach an 11th with relative ease now

[fleetfingers]

I would have him learn some pieces that do not involve octaves first, until he can reach one. I realize that there are not a lot of these but it still is preferable because you really cannot play Alla Turca with rolled octaves...

When I say rolled, I mean like they are notated to be played the final time. The octave section is played the same way twice, and then the third time, they are broken. He would just play them that way each time. I hope that makes sense. Anyway, we may do what you suggest anyway, because it hurts him too much. He has learned the other sections, so we'll find something else to keep him busy until he grows!!

[fleetfingers]

If he's been playing for a short time only, his hands will probably stretch.

I couldn't reach an octave when I started playing, and I was 15.

Good to know, thanks! He may still have a few years, then.   

[fleetfingers]

I'm 27 and can't reach more than an octave (when actually playing).  I couldn't reach an octave until at least 16, and started playing at 6.  Don't stress, everyone's different.  Rolling it is always a good option, especially if his hand only grows a bit more.  It's great practice, and if he can only reach an octave he'll have to roll 10th's anyway.

Thank you!

[the89thkey]

I'm 27 and can't reach more than an octave (when actually playing).  I couldn't reach an octave until at least 16, and started playing at 6.  Don't stress, everyone's different.  Rolling it is always a good option, especially if his hand only grows a bit more.  It's great practice, and if he can only reach an octave he'll have to roll 10th's anyway.

If he's been playing for a short time only, his hands will probably stretch.

I couldn't reach an octave when I started playing, and I was 15.

These are a bit hard to believe...I thought I started being able to reach one sometime between 8 and 10 years old.