Kid's first synth

[funkleton]

Hi everyone - looking for some advice.

I've got a girlfriend who's son is really bright ( mensa level IQ) but has quite a severe behavioural disorder.

Despite his problems he's got a real talent for music. Not just in terms of ability on the piano, but improvisation, composition, and arrangement way beyond what you'd expect for his age - but it's next to impossible to get him to focus on it for long, and he simply refuses to be taught by his mum.

Like most 9 year olds he loves tech, so I've been thinking that getting him a simple synth that he can link up to a computer ( preferably his iPad - he's tried to destroy my laptop more than once) might help him to develop some focus and concentrate on his more positive behaviours.

If it works I'm happy to drop some cash on the kit - but I don't really want to spend a lot on the initial experiment - there's an even chance it'll be ignored within a month.

So what do you lot recommend as a good start in terms of software and hardware that ticks the boxes?

[Angstwulf]

Since he has an iPad, I would start off with a synth app. Animoog would be a good candidate since you can add a built in 4 track recorder/arranger. It sounds great and he can get a taste of sample manipulation, too.

The other thought would be something that better replicates hardware programming/patching. Korg has an iMS20 and there is an EMS VCS3 app out there. Some good virtual modular apps too.

Once he gets a taste for what he likes then you can find a hardware synth that will keep his interests.

Good luck.

[Stab Frenzy]

Yeah I would start him off with something self contained on the ipad like the Korg Gadget, Korg iMS-20 or Animoog, see how he likes that. You could get him a midi controller that connects to the iPad over USB so he can play on it like a piano if you want, depends on how happy he is to just use the screen or if keys will be better. Good luck, the kid is lucky to have you doing this for him.

[funkleton]

Great advice people, thanks.

I'd assumed that any worthwhile synth emulator / module would be beyond the capabilities of an iPad, but the moog and korg apps look and sound amazing - shows what us bass players know

Really sensible progression in terms of outlay too - £25ish for an app - another £50 or so for a controller if he shows an interest - full hardware synth if it really takes off for him - perfect!

Can't thank you enough

[crystalmsc]

a simple synth that he can link up to a computer

The Korg Gadget provides a free Ableton Live Lite and able to export as Ableton Project as well. Later he might use Link to sync between the iPad and the computer. As for the controller, the nanoKEY studio will provide a nice portable experience with a complete set of controller, which can be used for controlling Ableton too. There are many interesting free VST's. My experience is that my nephews were more impressed with effect processors, since they could change sound more drastically including their own voice. Kids also love blinking stuff, so a mini launchpad is also a viable option if he's into Live.

Other interesting instrument for my nephews is the Korg Wavedrum Mini, they had a blast playing it. Specially using the sensor clip, attached to many interesting surfaces. It's easy to produce interesting results and fun to play with. The iKaossilator is also fun and now able to sync with Ableton via Link.

[deeluxdx7]

Honestly,

Here's what you do:

take away his IPad and anything else that caters to a short attention span, let him know that his "Behavioral issues" better sort themselves out pretty damn quick or he won't be seeing it again alive.

From then on it takes dicispline, NEVER back down to his "issues" ALWAYS keep the punishment consistent, and a have ZERO tolerance policy for disrespect and disobedience.Get TV, Videogames and the internet (Unless it's for homework) out of his life ASAP

I know you didn't specifically say he was disrespectful, but I used to know someone just like that so I think I can imagine.

Then take him to an ADD specialist, many will disagree with the medication, many have never suffered from this ailment and have no idea what the f$%k they are talking about, so I recommend letting anyone looking down their nose at you, know that they too can go f^%k themselves.

The kid may just come around if you stay the course,

P.S I recommend this course of action for the kids sake, not yours, if he isn't abruptly pulled from the sludge our culture tries to bury children in, his life may be a difficult one.

Then if all that works out get him a Roland Gaia, functions exactly the way all traditional synths do so he will be learning all synths by learning this one, also has a multi-timbral rompler feature if he wants to try his hand at composing AND functions as a 2 in 2 out audio interface, so he can get any DAW (Garageband Protools Logic Ableton) and begin producing music through the Gaia. It doesn't sound great compared to other synths , but it is the perfect piece of gear to introduce someone not only to synths but to music production period.

[commodorejohn]

Ugh. I wouldn't give a dog I liked a Gaia.

[barra]

I have a four year old. Are there any synths for the iPad which might be suitable for someone that young?