From Al. Spendiaryan's autobiography

The composer’s childhood and adolescence passed in Kakhovka and Simferopol. In their hospitable house they often organized events to which Ivan. Aivazovsky was also present. He played violin but he hold it like qamancha. The composer's mother accompanied him by piano. Tatar, Armenian, Greek, Ukrainian melodies were played. Talented Alexander was interested in all types of art. He started practicing music when he was 9. At first he took lessons of piano but stopped after 1-1.5 years, because as the composer mentioned himself he could not bear the scales. Later he started to play violin.