If you’re like most parents, you probably want your children to have a variety of experiences, find things they are interested in, and grow to be a well-rounded person. Music lessons are a part of that – a lifelong love of music is one of the best gifts we can give our children. But when should a child start taking lessons? How will you know your child is ready?
Babies and toddlers
Group music classes offer a fun and relaxed way to build a trusting relationship with your baby. “The bonding experience of making music and having fun together is the most important part of these classes,” says Alison Siener Brown. She teaches group music lessons for parents and their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers at her home studio. In class, babies love playing with basic music skills such as rhythm, sound, and movement. Parent and child build a habit of having fun while practicing musical skills together.
Preschool and kindergarten years
Music teacher Linda Heinz teaches one-on-one lessons with children as young as four. Most children at this age are not ready for traditional music lessons, so she likes to individualize her time with students as much as possible. A 30-minute session at her studio in Bermuda Dunes might include time at the piano, rhythmic movement and play, singing, and one or two short breaks. Her goal with young children is to teach a love of music along with introductory skills.
Elementary school years
By first or second grade, most children understand the basic concepts behind reading and playing music. They can relate the marks on a page of sheet music to the keys on a piano and relate each key to a specific note. Between the ages of 7 and 12, children want to see their hard work pay off in increased competence-motivation enough for some children. Piano is a great instrument for kids to start with, according to Ms. Siener Brown. The layout of the keyboard makes it easy for children to see, feel, and understand concepts like chords, scales and octaves.
Your child may be ready for group music lessons at any age. Even babies benefit from having musical experiences with an adult who loves them. Older children may be ready for traditional lessons if they are okay working with a teacher and can read. At any age, look for signs of interest such as actively listening to music, singing, dancing, or finding other ways to make music.
Photo by Bridget Miller
