5 Questions about Music Lessons & Kids
As a new music teacher, fresh out of college, I began teaching private piano, violin, and voice lessons. Almost twenty years and hundreds of students later, I have identified five questions that are repeatedly asked by parents, regarding music and their kids.
1. At what age, should my child start learning to play an instrument?
Every child is different, in so many different ways - from what age they start walking and talking, to how they learn - whether it be auditory, visual, or tactile. Because children are individuals, each unique in their own way, there is no specific age at which a child should begin playing an instrument. As a parent, you are the best judge of whether or not your child is ready to begin their musical journey. If they start, and they aren't ready, that's okay too. You can always revisit playing an instrument when they are a little older.
2. What should be my child's first instrument?
When I am asked this question, I always follow-up with, "What instrument is your child interested in learning?" Because learning an instrument takes a great deal of dedicated time and energy, it's best if your child enjoys playing the instrument they are studying. While piano is typically named as a beginner instrument, it's not the only instrument that a child can use as a starting point. Many string instruments are made in various sizes for younger children, such as violin and guitar. If your toddler is always tapping and pretending to play drums, they wouldn't start on a full drum set, but rather percussion instruments, such as a triangle, rhythm sticks, and bells. If blowing into an instrument to produce a sound, like with woodwinds (Saxophone, flute, clarinet) or brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba) instruments, appeals to your child, a recorder is a great option. I always say, "Whatever the first instrument is that your child plays, is their first instrument." There are no rules as to which is the best beginner instrument.
3. Does my child need to be able to read in order to play?
The answer to this question may be the easiest - no, they do not. It is very helpful if a child can recognize numbers, or letters from A-G. This will assist in learning to play their instrument and starting to read music. Many early learning programs for music use colors, songs to memorize and sing, or illustrations that help children understand the basics of their instrument and music in general.
4. How long does it take to learn to play an instrument?
Just like everything else in life, the amount of time that it takes to learn is dependent on how much time you invest in studying. Some children pick up music very easily, some struggle in the beginning or after they have been playing for a while. Those who stay diligent, consistent, and have someone who gives good instruction, will get a great start on their instrument.
5. What course of study and books should my child use?
There are lesson book series that are geared towards each age level - from toddler to adult. If you are trying to teach your own child, I recommend going to a music store and flipping through books or visiting a website, like Amazon.com and browsing through several different books before choosing one. If your child will be taking private lessons from a music instructor, look for someone who takes the opportunity to get to know your child, before beginning in a lesson book. There is no cookie cutter lesson series that works for every child and a good teacher will evaluate your child's learning capability before deciding what will work the best for your child.
When it comes to making decisions regarding your child's musical future, just relax, ask others who have children involved in music programs, and decide what you think is best for your child.
If you have a child who began learning an instrument at a young age, we would love to hear what you learned from the experience.
