What age did your children start learning an instrument? Post Reply

[wandsworthmummy12]

I would like my son to do private instrument lessons per week.
He is 4 and a half years old. Is he to young? We were thinking of starting with piano lessons.

What age did your children start to learn an instrument?

Thanks

[nanny_kitty]

I don't think it is too young if your child is keen to learn. Enthusiasm goes a long way in learning to play an instrument and in general progression through the grades at an older age.

As an example, one of my charges started playing the guitar aged 5.5. She was keen as mustard and it was a pleasure to watch her play and practise. Another charge started playing the clarinet at age 9 because she really wanted to, and sped through her Grade 1 and Grade 2 in 18 months.

A different charge was sent to piano lessons at a young age, and was a nightmare to get to practise everyday. He just wasn't interested. However, he talked endlessly about learning to play the violin!

[Sopvia]

Mine was 5 years old (piano)

[Midwifejulie]

i have a friend who teaches suzuki violin. the kids would often start at 3 or 4. it was an absolute joy watching the lessons because the suzuki method is so wonderfully created to support small children's learning styles, and the parents get involved in really supportive ways, and they do a lot of group learning too.
interestingly, the whole approach is actually geared around making better, happier humans - the music is a route to realise that (but most students have no idea of this)
so i'd definitely recommend suzuki
i can ask my friend for teacher recommendations if you're interested (she lives in Newcastle so not very local!)
the other approach to music I find really impressive for little kids if the Kodaly method - it's a much more intuitive approach to understanding the inside of music through song and movement before taking up an instrument, and kids who learn it usually end up being far more musically minded and able than kids that go straight onto an instrument. there's a Kodaly instititue in London.
all the best with it
Julie

[singingmum]

I'm a conductor, singer, voice and piano teacher and firstly would say that it very much depends on the child, also the instrument and the approach taken by the teacher.

The piano is fairly difficult, requires a lot of coordination and physical strength/adequate hand size, so isn't really suitable until age 6/7. However, keyboard and a fun more generalised musical approach can work really well. Something like the recorder (if you can bear the noise) also works well as it's light, small and fairly simple.

Agree re post about Kodaly and Suzuki.

Good beginner classes I know are Funky Monkey Keyboard classes in south London, which are a great introduction the the keyboard, music theory, presented in a fun and accessible way for children from age 4.

Overall, I would recommend something that will engage your child and be fun for them, so that they're not put off music and instruments altogether!

[Musical Buds]

I would definitely recommend suzuki lessons. Try the British Suzuki Institute website www.britishsuzuki.org.uk if you want to find a list of suzuki teachers in your area for different instruments. Suzuki teachers are trained to teach young children and I'm sure your son will enjoy and greatly benefit from the approach.

I am a Suzuki recorder teacher based in Clapham. My website is www.musicalbuds.com if you'd like to find out more.

All the best with the search!