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This is probably the number one question we get from parents. Is it ages or five? Is three too early? Is 60 too late? We've heard it al
l, and in this article, we will talk about what signs to look for and to know when the best age is to start.
Listening to music in the womb
It's no secret that listening to music in the womb has many benefits for preborn and newborn children. Its soothing effects help with development. From as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy, babies can hear sounds. So music is always a positive influence on your child's life!
The best age for kids
Our most popular age for piano and guitar lessons is five years old. This is the most popular age group for youngsters who start lessons at our school every year. Five-year-olds have the cognitive, developmental and emotional components necessary to get the most from lessons. They understand their responsibilities (regardless of wanting to practice), can see the benefits of practicing and can progress well. Age aside, from our experience, the best guide to know if your child is ready for music lessons is if they can stay engaged on a subject for most of a 30-minute class. We've seen three-year-olds succeed with private lessons and 11-year-olds unable to stay focused. Everyone is different. Sometimes the best gauge is to try a lesson. Most music schools will offer a trial class to determine the right time.
Tips to watch for
If it's not the best time for your child, that's okay! Lessons aren't going away and it's better to wait and have full cooperation from your little one than to push it. TIP: Your child not voluntarily practicing isn't a sign of disinterest. There are many factors that contribute to not freely going to the instrument (fear of others hearing them, practice overwhelm, facing a challenging piece, procrastination) How do you know if your child isn't ready for lessons? They fight the parent to get to the lesson and are angry after the lesson. We recommend stopping and waiting. There are two things we hear every September for parents- "I wish my parents had pushed me to continue lessons" and "I wished my parents hadn't pushed me so much to take lessons." The student is the most important factor in lessons. If they do not like them, reevaluate.
I'm too old to start lessons.
Our oldest student was 90. He was a beginner, and he loved coming. Music lessons aren't only about playing music. The lesson process is fun, challenging and for people of any age. Adults learn differently than children. The "can't teach an old dog new tricks" is false. Adults have the self awareness and understanding needed to learn. Where we see most adults fail is with their own self-talk. They don't believe they can do it. This is where kids can thrive. They don't have decades of doubt weighing on them. Anyone can learn, and it's not about Talent. Properly practicing consistently and feeling joy goes a long way.