When to Start Lessons?

My daughter started at 4 1/2, when she could read, and then I promptly dropped it because she didn't want to do it and it became a battle. She wanted to do it again at 7 but she wouldn't practice at home so we dropped it again.

She resumed lessons at 9, which also incorporated theory in addition to music playing and is still playing (and practicing) at 11.

BTW, this is piano!
Good luck!

If she's showing interest, I'd contact a piano teacher and see what their opinion is. They will tell you if it's too early. Look at all the child prodigies (like Tiger Woods) who were very proficient in a skill at a very young age.
We tried Gymnastics lessons for our son recently, his attention span was not good enough to continue at this time.

They make violins for small kids. If your child is interested, age 4 would be a good age to speak to an instructor. I have a friend who's very bright and talented daughter started on the violin at about age 4.

A lot depends on your child. Any instrument requires almost daily practice to avoid the frustrations of not making any progress.

My neighbor a few years ago was a piano teacher. She wanted to teach my kids when they were "old enough"- which to her meant about age 5 or older, depending on the child. My son started at age 7 and didn't have the motivation to stick with it. Our daughter also started when she turned 7, and we probably could have started her at 6. She has done very well and enjoys it.

A recorder is cheap and easy for small fingers. And the kids can still learn the notes, etc.

I played the piano for 12 years, starting at age 5. I think when the child is showing signs of reading or actually reading, it's a good time. They will have to read music so I believe basic reading skills (moving left to right, etc.) are important.

I started piano at 4 yrs old and woodwinds (flute & clarinet) in 7th grade when I got to Jr. High). My daughter started piano in 1st grade. Both my son & daughter started with primer handbells in Kindergarten.

It really depends on teh child and the teacher. As another poster listed, the Suzuki method is renowned for it's thought that kids can start at a very early age, but again, that depends on the child. A 4 yr old generally cannot practice for hours a day, but may practice for 10 minutes at a time twice a day. You have to keep it fun for them. The older they are, the more studious they will become.

Best of luck ... Music is such a gift and it truly increases their learning capacity as they grow older.

Happy New Year!

My experience as someone with a music background (not a teacher, but a player)is that it is never too young. However, I feel that younger ages should start off with the theory of music to understand it and then apply it. My children (boys ages 4 and 6) attend a music theory class provided by Katherine Hintz (Hintz Music) - also another Mamasource Mom! They both understand the need for keeping the beat and can apply the different notes to create rhythm. They can pick out different instrument sounds and have had the opportunity to play different types of instruments. They have also learned how to strengthen their fingers and how to apply their fingers to different instruments. This year they will start piano lessons, but prior to this I don't think it would have done them or me any good.

I am not sure where you live, but Mrs. Hintz music theory classes are great!!! She does them in her home and she actually does some during the day as well as one class at 6:00 on Monday nights. She does them in symesters as well and is very inexpensive. Her email address is below if you are interested. She may respond back to you herself, but just I wanted to give you a parent recommendation as well. ____@____.com

I was just talking to my friend Laura Long (piano teacher) about how young a child can be to start piano lessons. Here is her response: "With the Suzuki method, the children start learning music as early as they start to speak."

If you would like to chat with her about it.. her number is ###-###-####. She teachs a lot of young children all the way to the elderly.
Her e-mail address is: ____@____.com

D. A