What is the right age for a child to learn an instrument? The answer is different for every family. Learning to play an instrument is one of the most enriching things a child can do. However, starting a kid too early may lead to resentment or frustration.
Here’s how you can tell if your child is ready to learn an instrument and if now is the right time to sign up for lessons:
Exposing your child to different instruments at a young age is a great idea. The more music they hear, the more they may become curious about creating it themselves. Instead of pushing your child towards a specific instrument, let them choose the one they love. If they talk about playing the piano or pretend to air-strum a guitar, you may want to consider lessons.
Learning an instrument requires focus. Little kids, however, don’t always have the best attention spans. Before starting music lessons, your child should be able to sit still and follow directions for at least 30 minutes. If they demonstrate a willingness to listen and learn, then go ahead and have the piano tuned.
Your child should have a basic understanding of numbers and letters before taking music lessons. Ideally, they should have the alphabet memorized from A to G—both forwards and backward. Being able to count to 10 is also helpful. Teaching your child these techniques before they learn an instrument will make your future music teacher proud!
Not every instrument is a good match for small children. For instance, a tuba can weigh 20-30 pounds! It’s not the right choice for a little kid who only weighs 35 pounds themselves. Instead, you need to pick an instrument that fits the child. Learning the piano is always a good option for younger players. Violins and guitars also come in sizes suitable for smaller hands. And there’s nothing wrong with starting with one instrument now and learning another one as your child grows taller.
Parents play an active role in helping their kids learn an instrument. It’s up to you to make sure your child sticks to a practice routine. You’ll also be financially responsible for buying the instrument and paying for lessons. It may be a challenging journey at times, but watching your child blossom as a musician is worth the work.
Music is rewarding both intellectually and spiritually. At Rooted Music Coaching, we welcome new musicians of all ages to join us. We offer coaching, lessons, and courses in a fun, self-paced environment. Whether your child wants to learn the piano or guitar, we’ll give them the tools needed to succeed. It won’t be long before they can play their favorite worship songs! We offer a risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee on all our music courses. Connect with our skilled teachers online if your child is ready to learn an instrument.
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