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Extra-curricular activities

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Original poster

Piano or violin for 4 years old

34 replies

Mum214 · 19/06/2021 21:22

DD(4) is interested in learning piano or violin. I play violin, so it’s easier for me to support her and I believe orchestral instruments may bring a lot of opportunities in the future (older DCs enjoy NCO & JD and they are fantastic!) but piano is also good for children to learn basics and she is slightly more interested in piano because it’s easier to make good sound. We don’t want her to start two instruments at the same time.
Any opinions are welcome!

OP posts:
Smartiepants79 · 20/06/2021 20:23

Piano gets a better sound easier but I would think she’d be too young and too small.
None of the piano teachers round us would take a child that young.

cudbywestrangers · 20/06/2021 20:21

At 4 her hands might be a bit small for piano... I started at 7 and had to modify my grade 1 pieces! And couldn't reach the pedals either Grin that said, if you start on piano then moving on to another instrument where you only have one line or music to read feels very good!

Glovesick · 20/06/2021 20:13

Let her choose but don't leave it too late to start violin, as it is such a hard instrument. Piano is also pretty hard but I think you can afford to start a bit later. Main thing is she enjoys it (most of the time, anyway, there will always be days when she doesn't!).

Starting at 4 helps with learning to read at school. My DD started violin at 4 and piano at 6. Same grade level at both now she is 7.

SouthLondonMommy · 20/06/2021 14:21

I'd go with piano. Personal interest counts for a lot in making progress when they are young.

If you are musical, you'll be able to help with the early stages of the piano even if you don't play. In fact, you'll get the chance to learn alongside her to some extent which might be fun.

Original poster
Mum214 · 20/06/2021 12:21

Thank you very much for your comments. That’s a good idea to let her listen and watch various music.

I agree, 4 is young to learn instruments. One of my kids started learning violin at 4 but it was just having fun and she started practicing properly at home when she was 5 or 6. All her siblings play instruments, so DD is keeping asking me when she can start.

I may arrange a free trial lesson of both instruments and will see if she is enough mature to start lesson.

OP posts:
CookieMumsters · 19/06/2021 21:32

Piano, its much easier for her to play something she'll recognise, which will be a good motivator.

Moonlaserbearwolf · 19/06/2021 21:30

I’d do piano if that’s what she is most keen on. My 7 yr old chose to start the piano a couple of years ago and genuinely enjoys practising. She could always start the violin in a couple of years.

NakedAttraction · 19/06/2021 21:25

I wouldn’t bother with piano unless you have one at home.

4 is pretty young for any instrument. Most schools don’t start teaching any instruments until at least YR1 (and then often recorder).

goneroguetoday · 19/06/2021 21:25

Let her look and listen to all sorts and then let her try a few before deciding. My DD chose cornet which I never would have suggested!