AIBU wanting DS, nearly 3o to start music lessons...?

[pinkypie79]

I swear I wasn't going to do this, I was not even going to contemplate it. My childhood was wasted spent on playing the violin and I did not want to push DS to learn music in any kind of way.... But it seems that I should?

Did anyone see this article in the telegraph? It says
"According to a collation of peer-reviewed studies quoted in the book, benefits of early engagement with music include improved performance in mathematics and languages; higher levels of IQ; better emotional fluency; greater self-esteem; a more powerful memory; and physical health and fitness.
Such elaborate claims might sound far-fetched, especially as they are made by a non-scientist. But the book has been verified by a number of leading academics at the Institute of Education and elsewhere."
www.telegraph.co.uk/women/mother-tongue/familyadvice/10649045/Can-music-make-your-child-cleverer.html

If all that's true then I do want DS t start music and soon. What instrument can an under-3 play? Any experiences? I just wouldn't want him to hate it so much that he'd quit like I did at 17 - never looked back...until now...perhaps my parents were right after all insisting all those years I practiced..

Is there anyone else making music with their DC, taking them to lessons and so on when they're still little? It says in the article you need to start before 7y... Any tips on how?

Does he look like he actually enjoys music? DD doesn't, she likes sport so goes to a local sports class for under 5s. I'm sure children in sports; music; art; engaged parent; reading; whatever, show those benefits as well.

I was going to say if he's 30 it's a bit late!

I think 2 is far too young to be learning an instrument. Can't you look for a preschool 'music with mummy' or similar class and see if he enjoys it? Singing, nursery rhymes, playing percussion, bit of listening to music? Both mine have enjoyed these classes. Older one is 7 and now in third year (YR-Y2) of group classes where he learns recorder, guitar, ukulele, keyboard, little bit of reading music. After this year (junior school age) they are encouraged to pick an instrument to learn properly.
I agree with Mrs TP that if he doesn't enjoy it or show aptitude try something else.

I'm not sure it means actual instrumental teaching, does it? My two both went to a PRESMA class (Pre school music association) from very tiny and have grown up to love music so far. Is there something like that near you?

Ds's 1&2 went to a general preschool music group based on the Kodaly method. They went on to learn violin at 7 and still play (grade 7/8) at 18 and 16. Ds3 (7) did not have this opportunity which, I think, was a shame. He will start piano shortly.

I don't know where you are but I would have used cello babies or violin babies for ds3 if there had been any classes in our area. I can't link but google it. I think it looks great.

3 year olds are pretty good playing percussion - baking trays and pans with wooden spoons.

Sorry, not very helpful.

It's too soon I think to be formally learning an instrument, and potentially off-putting if it's too hard.
Engagement with music is a different thing though: rhythm, dancing and active listening are a fun way to engage. Both mine did kindermusik (a preschool music group with repetitive songs to sing/play along with) with me before they started school and loved it, and both play instruments now that they are older. Is there something like that near you?

I did proper music lessons with all mine - violin - from the age of 3, the last 2 sons (of 5!) started age 2 because by then I was teaching myself so they had odd 5 minute lessons with me which was even better.
If you can find the right teacher and it's fun, go for it!

I had my son at music lessons from the age of four until he was fifteen. He tells me now he hated it and only did it to please me. If I'd saved all the money spent on lessons, equipment and gradings I could have bought him (or me!) a brand new car. Think carefully who you'd be doing this for.

My two year old rocks a tambourine. I think I'll give it a few years before I try anything more advanced.

Singing is good with little ones.

I've seen other reports recently (can't quite remember where from) that actually the evidence that music doesn't have this effect, or not nearly as much as claimed, after all. Treat with caution, and don't force a child into lessons too soon.

'It says in the article they need to start before 7'. But your DS is not yet 3. Why the rush?

Apart from having a few kiddie instruments at home as his toys (drum, tamborine, etc) I wouldn't do any formal lessons at this age as you could put him off before he even expresses an interest. Having put DC through 3 instruments I think 7 is early enough and even starting at 9 or 11 they would progress pretty fast if interested. Three is too young imv.

I started my Ds at three, but it was all about a teacher passing on her love of music rather than trying to make him learn.

Also have music on at home a lot so it becomes part of their life, all sorts of music to dance to and sing a long too and maybe play the tambourine and mess about to.

Are looking to do this because your DS likes music or because you want to make him cleverer?

If you're looking to develop his musicality I'd go for a group music class which incorporate Kodaly principles and not individual music tuition unless he's already demonstrating levels of interest in music outside the normal 3 year old bobbing up and down to music they recognise.

Kids this age need to learn about pulse, and rhythm and pitch - they don't need to concentrate on a specific instrument. Teaching children how to sing, in tune, keeping a steady pulse (beat) and with appropriate rhythms is far more valuable than learning an instrument. At 3, that's limited, and even with Colourstrings or Suzuki, a lot of time is going to spent sawing away on open strings.

My DS does a Kindermusik style class, and has been since 6 months old. He loves it - they play xylophones, maracas, drums and so on and sing songs. The teacher plays instruments along with the songs - usually a ukulele. I'd say its a good introduction to music, rhythms, instruments etc. Maybe look for something similar as a starting point?

My DDs started Suzuki violin late, age 6 and 8. They both love it, and love their violin teacher. I think it is a pity they didn't start much younger.

My two cents worth is that you need to find a teacher that really connects with young children. Somebody your DS loves to spend time with. Ideally, you also select an instrument he enjoys.

I have seen great improvement in their memory skills since they started violin. Their teacher is always working with them on tips on how to remember their pieces accurately. This helps them on other memory tasks such as tables, poetry, speech and drama, etc

I'd say go for it, but make sure it is made as much a fun experience for your FS as possible.

Also agree with poster who recommends to constantly have music on at home/in the background. This helps develop an ear and a love of music. Our music teacher says a variation of music is best.

But it says "engage with music" not "learn an instrumen" - 2 very different things!

Are there not any music classes near you. Eg " Rhythm Time" franchise

They were fabulous - DS went from 12 weeks until he started school. He loved banging drums, shaking maraccas, waving scarves, repeating patterns and being NOISY and quiet. There was a wealth of serious learning outcomes behind what they did but presented in such a fun way the kids never had a clue. Just marvellous.