Learning music - when, how, what?

[verybusyspider]

ds1 is going to be 5 next week, at some point we'd like him to try music (dh is very musical - I'm pretty much tone deaf) at the moment he does swimming (and will always do this until he can swim confidently as I see it as a life skill - although he's not a natural swimmer) and ballet, in year 1 things like after school football become available for him to try, he's on the list for Beavers next summer, I really don't want him to do too much but also keen to do music at some point - would starting something in juniors be 'too late'?

read that back and sounds like I'm really worrying about it which I'm not just interested to see what everyones lo's do at what stage, if you read any of extra curicular stuff they always sell you that you have to start sooner rather than later, for things like dance and swimming I do think its easier to start them younger as the beginners classes are all children about reception age. I could see ds being put off if I tried to put him as a 7 year old in with 5 year olds to start learning something - I definitely think a couple of activities a week is enough, what do you think?

depends on what instrument he might be doing and how his motor skills are. If he is struggling with reading for instance there are Suzuki courses which involve learning by ear more than reading notation. It will be a mixture of individual tuition and group sessions with the parent(s) heavily involved at home and I think they have CDs to accompany to help them learn all these pieces off by heart. I looked at a couple of classes but decided it was not for us; however they are very popular and I think you can begin violin for instance at 3-4 in these type of courses. Friend of mine's dd began violin at 4 in a Suzuki group and initially they learned using cardboard violins she told me. I don't know what that was about but it seems they were eased into it.

IMO the earlier you start, the more important it is to get the best teacher you can track down/afford. So easy to overdo it with a young body and so many dc are really struggling to cope with reading/writing/formal school and a long school day, may find it difficult to do with one thing with one hand, something entirely different with the other and be a bit overwhelmed with the whole business. Easy to put them off IMO

Saw a lovely little 10 year old from the Netherlands in concert recently who is just phenomenal and she started violin at the age of 2.5 IIRC but with a very very good teacher who is specialised in working with highly gifted young children. More usual I think is to start around 6-7. It wouldn't have crossed my mind to start dd on learning an instrument at 2.5 or 3 but many people do. Exposure to music is probably important, singing, dancing is all good. I don't personally feel it is a case of the earlier the better unless you are very very careful but then I have to admit I am really not a musical expert.

Since he does ballet, he is obviously hearing classical music. Is he attracted to any particular instrument? IMO he could start at 5, why not, if he shows some interest and you are willing to pay for it/encourage him at it? If he shows interest in something, I'd try some sessions with a good teacher (ask around) and see how he goes. It can be a short lesson to start with

My SIL teaches music in a primary school and believes very strongly that children learning instruments formally before age 6 are doing it because their parents want them to; once they're 6 they are more likely to want to do it for themselves, will have more motivation and are easier to teach. Which doesn't stop you doing informal stuff - rhythm, singing, having a go at picking out tunes etc at home.
As I write I realize lots of people will be learning violin at 3 etc and will say it's essential to start asap. If it helps my BIL is a professional musician but didn't start his instrument until aged 13; did piano from about 7.
I would agree with you about not doing too much.

my ex is a classical pianist - as is everyone in his family who is not a classical violinist or conductor. He said to wait till dd was about 7. I didn't have a clue so I followed his advice. I think it was right for dd however many dc do start much earlier. If I had started earlier , I would have chosen cello for her. She chose violin for herself. I think that makes a difference too. I wouldn't have chosen violin for her but if they like a sound/feel/look it will influence how they feel about the whole thing.It's nice if you can go to a taster session somewhere, sometimes schools or orchestras provide them so you can go and try out/listen to many different instruments. Hope you find something that feels right for ds. so many instruments to choose from, it needn't always be piano/violin/cello IMO. Yesterday when I took dd to music lessons, there was a boy (I think) practising swing on a tuba. Quite some sound. That's an intrument I would never have considered

there's also a book that has been recommended on here a few times which I have never read called something like the right instrument for your child which helps you find out what might suit. Maybe someone with a better memory will know what I mean.

ds wants to be a choir boy (after watching the royal wedding although our church doesn't have a choir so no idea how you go about that) play the piano or drums with his hands (like african drums I guess - he must have seen that somewhere!)
we have taken him to concerts and yes with ballet he listens to all kinds of music, not just classical - he chose to do ballet rather than gymnastics as he 'wanted to hear the music' I think he just finds it interesting as apposed to a desire to learn anything in particular

I was thinking junior school age so what you both say confirms that - I have 2 younger ds's and couldn't imagine forcing him to practise anything at this age - his 'homework' from school is bad enough!

DS's yr2 class have all learnt the recorder together. I thought this was great because if it had been a lunchtime club most of the boys would have headed off to play outside instead. It also meant it wasn't adding to the list of after school activities. Agree 2 activities at 5 is plenty.

School offers optional flute & clarinet from yr3 & stringed instruments from yr4.

choir boy - ask at music service of a cathedral or check out cathedral schools if you think that's him

drums - say African style or Brazilian samba would be great at 5 and in a group IMO

Most music schools do not recommend lessons for children below the age of 7. My DD (6) would struggle with the concentration and is really keen to start keyboard but I have held off to make sure she would be able to concentrate first. This is for financial reasons as well though as lessons are very expensive.

In Year 4, all the kids in my DS's class learned a string instrument including the teachers. This seemed to be a good age for my DS who really enjoyed it but then chose the drums and has also started the piano out of choice. My DH, who is musician also said too young is not good for the enjoyment. As mentioned a poor teacher may put children off.