Learning an instrument without family mutual interests

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How realistic is a child learning instruments without anyone else in the family plays one or being a big fans of classical music?

As parents, one of us didn't have the chance to learn and one doesn't have basic musical sense. But I wonder if it's worth a try for our 4 years old who likes music. The ethos of hardworking will reward when he grows older. But I don't want to make it a torture for him, but there will be complaints especially when nobody else in the house has an instrument.

Why would there be complaints?

I was the only person who learned anything in my house having shown an early interest and begged to, by 8 I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life. I am now a classical musician and music teacher by profession. So yes, it's possible!

I learnt along with my kids.

We all started piano when they were 4. (Twins)

I progressed a lot quicker than they did!

I learnt two instruments growing up and my parents didn’t play at all. I teach lots of students whose parents don’t consider themselves musical.
However 4 is very young to start. If he likes music, then I’d look for a music class for him where he’ll learn musicianship and hopefully see other instruments.
Also look at taking him to any of the family concerts by any of the main orchestras.

My DDs didn’t start piano until year 2. I waited to see if it was something they really wanted to do as they have to want to practise. DD1 picked up a second instrument at 8/9 which she bagged me to do. DD2 has had a term of piano so far but has said that she wants singing lessons as well when she can pick another instrument.

Thanks, all. @Octavia64 , it's a lovely idea, but I'm afraid I would drive myself mad - no musical sense whatsoever.

@Ionacat I've read somewhere 4 is too young and better to do some music classes for musicianship first, like you suggested. I will look around to see if it's feasible. Thanks!

Neither of my parents were musical. My sister and I both good level amateur (post grade 8) in 2 instruments, and I am still active in ensemble music.

My brother has a good voice, but never active in music-making. Interested in musical theatre rather than classical. Wife not musical. Both their sons grade 8 in 2 or 3 instruments, and both musically active as young adults.

So in our family, not being surrounded by classical music and not having musical parents didn’t hold back ability to progress or to develop a love of music.

My little girl is now learning the piano, and I like to think having me around is helpful in terms of learning how to practice effectively (e.g. slow practice, and really breaking down the tricky bits rather than skating over them).

Well someone's got to be first in the family. I'm a second generation and amateur but my dad who was first in his family is the one who did music for a career. Kids who get really interested in something will find a way whether the parents are knowledgeable or not. If you want to support, be involved, ask advice from teachers and follow it. You could come and join the MN ongoing music threads and ask questions there too :)

I'd ask around what there is in your area. Some teachers specialise in starting them young. Or you may find there are great general musicianship classes or even a children's choir. If he isn't set on a particular instrument I'd look out for taster days or take him to children's concerts or look at things on YouTube to see if he fancies anything in particular - that would also influence best time to start actual instrument lessons.