When to start music?

[PetitChoux]

Hello all. At what age would a child typically start music lessons? Some people I know have started really young so I am not sure if there is a right age. Should the first instrument definitely be the piano? thanks

My Tarquin started the harp at 18 months

Our local schools start at 7/8

Came on as I was genuinely interested in what people might say. Left laughing at cupcake’s answer.

I started mind on loan at 4 and 7. The little one did really well and picked it up quickely but his hands were too small. They’re both at it again at 7 and 10. I think I’ve read 8 is a recommended age for piano.

I’ve told them to start with piano then they can choose something else later to add to it. Oldest will be in band at school next year and will have a chance to learn a woodwind instrument.

That’s a good nonesense first sentence!

Mine on piano it should say

at newcupcake My friend’s daughter genuinely started the piano at 2!

I started piano lessons at 5, because I wanted to. Don’t force your child unless they actually want to do it. It should be enjoyable to learn to play an instrument, not a chore.

I would say yes to piano as it covers all the theory of learning music and you can quite easily pick up other instruments after.

Start age 6 with recorder.

Thanks @HerRoyalNotness. This is really helpful. Do you use the Suzuki method?

@petitchoux. They’re learning by reading music. Interestingly my oldest can play by ear as well, amazing to me as I am definitely not musical.

Lots of children start young on the violin. I started age 4 doing the Suzuki method which worked really well as it has an emphasis on performance, and violins can start really small. A lot was learnt by ear (though we did use music) which was good as my parents said it wasnt awful to listen to! Then I soon picked up the recorder where I learnt to read music (taught by my mum!).

Would recommend Suzuki if there is a good group in your area. I would consider it if my LO took an interest!

I don't think you ever know when they first "start" music, it's just something that's there.
However, encouraging them to play with toy instruments and making your own is great fun.
Mine eventually learned timestables by singing/ beating the rhythms.
Introduce them to the different instruments and play them music.
If they want to play an instrument take it from there.
there's certainly nothing to be gained from starting formal lessons at a young age.

An early start to instrumental
lessons is not necessarily a good start. There are other ways to develop musicianship first - look for some Coloustrings / Kodaly method type classes. They can start as young as 18 months. The piano is not necessarily the only instrument to start on. Lots of orchestras do family days/ concerts where you can go and see all the different instruments and have a go!

My sister started with a violin at 6. She can play like 50 different instruments to sight reading level. She got her music degree and traveled around the world and played with all sorts of different orchestras. 2 seems a little too young imo.