Learning Musical Instruments

[WinkyWinkola]

When is the best time for a child to start actively learning music and an instrument? Anybody know?

I don't want to put my children off the idea by starting them too early.

I would think at about 7/8, when they have the concentration span needed.

My ds1 started guitar lessons when he was 8

hth

Well, DS is 3. He likes tinkling about on the piano and poot pooting on his recorder.

DH wants him to start proper lessons at 4 or 5. I think it's barking and that will just make the kid not enjoy it.

Piano lessons that is.

piano is best about age 7

my dd is 5 and plays the violin

My dd was desperate to learn the clarinet from Reception, when one of the mums came in and played Rhapsody in Blue to them and she came home saying "I want to play that lovely fire engine music' I didn't do it until she was in year 4 - because I wanted her to be old enough to understand the need to practice and have the patience to cope with not being Emmaa Johnstone in the first month. I also wanted to be sure it wan't a passing fad. There was lots of music at her primary school, so she played recorder and sang a lot.

It seems to have worked - he's in year 7 now - practices without being nagged (usually) AND she can play "The Fire Engine Music"! (almost).

I'd agree with leaving instrumental lessons until he's about 7 or 8 - I don't think they can manage much with a piano until their hands get a bit bigger anyway!

But there are often musical workshops and other activities from an earlier age - my DS went to one from about 5, but they actually had groups from about 3 upwards just to start enjoying making music, singing, clapping games for rhythm etc, which is all good preparation for learning an instrument a bit later.

Totally depends on the child. I've had piano pupils who've struggled starting at 6/7, and should really have left it later, some starting at 5/6 who've done really well.

Ds1 started violin at just turned 5, is still pre-grade 1 (though not really, just hasn't prepared/taken the exam yet) - he is in 2 orchestras and a quartet (he's 6.11 now).

He started the piano at just turned 6, will take Grade 1 next term, but is playing harder pieces, in particular the Pirates of the Caribbean theme tune, with full harmony! He is going quickly, but not super fast in terms of progress, so I think he probably started at the correct age! The enjoyment and concentration is the main thing.

Dd will start cello next term when she is 5.