Music lessons

[Jaxinator]

What age did everyone start their child in music lessons, if you did?

My son is five and he has his first guitar lesson this week. I bought four lessons, figuring that should be enough for him to decide if he wants to continue on, and at that point I'll buy him an itty-bitty guitar. I'm just wondering what other people have experienced with their own children. Did they find the lessons boring and want to stop? Did your kids learn to read music at the same time?

[ollyoxenfree]

DS started learning the double bass at school when he was in 6th grade (10 y.o.). The school offered an excellent music program in both instrumental and vocal music, and taught music theory as well. That meant he was getting daily music instruction and participating in the school's orchestra, stage band, a few other ensembles, as well as various choirs (class choir, concert choir, boys' bass choir). About the same time, he also started private guitar lessons because guitar wasn't offered at school, and those continue today. He's 18 now, and about to graduate from the music program at a performing arts high school. Music is his passion. He's been involved in a bunch of garage bands over the years. 

If your son is interested and enjoys the lessons, then I don't think 5 is too young to start. OTOH, if he isn't ready yet, I don't think it's a problem to wait a year or two and try again. 

If you are buying an instrument, definitely make sure you get one that's an appropriate size. Struggling with the wrong size is discouraging. 

[4Marmalade]

My ds1 started piano lessons this past September.  He was almost 8 years old.  H e really took to it and enjoyed it so when he outgrew the small keyboard that we had we bought a full size digital piano.  We did purchase it as a family piano though and with 3 younger dc's we hope some of them also take lessons so it will get a lot of use.

[MusicTMama]

My children are too young yet for formal lessons (2 years and 3 months), but I started piano at age 3. Five is not to young. It depends on the child and the instrument. Piano, guitar, violin, and recorder are often "first instruments" as they are relatively accessible to small bodies. Violin and guitar also come in many sizes, as you have pointed out with the 3/4 guitar.
As a music therapist, I have taught adaptive lessons for many 5 year olds. It is a great way to encourage neurological development and creativity, as well as increasing attention span and problem solving. If your son seems even remotely interested, I would encourage him because the benefits are worth it. It may be that he would switch instruments when he is old enough to play in school band, and having taken lessons prior, he will likely find it very rewarding and will learn a new instrument very quickly.

I am a bit biased on this subject, but it really is great to see young children learning music.

[Jaxinator]

Thanks Mamas!

He is most definitely interested, and very excited to start. He just looks so little to me, it's good to know many kids start that young.

I really just want him to find something that's "him", if you know what I mean. I didn't have that, but all my friends seemed to, one rode horses, another played flute, one was a swimmer... you get the idea.

[pianojazzgirl]

Speaking as a mama of a dd who started violin lessons at 5, and as a piano teacher, I definitely think 5 is not too young for lessons.... BUT I would make sure to find a teacher who is used to teaching kids that age.  5 is kind of border-line as to whether they'd do better with private lessons on an instrument or in more of an early childhood music and movement class.  Boys are often a little behind girls in terms of fine motor control as well.  When I teach kids this age I make sure that lessons (ie. their first musical experience!) is all about FUN.  I use methods designed for kids of that age, and I take things as slowly as necessary till their fine motor skills develop.  We do lots of fun musical games and activities,singing,  moving our bodies to music, playing rhythm games on percussion instruments, etc - not just sitting at the piano.  I encourage you (if you haven't already) to talk to any perspective teachers and find out how (and if!) they tailor their approach when they're teaching younger students.

One other thing I'd like to mention is that at this age parental involvement in practicing is crucial.  When you sign him up for lessons know that you are also signing yourself up to learn along with him, and to help him practice every day.