You probably know that playing an instrument has several benefits for children, such as improved academic skills and better self-esteem. The Beijing Normal University published the results of a research study that showed that the people who started learning to play the piano before the age of 7 benefited from better cognitive skills.

Whether it is an elementary school band, a concert, or the church choir, it is advised that parents enroll their kids in music lessons from an early age so they can be set up for musical success in the future.

There is no doubt that learning to play a musical instrument is a very fun and rewarding hobby regardless of your child’s age. Maybe your daughter or son is expressing an interest in music, or perhaps, you want them to learn. Keep reading to find out the perfect age to get them started!

What is the Perfect Age to Start Playing a Musical Instrument?
If you would like to introduce your kid to an instrument, you should wait until around age five. Your child should be able to sit somewhat still, pay proper attention for at least half an hour, and be able to accept that they will not be able to make perfect music right away.

Also, it is worth noting that once your child gets into elementary school, they will develop their own unique musical tastes and physically be able to hold most instruments more comfortably. They will also have the finger strength and dexterity required to play.

The Perfect Age and Motivation

Is your kid expressing a strong interest in a particular instrument? This interest can be a strong motivator. While enrolling your kid in music lessons is a good and healthy activity for them, you have to ensure that learning the specific instrument is something they are expressing interest in as well.

According to research, there’s usually a ‘window of opportunity’ from the age of 3 to 9, in which a child’s musical sensibility develops.

From the age of 3 to 9, the different cognitive functions linked with understanding various musical elements are formed. If you’re able to take advantage of this natural developmental stage, it can result in a richer and more rewarding music career. Therefore, the ideal age to start music lessons is between 3 and 9.

Waiting Until Your Child Can Decide

This approach can also work in some cases. However, keep in mind that if you wait for your kid to decide if they are ready to learn a musical instrument, you may end up waiting forever. Moreover, every child is unique with a different personality and outlook on life, so it is best to offer guidance when they show interest in learning a specific instrument.

When Your Child is Three

At the age of three, you can teach your kid to identify melodies, rhythms, and even certain musical instruments to help develop their music skills.

When Your Child is Five

By the age of five, your kid will most likely be able to handle music lessons. However, your goal should be to continue developing their understanding of music, rather than to discover a prodigy.

When Your Child is Nine or Ten

At around nine or ten, your kid will have developed more musical skills and will have the necessary musical understanding as well as physical skills to start learning larger and more advanced instruments.

What is “Too” Young?

It is worth noting that there is a general minimum age for playing and learning certain instruments. This minimum age can depend on the studio or school you are looking to receive lessons from.

This is why you should at least make sure that your child can sit and pay attention for half an hour (at least) at a time. Another option is to try a lesson first with a loaner instrument to see if they are ready before you commit your child to regular music lessons.

Music Lessons and Education for Kids

Whether your child is 3, 5, or 13, Redwood City music lessons or Sunnyvale music lessons are a valuable, rewarding, and character-building experience for your child.

Keep in mind that it is never too late to start lessons if your child is enthusiastic and motivated to learn. Our Redwood City music lessons and Sunnyvale music lessons provide an amazing music education by introducing various concepts such as body movement, rhythm, and singing to preschoolers, toddlers, middle-schoolers, high-schoolers, and adults! Introduce your kid to music lessons early in order to foster a lifelong love of music.

This month we are excited to feature CCM violin student Andrew Hung as our November 2021 Student of the Month! Andrew has been studying violin for over 3 years at CCM’s Redwood City location with Teacher Tiffany. Teacher Tiffany and the rest of us here at CCM are so happy to see Andrew progress over the years! Congrats to Andrew for his commitment and willingness to learn!

Read below to see Andrew’s great advice for CCM students just starting on their musical journey, and don’t forget to check out the parent spotlight as well.

Q: What is your name?
A: Andrew Hung
Q: How old are you?
A: I am 8 years old.
Q: Who is your teacher?
A: My teacher is Teacher Tiffany.
Q: What advice would you give to a violin student just starting out at CCM?
A: Listen to the teacher and have fun.
Q: What piece are you looking forward to playing someday?
A: The Mandalorian Theme.
Q: What is your favorite thing about playing the violin?
A: It makes me happy.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: My favorite food is pasta.
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: I used to have a goldfish.
Q: Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
A: I play ice hockey, piano, and go to the Russian School of Math.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: I want to be a Paleontologist when I grow up.
Q: What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
A: The first day returning to CCM after the pandemic.

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Parent Spotlight – Flora & Patrick Hung

Q: Regarding the violin, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
A: He is still very much a beginner at the violin, and we are happy to see him improve as he learns and tackles harder pieces. We are glad to see him enjoy the process, and we are proud that he perseveres through the challenges.
Q: What advice would you give a new parent starting in the program?
A: We have three children and they all learn differently and parents have their own styles, so we don’t even want to pretend we have advice to give. Andrew’s 8 years old, and he’s happy when we sit with him when he practices, so we do. Make their practice sessions as enjoyable as possible.
Q: Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
A: We didn’t actually think about it that way, we wanted to make sure he got a chance to try different things. We wanted him to learn an instrument, he picked the violin and he has stuck with it. We are very glad he did.