What is the Perfect Age to Start Music Lessons?

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.