When to start music lessons
I have a 5 year old daughter who loves music as I'm sure most kids do. So far she has had 2 children's keyboards and a guitar. Now she shows interest in playing the flute. I have been looking into signing her up for music lessons but so far everything seems too expensive for me. I would like for her to lessons on either the piano or a woodwind instrument but i don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on insturments she won't touch in a year. Does anyone have any insight as to what age would be appropriate or what would be an appropriate instrument to begin with?
I was always sad that I
I was always sad that I didn't pass my school's music test in third grade and was told I couldn't take lessons at school. I desperately wanted to play the flute -- so kudos to you for helping your daughter at such an early age! My son wanted to take guitar lessons at age 6 and the music store said he should wait until age 7 because his hands woud be bigger. He begged to take drums after that and an instructor agreed to take him on at that young age. The only thing was, though, that he was too little to undertsand that you need to practice -- so I could see some benefit in waiting. As I mentioned, I'm no musical expert, but I have heard that piano is a good instrument to start on. If you're looking to save money, maybe try posting signs at a college or online to look for an instructor who can help you meet your budget. I know when I did those lessons, one place quoted me double the price I ended up paying somewhere else, so it definitely pays to shop around!
Kristen De Deyn Kirk
Editor, Mytidewatermoms.com
woodwinds
I played clarinet when it was offered at school in the 5th grade, my parents rented and eventually bought the instrument, and I played through high school in band, marching band and orchestra. I would have liked to try more than one instrument out before choosing one, my parents and I just picked on a whim and that was the one I was stuck with and eventually became proficient. An exploratory option would have been beneficial! At that age, practicing was part of homework and understood that way.
We now have a piano I inherited from my grandmother and I'm looking into lessons for the three kids and myself.
Good luck!
Michelle Galvez, Community Editor
Piano is good
One of my sons started piano lessons at age 7; the other was 5. I think it is an ideal starting instrument because it's easy to make noise on the keys, whereas with many other instruments you need more finger strength, fine motor coordination or lung strength. You also get a good basic course on musical vocabulary and how to read notes. As for age, it probably depends on the child's maturity level and his/her desire to learn the instrument. My boys both did fine, although one ended up much more interested than the other. In fact, my younger son, now 6, recently decided to take a break from lessons because he's more into sports at the moment. My older one, now almost 9, is going strong and loves the lessons and the little public recitals his teacher puts on twice a year (the practicing every day, not so much). Even though the little one has quit for now, I'm still glad he had the experience because he learned a lot about music and also got up in front of people to perform, which was a big deal since he is very shy. We go to Centerstage Academy in York County and like it there. We are lucky in two ways: my parents offered to pay for the boys' lessons, and a relative gave us a piano for home use. We have made the lessons part of what my kids' grandparents give them as gifts... which is a lot better than a bunch of toys they only play with for a few weeks. Is that an idea you could float past any relatives? I do think you can rent a piano, and you may be able to practice on a much less expensive keyboard at home for a while. I hope that helps some!
Alison Johnson