Is your music-loving child is ready for lessons? Most kids are ready for music instruction somewhere between ages 5 and 7.
Vocal lessons are a good place to start because kids don’t require advanced fine motor skills. Singing lessons familiarize them with musical concepts, the importance of pitch and good technique, which will serve them well if their interest in music continues.
String instruments like guitar, as well as drums, are another good place to begin, provided your child has good motor skills and is willing to practice daily. Under 10 years of age, you should know that parental involvement is key. Our most successful young students have parents who remind them to practice and help them master the complex physical skill of playing an instrument.
Music lessons shouldn’t be a chore. U-Rock has great retention because we do all we can to make lessons fun. However, if you force musical training on a child who isn’t ready, or isn’t interested, he or she likely won’t embrace it. If your child expresses an interest in learning to play an instrument and seems consistently and genuinely enthusiastic, consider giving it a go.
Ask yourself these questions before starting lessons:
- Playing musical instruments makes physical demands on kids. Does your child have the appropriate physical development and fine motor control to play? (A good music teacher can help determine a child’s physical readiness.)
- Can your child focus on one thing for 20-30 minutes?
- Does he or she understand and manipulate letters and numbers?
- Has your child had adequate musical exposure? Can he or she keep a steady beat, identify incorrect notes in a familiar song, and repeat basic rhythm and pitch patterns? (If the answer is no, work on these skills before beginning formal lessons.)
- Are you willing to help ensure that your child practices?
- Do you think your child will be willing to practice?
If you’re child is ready, group lessons are a great way to introduce 5-7-year-olds to music. Learn more about our summer group programs here. Or, learn about our summer private lessons.