If you’re a parent who values music, or you see how much your little one loves music, you’re probably asking yourself—when should I start my child on music lessons?
As a music teacher, I get this question a LOT. And I know how pressured you can feel to give your kiddo the best musical start possible. Let me bust a big myth about when to start music lessons.
Myth: The earlier you start your kids on music lessons, the better.
Reality: Welllll. . . kinda.
It depends on the type of instruction.
Formal instruction: how to play an instrument, how to read notes, how to play a song on an instrument.
Informal instruction: modeling and learning through play.
In general, before age 5, you should give your child as much INFORMAL music instruction as possible, like:
- Playing music you love around the house and in the car.
- Making sure your child sees as much LIVE music-making as possible.
- Dance parties!
- Singing to and with your child.
- An evidence-based music class designed by Early Childhood Music Education experts, such as Music Together®
If you can give your child INFORMAL music instruction before the age of 5, the chances are much higher that they will develop basic pitch and rhythm by the time they are ready for FORMAL instruction.
As far as FORMAL instruction before the age of 5:
- Has your child been BEGGING to learn this instrument?
- Can your child focus on something for 20 minutes?
- Have you found a teacher who knows how to engage very young children in learning this specific instrument?
If you can answer yes to ALL of these questions, go for it! If not, teach them informally until either you CAN, or they turn 5.
If your child is 5 or under, and you’d like to enroll them in a class that will:
- Provide them with a rich musical environment
- Prepare to start formal lessons
- Educate you on ways you can encourage your child in music
- Provide a supportive community for you and your child
We would love to have you in our Music Together classes at Hillcrest Family Music! Click here to sign up for a trial class.
Is your child ready to learn an instrument? We can also help you there! We currently have instructors in violin, viola, and cello, and we will soon be offering piano and ukulele instruction!
Click here to tell us about your student and inquire about private lessons.
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Crystal Graves is the violin teacher at The Anthony School, and a violin, viola, and Music Together teacher with Hillcrest Family Music.
Crystal knows that not all her students are going to go on to become professional musicians- and that's ok! Her goal is always to support a positive relationship with music and playing. She encourages families to make music together as often as possible, and for adults to find ways to play with others.
