How and When Should Your Child be Introduced to Music?

There are many scientifically proven benefits to introducing children to music early. It improves cognitive ability, boosts creativity, and enhances problem solving skills. But can you start them too early? Before you can take your child to a music school consider the following factors.

Gauging Your Child’s Interest

The child needs to be interested in taking music lessons. You will, therefore, first need to gauge their interest. Find out what kind of music they enjoy listening to and whether they would want to try out a musical instrument. Once you understand the kind of music they enjoy playing, you will be in a better position to encourage and motivate them.

Appropriate Programs

The next step is to find music schools that can help the young one learn more about music. Some schools like the Napa School use folk songs and group participation to motivate children to learn.

It is suggested that the right age to teach music is around the ages of three or four. Before age three, the child may be exposed to instruments to allow them to get accustomed to music. Such sessions are informal and are only designed to spur interest.

At age three, children are often ready for formal but simple lessons in music. They learn things like tones and beats. At this stage they can play the piano as they slowly start to understand music concepts. At five they may have built a foundation to help them play a guitar or violin.

Children that are 10 or older will respond better if they feel they made the decision to learn music by themselves. Ideally, these skills should start early with simple, informal sessions and then followed by more formal lessons at around age three. However, playing a tune has positive mental and emotional benefits to children of all ages. Encourage and guide them should they show interest in music or playing instruments.