If you have a little one that loves music, then you have most likely asked this question recently:
When is the best time to get my young child involved in music?
Some children start showing an interest in music very early on, and some don’t start engaging with it until after they learn how to read. So how do you know if it’s the right time to push them to start lessons or a music program?
Here at Shining Light Music, we have a preschool music program, homeschool music classes, as well as a thriving private lessons program! We’ve seen students of all ages get started with music at different times. It is always our goal to help you find a teacher that is the right fit for your student, and the right atmosphere for your student to learn music effectively.
How Old Should My Child Be Before They Start Lessons?
We’ve had many parents ask us if we will put their 3 or 4 year old in private music lessons. Unfortunately, none of our private music teachers will take students that young for several reasons:
1. Younger kids have a harder time staying focused for a full lesson.
2. Depending on the instrument, most of the time the kid’s fingers or hands won’t be big enough to play the instrument without straining themselves.
3. Kids don’t always know how to read well at ages 3 or 4, which makes it harder for them to learn how to read music.
Private Lessons Teachers typically start students after they have learned how to read. This usually occurs around ages 5-6, because that’s when kids will start kindergarten.
That being said, every child is different! Some will find it easier to focus during lessons than others, and some will learn their instrument quicker because of that.
What If My Kid Is Too Young For Lessons, But They Still Want Learn Music?
Great question…enroll them in one of our Twinkle classes!
Our Twinkle Preschool Music Program is designed for kids who are too young to take private lessons, but still want to get started learning about music! Twinkle has classes for children ages 1-6.
These preschool music classes are broken up into age groups so that kids can learn alongside other kids their age. Classes include musical games and activities, songs, movement activities and more! Twinkle is a great way to get your child started learning music with other kids.
Once your student ages out of the Twinkle program, they are ready to focus on one specific instrument in private lessons. We have found that kids who attend Twinkle class until they are old enough for private lessons have done even better with their instruments!
Learning about music in a class atmosphere as a young child has many positives – one being that it develops a balance of discipline and fun in music. Students tend to be ready for private lessons after Twinkle because they have learned what it takes to control themselves in a music class, while at the same time having fun learning with other students.
We hope this information has been helpful! To find out more about our Music Lessons Program or Twinkle Preschool Music Program, check out our website or call us at 816.347.0099 with any questions! As always, you can find other ways to contact us here.
Written By Julia McCall