Jump to content

Music lessons for children


Recommended Posts

Hi


I was just thinking about music lessons for children. I always wanted to play an instrument and never got the chance, so I am keen to get my 5 year old started early, but I don't want to start too early and have him dread it!


So, lots of questions: At what age did your children start having music lessons? Is 5 too early? When is the best time? What do you recommend as a first instrument? Do you recommend any particular teachers or do your children learn through school?


Any opinions gratefully received.


Thanks


L

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My extremely musical step-mother who has quite wide experience with this has said that in her experience there is no real benefit to starting before age 7. Those who do start then soon catch up with those who began lessons earlier.


From my own personal observations as a pianist whose children are currently learning the violin and flute, I'd say that the piano is one of the best to start with. Because it's so straightforward to play (all the notes are there, in the order they are on the stave with no worrying about precise finger or mouth positioning) children progress much more quickly to playing real pieces as well as learning the theory of music. There is technique to worry about, of course, but it's not too painful/frustrating for parent/child before they manage to perfect it.


I know both the ukulele and the recorder are also thought of as great first instruments, but I don't really have much experience of them. (Although I could pick up a recorder after a gap of, erm, some decades and play London's Burning straight off, so take from that what you will.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wait for him to ask, don't push him into an instrument. Expose him to different types, be it on the radio, tv, or by going to the variety of family friendly concerts that happen on the bandstands in the area over summer (there's one on the Horniman bandstand at midday on Saturday that I'm playing in). If he shows an interest in a particular instrument you can take it from there - so if clarinet catches his eye, start on recorder, cello - violin etc.


My son started recorder at 5, but he had asked to learn an instrument and watches and listens to me practise so knew what it involved. At 7.5 he is able to read music and understand music theory.


Piano, recorder, violin and ukelele are all good beginner instruments. As a musician I think reading music early is a benefit, as later on when moving to a trickier instrument (if they want to) it's one less thing to worry about.


I didn't start until I was 7, and went on to become a professional musician, so it didn't do me any harm :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The East Dulwich academy of music and performing arts holds mini maestro lessons on a Saturday morning from 9-10

My son is 6 and has enjoyed piano, ukele and recorder since it's opening.

The lessons are held at goose green school if you are interested

Take care

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would try Kodali based classes to start with. They are supposed to develop musical hearing, sense of rhythm etc that feed in ability to play and enjoy playing music. It's not just a mechanical extraction of sound out of instrument. I would also take them to concerts targeted for children. There is Bach for baby (or such) and they have local venues. I think they do them in St. Barnabas hall in Dulwich village on Fridays.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

There's some evidence to suggest that starting lessons before five increases the chances of developing perfect pitch pretty substantially. I played piano from about 5 (and double bass from 11, and guitar from 12 and...) and didn't really loathe it till I was about 12-13, when it really wasn't *cool*. Wish i'd kept going. A lot of whether they learn to dread it or not is down to the teacher and how you go about encouraging practice, tbh, same as anything else. I'm all for earlier the better - once I think our lad can get the concept of a lesson and practicing something we'll go for it, probably about 3 1/2.


5 isn't too early, generally.


In terms of instruments, piano gives a great basis to play anything else because of the focus (generally) on sight reading and understanding the music. Although you can get the same with other instruments, I found myself reading music from lesson 1and going from there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd agree that the best approach is to go with any interest or enthusiasm he shows - doesn't have to be showing passion for a particular instrument, just a general interest in music. I'd also agree that if budget and space allow, piano is the best option for young beginners, and makes is massively easier to learn to read music and understand theory, and transfer those skills to other instruments in due course. 5 isn't too young to start - my daughter started at 4.5, is now 10 and very much enjoys piano and cello.


I run a local music teaching agency with a group of fab local teachers who are great with young beginners, we take students from age 4 upwards, so if you do decide to go ahead, I'd be very happy to find a lovely teacher for your son. We also do lessons for adults, and have lots of families learning together.


Emma

Musico south

0207 277 2759

www.musicosouth.co.uk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rather than a specific instrument, you could try something like the Lucy Sparkles musicianship lessons. My children (5 and 3) really enjoy her lessons. They have also started to enjoy "playing" the piano at home and singing along. Their musical ability is starting to develop, and they are having a great time learning with Lucy's lessons.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi I am a piano teacher looking for students starting from August 2014. My lessons include general musicianship training using the Hindemith method and keyboard and aural skills. Students ability can range from complete beginners to around grade 5. If you are interested contact me, i am willing to travel to you to give lessons if convenient or vice versa.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I also teach from a young age, 4-5 is often not too early, though it does absolutely depend on the individual child and their family. Some children find reading music very easy, others find playing by ear is much easier, though they are usually keen to persevere to improve their sightreading.

I teach recorder to diploma, piano to grade 8 and could also teach clarinet to grade 6.

I've been teaching and living in the area for many years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • Plenty for sale online from various ticket vendors but you'll need to part with £250 and upwards by the looks of it. Out of interest i kept an eye on the prices for the England and Italy Euro final. At one point they were on offer for a couple of grand each. On the day sellers were obviously getting itchy feet and prices dropped somewhat but never went any lower than £400. That was a few hours before kick off. There was plenty still available half an hour before kick off.   Having been to Wembley a couple of times for play off finals i found it to be not a great place to watch football. Sat three rows back from the pitch side advertising hoardings for one game and way way up in the gods for the other. We felt to far away from the pitch on both occasions. Up in the goods was just stupid because we felt cut off as well.  I don't think it was rebuilt with acoustics in mind either. Even with most of our 25k fans singing it never sounded loud because it's pretty much uncovered and too open.   Happy hunting!
    • It doesn't work as a commercial venture.  Bit churlish to say I told you so.  I told you so.  I'll send less greetings cards.  What pees me off is international postage where you can no longer send light letters at 10 grammes, normal ones up to 20g, now all at the much more expensive 100 g  Didn't we vote to take back control and price everything according to irrational units like ounces? That's some obscure humour btw   
    • Available from Monday April 8th 2024, 2on2Walkies take pride in doggie care and only walk 2 furry friends at a time. I make sure that they get plenty of doggie interaction and socialisation in the park as well as making friends. Back home happy and tired I always check that the water bowl has fresh water and always make sure the doggie is left comfortable before I leave. I'm fully insured and have a couple of slots available for local walks to either Peckham Rye Park or Dulwich Park.  Thank you!  
    • Why would they only send them recorded delivery? I used the signed for option yesterday.
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...