How early to start music lessons?
Our son has expressed some interest in taking violin lessons, with very little encouragement from us.
I'm frankly amazed, but am a little reluctant to spend the money on lessons for him, as he seems too young, and I'm not certain he'll get a positive experience out of it.
We have a recorder and tin whistle at the house, and I've tried to show him how to play it (with fingers on holes, etc.) several times, and he's shown little interest in proper technique, but he loves using them like whistles. He's also played with a friend's ukulele, but again, when I tried to show him proper technique, he quickly lost interest.
Is 3.5 years old too young for violin/fiddle lessons? What would you do if you had a kid of this age who kept asking to learn to play?
2 Answers
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Did you start your son in violin classes? I recently came across this age-guide for musical instruments. It's from a music school that was recommended by my neighbor who is a music teacher. http://www.avlonimusic.com/cl.htm
Great link, thank you!
- andrea, Mar 14, 2012
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A single lesson isn't going to set you back much. I'd start with that (with someone who specializes in young kids) and then evaluate from there.
I asked a neighbor who is a music teacher about this. She said 6 is min. age for violin. I've also heard that it's good to have instruments available at a younger age. My 3-yeard-old daughter has a red, plastic violin that she plays around the house.
You might also consider asking an expert from the Music Conservatory - they have early childhood music classes (not violin) - http://www.sfcm.edu/
Yvonne
- yjfrench, Nov 4, 2010