https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:20:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811474 Fri, 23 Mar 2018 10:25:25 +0000 krispi 2811474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I started piano in 4th grade and clarinet in 8th grade and also did some singing in high school. Personally, I think it was easier for me to learn to read music on the piano first. The keys are laid out in order, and you can visually see the different notes, sharps and flats, octaves, etc. I think having that background on piano made it easier for me to pick up another instrument. The fingerings on the clarinet don't always correspond to the musical notes in a logical way like the piano does; you just have to memorize them. I don't play any stringed instruments, but I'd imagine they would be similar. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811429 Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:52:22 +0000 greencraftycello 2811429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a cellist and music teacher, I think this depends on a couple of things—your child’s temperament and interest, but I also think finding a teacher who has experience working with younger students is really important. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811413 Fri, 23 Mar 2018 05:55:04 +0000 honeybear 2811413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son started piano at 6.5 and is coming up on a year of playing. I had a keyboard that he started on and we recently got a digital piano. If you're going the keyboard route, I think it should be full size and preferably with weighted keys, unless you're planning to upgrade to a real piano soon. I think 6 is fine for traditional lessons. The thing I've learned and that you may want to think about is that it's not an activity solely for the child. Like, you can't drop them off and do something else and then remind them to practice throughout the week. You've got to pay attention at the lesson and essentially act sort of like a tutor during practice time. And practice is super important! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811394 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 21:27:50 +0000 Pancakes 2811394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: My LO started this year, in first grade. She was 6.5 when she started. Her lessons follow the Musikgarten curriculum, which I love. The program teaches aural training before actually reading music and the kids are encouraged to transpose the songs they learn (by ear) into different keys. If you happen to have a program like this in your area I would highly recommend it. Lessons are in a group and all of the kids play on a keyboard to start. Personally I am happy for her to play on a decent keyboard for a few years before we commit to buying a piano. My DD's hands are still a little small, so she will play modified chords to start but is encouraged to add the third finger as soon as she can. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811391 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:58:04 +0000 sunny 2811391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Personally, I would go for the violin before guitar. I started violin in middle school and it was a struggle to become proficient, while I picked up the guitar easily (though I just played it casually). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811390 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:54:59 +0000 sunny 2811390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jennlin821: I think that kind of piano might be fun but it would be terribly frustrating to go to a real piano after. I’d be afraid of setting the wrong expectations. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811389 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:49:38 +0000 sunny 2811389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter started piano lessons at 4. I started piano lessons at age 5 and many of my peers were 4. The Suzuki method specifically wants kids to start early so I don’t think 6 is too young, though you know your child best. </p> <p>If you buy an electric piano, buy one that has weighted keys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811361 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 18:42:52 +0000 misolee 2811361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter just started piano lessons couple of months ago. She’s five. She can also read a little bit so it helped. We don’t use a keyboard but a regular piano. She’s also small for her age with small fingers. The thing that helped was that I found a music company that personalizes piano lessons for the younger crowd. The teacher and the books they used is very kid friendly and my daughter was able to catch on quickly. You don’t start with actual reading notes and it gradually builds up. Lessons are 30 minutes. A bonus is they also come to your house. She loves it and can play actual songs now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811353 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:36:20 +0000 lamariniere 2811353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son did guitar last year when he started kindergarten, so he was 5 when he started. He already knew the teacher from daycare and they got along really well. He actually picked it up really quickly and could play without looking at his music, but like @HappyBaker: said, it was hard to get him to practice. We moved for this school year and didn’t continue, but he has expressed interest in playing again next year, and school offers guitar lessons for his age next year. So we’ll see. He took lessons for about 9 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811347 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:25:43 +0000 Silva 2811347@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>6-7 is what we will probably do. I'd rather wait a little longer, maybe more like 7-8 but my husband feels strongly about starting early. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811295 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:59:56 +0000 Hypatia 2811295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You might want to look into Hoffman Academy. It's online video piano lessons for kids. The lessons are free (you can pay for the sheet music or a subscription but those are optional). I think it would give you a good idea of whether he was ready for a tutor, even if you didn't plan on using online lessons exclusively. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811289 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:49:26 +0000 looch 2811289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am not interested in formal lessons for my son, the approach I want to do is to have someone come over and play the piano with him. I know this probably doesn't make any sense, but I don't think that he's ready to actually commit to practicing. I know that's where the rubber meets the road in terms of actually learning an instrument and I had a difficult time committing to practicing when I played an instrument. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811285 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:39:32 +0000 nana87 2811285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started violin at 5 and so did my brother, and it was great for us. My mom started us in lessons because she wanted a structured activity for us to do with her since she chose the Suzuki method, which relies on parents to help with practicing. </p> <p>A lot of posters have mentioned reading--Suzuki method has you learn by ear rather than reading music (I didn't learn to read music til much later, like when I started orchestra in middle school). Suzuki gets a bad name because of the "tiger mom" book, but I loved it. I think you just need to find a good teacher. Mine was lovely--his motto wasn't "practice makes perfect" but "practice makes it easier," which is still something I think about when I'm struggling with something! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811284 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:31:34 +0000 brownepiano 2811284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know why people get them, but I cringe at the thought of those light up keyboards. If you do wind up doing lessons later, you'll want to get something more like this with weighted keys and 88 of them, pedals, music stand etc. Kids who learn on cheap keyboards often don't learn to use their fingers the right way or how to play loud/soft. If you spring for something reasonable first instead of later, you can all enjoy it in the meantime! Most digital pianos come with enough sound effects to keep kids entertained. </p> <p>While it's a fun thought to start lessons young, most kids who start at 5 wind up in the same place as the kids who started later. Whether you start now or at 7/8, you'll do well to practice with your kid. So taking lessons at the same time too is actually a good idea! </p> <p>( <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Privia-PX-160-Digital-Piano/dp/B0106BXNIS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1521743132&#038;sr=8-2&#038;keywords=casio+privia+px-160" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Privia-PX-160-Digital-Piano/dp/B0106BXNIS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1521743132&#038;sr=8-2&#038;keywords=casio+privia+px-160</a> ) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811282 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:13:11 +0000 Kemma 2811282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My Mum is a registered music teacher and piano accompaniest and won’t generally take on kids under seven because younger kids just aren’t quite ready to sit through a lesson and slightly older kids can read and follow instructions better (plus retain the learning!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811281 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:11:07 +0000 jennlin821 2811281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: @kiddosc: <a href="https://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-CAS-LK265?src=Y0802G00SRCHCAPN&#038;adpos=1o1&#038;scid=scplpCAS+LK265&#038;sc_intid=CAS+LK265&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj9y65MKA2gIV3rfACh3KlQkqEAYYASABEgIAUPD_BwE" rel="nofollow">https://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-CAS-LK265?src=Y0802G00SRCHCAPN&#038;adpos=1o1&#038;scid=scplpCAS+LK265&#038;sc_intid=CAS+LK265&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj9y65MKA2gIV3rfACh3KlQkqEAYYASABEgIAUPD_BwE</a></p> <p>This look similar to the one we had (20+ year ago!)<br /> But there are several out there. If you have a large music store or piano store near you, you could check it out.<br /> There are definitely some on amazon too!</p> <p>@kiddosc: I think the lessons will come down to how mature your LO is, and how much he likes playing once the lessons start. If there is a group class like MrsBells, that might be a good intro. Perhaps look into a class for the summer? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811280 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:05:24 +0000 Mrsbells 2811280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: yes she loves it. She loves music and enjoys having the weekly lesson. In 6 months she can already read the music and understand the notations and timing. It all comes down to the teachers approach. I see cistern her age and younger at the music school </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811278 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:00:24 +0000 kiddosc 2811278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: Did she enjoy it, even if she only making slow progress? I don't think I have any real expectations of the progress he'd make just starting out, but I don't want him to get discouraged and drop out so young. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811274 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:47:26 +0000 Mrsbells 2811274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: DD started an instrument at 5. I think it's good to start early. You just need to have lower expectations initially but once it clicks in their mind its amazing what they can do at any age. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811273 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:40:45 +0000 HappyBaker 2811273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We tried at 5 with DD but I think 6-7 would be better, at least for her. Her lessons were a 6 week intro to piano group lesson with 3 other kids, and she did learn some great fundamentals and enjoyed going, but she just didn't understand the "need to practice" part of things. Her teacher literally wanted them to just practice 5 minutes a night, and she never wanted to. I think in a year or two she might better understand that practicing would help her get better, but right now it just wasn't worth to pay for private lessons which would be the next step. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811271 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:39:05 +0000 kiddosc 2811271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: It looks like there are a few on Amazon with this feature.<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dmi&#038;field-keywords=light+up+keyboard" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dmi&#038;field-keywords=light+up+keyboard</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811269 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:38:19 +0000 gingerbebe 2811269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: Easter bunny??? We love our's, but the B.Meowsic keyboard is something I see ALLLL the time on our local BST boards because parents get annoyed with musical instruments, so you might see if there's a used one local to be had! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811268 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:36:12 +0000 kiddosc 2811268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: A keyboard has been on the list of potential gifts for the last few Christmases/Birthdays, but always seems to get bumped. I really think he'd enjoy one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811267 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:32:33 +0000 gingerbebe 2811267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our 3.5 year old plays with his B. Meowsic keyboard like every single day. It was a $30 gift that he's had since he was 1 and I swear he and his 2 year old brother never stop playing with it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811266 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:30:26 +0000 kiddosc 2811266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: @Grace: That's interesting how reading correlates to being able to read music. He picked up on reading fairly easily, but isn't always keen to practice. </p> <p>@cnidaria: part of my enthusiasm to get him started is that I've always wanted to learn to play the piano. Maybe I should just take lessons myself, lol. </p> <p> @jennlin821: That sounds really cool. That might be a good intro to the concept to really gauge his interest before we jump into lessons. </p> <p>It sounds like the consensus is that waiting until 7 might be better. DH was pretty lukewarm on the idea when I brought it up to him. Maybe we can go the route of getting him an inexpensive keyboard and see if that sparks further interest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811263 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:27:55 +0000 Anagram 2811263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jennlin821: What keyboard is this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811261 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:23:20 +0000 jennlin821 2811261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you decide to get a keyboard, there is a kind that has lights underneath the buttons that will signal the player to press... sort of a press-the-key version of paint by numbers!<br /> We had one of these, there were three settings<br /> -where no matter what key you pressed, the piano played the right note<br /> - the piano would not move on to the next note until the correct key was pressed<br /> - the piano keys lit up but the player could make mistakes</p> <p>It also had a 'normal' function where is was a regular old keyboard. </p> <p>I'm suggesting this for two reasons:<br /> 1) in case you decide against lessons, this would be a way for him to still 'play' the piano.<br /> 2) if you do give him lessons, practicing scales and Hot Cross Buns can get boring quickly. So this would be a way for him to get to play real songs, while still doing the hard work. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811260 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:22:09 +0000 gingerbebe 2811260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For piano, I would wait until like 6-7 because I don't think they are big enough physically to handle the keyboard. For 5-6, I would only do a string instrument that could be sized to their body, like violin or cello. If you know piano is what he seems most interested in, I would personally wait a year and do some Music Together type classes that are just more musical in nature until formal classes at 7. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811259 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:19:43 +0000 ineebee 2811259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My brother and I both started at age 5. I was dying to start earlier, but my mom had me wait. If he's interested now, I say go for it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-age-for-music-lessons#post-2811258 Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:17:44 +0000 Anagram 2811258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Everyone in my family started at age 5. But it's like anything else (soccer, ballet, whatever)--the early classes focus on the basics and keeping it fun....it's age appropriate and not very intense.</p> <p>My oldest has always had an interest in music, so we've discussed started her pretty soon. She'll be 5 this summer. Our issue is, we don't know what to start! I took piano lessons, but we live in a condo and would have to buy a keyboard instead. My dad and niece both played/play violin, so my mom keeps mentioning she has various child-sized violins to pass down if we want them. But my husband plays guitar and has already bought a kid sized guitar. She doesn't seem to have a preference, or says she wants to learn them all (haha), so I don't know what to try first for lessons. </p>