What Age Should I Teach My Child Music

Music is a language and science tells us that children learn languages faster and become more skilled at them if introduced at very young ages. Children who live in multilingual households can learn 2 or even 3 languages simultaneously. The human mind is amazing and children have a unique super-ability to learn to communicate, but the window will close on this super-ability around the age of 7. So to answer the question, when should I start teaching my child Music? The truth; you can start them in the womb.

Children in the womb have been introduced to music since the beginning of parenthood. Moms have been singing lullabies to their pre-born babies for millennia and say they even notice the baby reacting to their talking and singing. Lullabies are great but they are not a very complex language. Children need to be introduced to more complicated music like symphonies and more elaborate jazz pieces. Pieces that have very complex arrangements. The child mind is a sponge and has a unique ability to make sense of very complex information. So the beginning of your child’s musical journey begins with introducing them to amazing music throughout their informative years.

Next, at around age three introduce your child to the piano. At this age they do not need structured lessons but teach them how to navigate the instrument. How to play very basic melodies, how to make chords, etc. if you do not have any musical ability yourself, purchase a very basic beginning piano book and learn it with your child. Children want to be like their parents and if you take an interest they will follow your lead.

At around age 5 enroll your child in piano lessons so they can be introduced to basic music theory and more complex piano techniques. It is still too early for more visually complex instruments like the guitar, the piano is visually logical and will aid in the understanding of applying the musical language to an instrument. By this time you should definitely know if the child has an interest in music. If the child throws a tantrum when its time for music lessons then it might not be the right endeavor for them at this time. They might be getting interested in other things. Any subject that is constructive will benefit your child the rest of their life. Know that time is precious and if we seize a little of that time everyday to learn something new, we can reap its rewards later.

At age 7, as a rule, is a good time to introduce the child to another instrument (guitar, trumpet, violin, etc) or is a good starting point if they are just being introduced to music. Take into consideration the child’s discipline level, attention level, interest in learning, focus, and if they have the dexterity to learn that instrument. Even though the child’s super-ability for language is over, they will still have a huge head start and will provide an advantage over someone who starts, at say, age 16. The most important thing to remember is that being a musician is not a contest. People learn in different ways and have different aptitudes. The overall goal is to teach the person how to interact with other musicians, to be confident enough in the language of music, to play your part skillfully, and to add to the composition with your own style or improvisation.

No need to worry if your child did not get this head start, and there are no guarantees that this will make your child a prodigy. Life has a way of not working out how we imagine it will. Interests change and your children’s interests do not always match what we adults think they should. As parents we are to teach our children in the way that they should go. Give them the tools at an early age to succeed in what ever constructive endevour that captures their interests.

My goal was to provide an overall framework for what age your child should get into music. Not to discourage anyone at any age from picking up an instrument and learning to play because they are “too old” or “I wasn’t given a musical gift.” The truth is we develop our talents with hard work and tenacity. By working on something a little every day, over time, the child’s abilities and understanding will grow into something that will provide them much joy, and a sense of accomplishment. It is said it takes 10,000 hours to master a discipline. The child will get out what they put into it, and it definitely will take time. Just imagine what your child can accomplish if they have a huge head start into that 10,000 hours and if they have developed the discipline to work towards something long term. This will separate them from the rest of the pack looking for instant gratification, who never stick with anything long enough to become accomplished in their endevours. Provide your child the structure to learn whatever interests them and it will result in their success.