Independence School of Music - Independence Ohio - sitemap

Private lessons  - Piano - Guitar  - Drum - Strings - Flute  - Oboe  - Clarinet - Trumpet - Trombone - Saxophone - Percussion

The first question parents who have an interest in their children's interest in music usually is "When you my child start music lessons"? Of course this depends on many factors. Some experts tell us that children as young as two years of age or younger have musical awareness and the ability to discern tone and rhythm.

When a child should start music lessons depends a lot on the child, the parent, and the instrument. Generally, if a child does not have the ability to focus for more than a few minutes, then music lessons might be a frustrating experience for child, parent and teacher. Piano teachers in Russia begin their students study at age four. At this age it is important for the teacher to understand developmental issues of early childhood. The teacher will typically make use of color and shapes to hold the child's interest. No lesson segment for these children will typically last more than a few minutes. Jumping around and playing with the child to keep them interested in the lesson.

Guitar students can start as early as five years of age if they have the interest and the physical strength to press the strings.

Violin students also can start at a very early age, especially in light of the Suzuki methods that do not require the child to learn to read music.

We find that 1st or 2nd grade is generally the best time to start a student in some form of music instruction assuming they have the physical and mental discipline necessary to enjoy lesson time and the willingness to get some minutes of practice every day.

Most school systems that have excellent music programs begin at about 4th or 5th grade. Students is the school system need to have the additional level of maturity to participate because of the group nature of band or orchestra. The school music teacher will not be able to ever give the focused attention to individual students because they may have 25 to 100 students or more in their band or orchestra.

We generally recommend to start your student in private lessons either one or two years prior to beginning the established school program. This will build confidence in your child as he or she begins to get comfortable with their instrument. When they then start the school band or orchestra, they will already know one or more scales, and have the mechanical aspects of making a sound well at hand.