How early is too early to get kids started playing music?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (220245)
Walnut Creek, California
July 20, 2018 9:17am CST
Many of us sing to our babies, and do little rhythmic games with them, like "Patticake ...bake me a dozen as fast as you can..." And most kids grow up singing the ABC song, and other kid-oriented songs. But at what age do you think children should be allowed to handle (or sit at, in the case of a piano) musical instruments?
For me, the answer is: as soon as they want to! I play guitar and mandolin for the children at my friend's preschool, and that leads to them wanting to "play" my guitar and mandolin. I let them.
At first, I hold the instrument, do a chord, and let them strum it with a pick. Then, I let them hold it in their tiny laps and strum away. The light in their eyes, and also the concentration they show (as in the photo I've attached), tells me that they love it.
My goal is to have kids feel comfortable around musical instruments, and to see them as something you play, not just listen to. Because they're sponges, they remember terms like "body," "fingerboard," "tuners," and "sound hole" almost immediately. But what's more important to me is that their bodies have the experience of strumming (or playing keys, as on a piano) and making music.
Your thoughts?
17 people like this
24 responses
@GardenGerty (160952)
• United States
20 Jul 18
I agree, as soon as they show interest. My son wanted piano lessons at 4, but no one would teach him, they said "he cannot read" they were wrong. By the time he was the appropriate (to them) age of 7 he was no longer interested. How soon can children read? He read at twelfth grade 9th month level when he was almost six.
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
20 Jul 18
the earlier the better for sure. I'm 56 and musically useless
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@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
21 Jul 18
@TheHorse that is pretty cool
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@TheHorse (220245)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 Jul 18
@arthurchappell Yes, I still often "think" in piano, if that makes sense.
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@DaddyEvil (137636)
• United States
24 Jul 18
A child is ready to start learning how to play musical instruments as soon as they show interest in learning how to play.
I started singing to Pretty as soon as we found out my wife was pregnant. I sang all the little teaching tunes I could remember as well as the little story songs... over and over!
(My wife was very patient with me
... 
although, she did read a lot while I was singing
)
According to Pretty, I still sing to her, even when I don't know I'm singing
. (She has claimed several times that I sing in my sleep. I'd have difficulty believing her, if both my ex-wives hadn't told me the same thing.)
(My wife was very patient with me... although, she did read a lot while I was singing)
According to Pretty, I still sing to her, even when I don't know I'm singing. (She has claimed several times that I sing in my sleep. I'd have difficulty believing her, if both my ex-wives hadn't told me the same thing.)1 person likes this
@fueledbycoffee (38)
•
21 Jul 18
teach them as long as they shown their passion at music
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@TheHorse (220245)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 Jul 18
@fueledbycoffee I hope so!
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@fueledbycoffee (38)
•
21 Jul 18
@TheHorse maybe it is good if you are the one who will initiate that you will teach him/her.
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@toniganzon (72535)
• Philippines
20 Jul 18
It's the same for me. The moment I see signs that the child is interested in something, I encourage that, especially music.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (69010)
• United States
21 Jul 18
I believe in respecting life and the prenatal experience, so putting a guitar in the mother’s womb for the baby is way, way too early. And, you may want to wait until the umbilical cord is cut.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (117141)
• Anniston, Alabama
20 Jul 18
We were given harmonica`s and play flutes, My brother played electric guitar and my cousin, a lot older than me was teaching him, later that cousin subbed for a group I promoted. Mom`s best friend had a piano and we played around on it a little. I played clarinet in school, I bet I couldn`t play nothing on it now.
I have always been around music and instruments.
I own a banjo and I was teaching myself to play but work has gotten in the way.
Yeah, what you are doing is awesome. If they want to play let them.
1 person likes this
@Daljinder (23236)
• Bangalore, India
20 Jul 18
As soon as they show interest. Give them the opportunity to explore it regardless of whether they turn out talented or not.
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@a_jerobon (2304)
• Eldoret, Kenya
20 Jul 18
I also think that they should be allowed to do their thing as soon as they want to.
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@lexilovexo (3)
•
20 Jul 18
Never! I think learning music at a young age is important and good for mental development! It gives children a reason to think, not to mention to learn something new. Motor skills are an important thing as far as growing goes, so learning at a young age would certainly help.
1 person likes this
@fueledbycoffee (38)
•
21 Jul 18
a kid is eligible to play music if they have a good ear and good at following rhythm and tunes.
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@BarBaraPrz (47667)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
20 Jul 18
If they have the inclination, then let them.
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@amadeo (111938)
• United States
20 Jul 18
You can get them to hear music and at the age on one.As long there is music playing in your house.He or she will loved.
Maybe introduced them to some instrument.Piano is fine if you have one.They will bang on it but will soon to loved it
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83118)
• United States
20 Jul 18
I agree that introducing kids to musical instruments as early as possible.
I'm happy to say that my grandchildren have great music programs in school and are playing instruments like flute, trumpet, clarinet and sax.
When I was growing up I wanted to play the drums
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
20 Jul 18
I would as soon as possible if they have the inclination. Playing an instrument should not be forced. How many kids grew up resenting having to take piano lessons.
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