Music and Children

Almost all children LOVE music! Studies have shown that music enhances a child’s comprehension abilities, helps them with math concepts, assists in the development of fine motor skills, and helps to build self-confidence. Many children with special needs have been known to excel at music even though they are unable to communicate or participate in regular structured activities. In general, music enhances the lives of many children and adults as well.

When should a child start piano lessons?

There are varying opinions as to when a child should "officially" start lessons. Give a good deal of thoughtful consideration to the fact that, the younger the child is when beginning lessons, the more involved the parent will have to be with actively helping out with practice time, attending the lessons and being positively involved during the lessons. Generally, the child should be able recognize numbers 1-5, and understand the correlation between the numbers on the page and the finger numbers. If the child knows the alphabet letters of A through G, that is all that is required from a beginner. Most beginning books will spend a lot of time reinforcing these skills, so don't be too concerned if the knowledge is not always perfectly articulated

 We suggest children to take a minimum of one year of voice, piano or guitar lessons. This is more than enough time to get a good taste for the music and after a year, a decision can be made, to continue on or to leave it.

Guitar lessons?

Around age 7, instruments such as the guitar can be introduced. The same concepts are covered, but children who have had at least six months to one year of piano under their belt (and thus already know the basic elements of music) find it easier to make the transition between instruments. Consequently, they are able to engage with the new instrument a lot faster.

Voice lessons?

It is commonly agreed by professional vocal teachers, that voice training should not start until puberty. By ages 13-14 the vocal cords and the general phisiology have matured to the point where instruction can be beneficial. Younger children, say by age 10, who are singing a great deal, should have a teacher that provides instructions in breathing and how not to abuse vocal cords.