When to Start Music Lesson: My Child Loves Music - So What Should I Do?

The other night my husband and I were in a local restaurant. In a high chair was an adorable one-year-old girl be bopping to the music on the PA system. Her hands were raised high, and she had the biggest grin ever. That little one had rhythm in her bones! I could hardly eat as I just spent time watching her rock 'n roll. All children love music. Studies have shown music education enhances a child's comprehension abilities, helps some with math and assists in development of fine motor skills, along with confidence. Many children with special needs can excel at music even when they are unable to participate in regular structured activities. In general music enhances the lives of everyone. Studies also show that children actually hear music in the womb and seemed to develop a taste for certain styles as a result. Finding appropriate music programs and an instructor can be a real challenge.

Six to eight months
Classes geared for moms and babies are a great way to begin. The class is a 30 to 40 minutes long and require the active participation of the parents. Programs designed for toddler's 18 to 24 months are also popular. By this age the children are starting actively to engage in the different activities in the class.

Three and four-year-olds
Programs for 3 to 4-year-olds are now available. This is the ideal age to start kids on their music experience. Most of the programs are 30 to 35 minutes in length and involve props, movement and singing. Some even integrate arts and crafts and free play with rhythm instruments. Parents typically are not required to participate.
Ages five and up
For children ages five and up the best way to begin their musical path is to have them take some type of group piano or group violin lesson with other children of their own age. If the teachers are creative they can integrate activities such as music games and crafts. You can also begin to consider private individual instruction. Piano or keyboard lessons are sometimes the easiest for children 5,6 and older. One year of instruction on the piano provides a great foundation as children learn basic music theory concepts such as the music alphabet, quarter note, half note, whole note, what the music staff does, and the location of the keys on the keyboard. If piano isn't there a thing one can try a violin.

Ages seven and up
Around seven instruments such as the guitar, drums and other string instruments can be introduced. The same concepts are covered but children who have had six months to a year of piano find it easier to make the transition between instruments. They are able to engage with a new instrument quicker.
Elementary school grades three and up
Most elementary schools provide an opportunity for children in grades three and up to begin taking group lessons on all instruments except the piano. This gives them an opportunity to participate in a band or orchestra with their friends and experience they often remember into adulthood. One drawback can be that group lessons do not allow for extra time spent with students. Outside private lessons are a wonderful way to reinforce anything that is taking place at school and help them to be feel successful.
After deciding that learning an instrument is right for your child your next immediate question would be how to get them to practice. Most children especially at first need some external incentive such as a reward chart like a new book, 15 extra minutes to play a video game or a trip for ice cream. Help your child develop a sense of commitment to learning the instrument. Music should not become a torturous experience but also don't allow kids to hop from one activity to the next without ever completing anything. Commit to a class for a certain amount of weeks and that commitment should be carried through. Always tell them you require them to do their best and if you see they are making a consistent effort you are more than willing to allow them to try something new once this commitment is completed. This lesson is not only important in music education, but is a crucial life skill and provides a good opportunity to acquire it early.
Adult education
There is always time as an adult to take up an instrument or voice lessons and it can create a wonderful bond with your child as you both find the time to practice and encourage one another. Many adults find themselves better at learning as a adult. Some of the oldest students start taking piano at 83 as there are many senior citizens who take lessons. You can schedule a lesson for every other week instead of every week if that works better. Remember music was created to bring us joy. A crucial part of childhood is to experience that joy together with one parents and saturating a child's life with music from the very start is a simple but great way to do so. Gymboree music lessons may be your first choice. Try finding fliers for free lessons so you don’t have to spend a fortune on this. Or you just register on coupon sites and they will send you free offers. Slickdeals, Coupons.com, Retailmenot, Promo Code 2016 might be you best choices.