s/o when to start musical instrument?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those of you who started kids young, how did you start (group lessons, privates, what school, etc.). My 3 year old is obsessed with music and has already started playing scales on the piano and her xylophone. She's also show interest in our guitar and ukulele, plucking the strings individually and listening to the tones. But I have no idea how to encourage this at this age. We obviously have lots of instruments in the house and my husband is very musically gifted, so I originally figured we'd just let her play around at home for a while and worry about lessons in a few years.

But now I see people started their kids at 4 and I'm wondering what that experience is like? I don't want something really intense or that will take the joy out of it, but I also don't want to miss an opportunity to encourage an interest.

I wouldn’t sign up unless she asks for lessons. I think 3 is young. My 4.5 year old is doing piano and I think it’s really young but I got tired of him whining for lessons because his siblings go. My other kid started at 5 and that seems like the best age, he was able to pick out notes and actually start playing really quickly.

[Anonymous]

Kindergarten. Piano. Daughter. I knew she needed enrichment. Looked for opportunities outside of school. Choose piano because it was the best coach we could find

Same for son. In his case we waited until 1st grade and had thought about waiting longer until his fine motor skills improved. But piano actually improved them.

DD maybe for 9 years. Son only 2 years. Son however plays more (different instrument) now as an adult.

[Anonymous]

DD started piano at 6. I asked DD if she wanted to learn, and she said yes. She wasn't always excited about practicing, though.

For violin, I've heard that 3 is the earliest age a kid can start and that starting at 4-6 can also be ideal for some kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD started piano at 6. I asked DD if she wanted to learn, and she said yes. She wasn't always excited about practicing, though.

For violin, I've heard that 3 is the earliest age a kid can start and that starting at 4-6 can also be ideal for some kids.

Also, forgot to add that research has showed that there may be advantages to starting before age 7.