It's never to late. My MIL learned to play saxophone in her early 60's.

OP, it is never too late. I started piano in my 30's and I love it. Music is one of lifes greatest gifts and there is no age limit.

Not at all. In fact, I think you've saved a lot of money and headaches by not pushing your kids into a musical instrument until they're ready. I have friends who play in the NSO who didn't begin to play until 9 y.o. It's about the kid. Have fun!

I began playing an instrument at 9 years old and went on to major in music in college. It's not too late by any stretch.

OK, I'm calling bullshit on your friends. I don't think 3 year olds have the dexterity to play an instrument. Unless we are talking about one of those types of things they just blow in, or beat on (without having to actually make notes).

I plan to wait until the school introduces them...and isn't that 5th grade. 7 and 8 is still young. I mean, I'd start them now if they seem ready, but you are certainly not too late.

I started an instrument in 5th grade and continued through junior high and high school. In HS, I even picked up 2 more instruments. IMO, it's never too late to learn to play an instrument. It might be harder, but never too late.

DD didn't play any instrument until 3rd grade. She started with clarinet. A friend gave me a keyboard, and DD takes each sheet music she gets for clarinet and teaches herself to play it on the keyboard. This year she got invited to participate in some county-wide concert for the best beginner band players.

Good lord, no, they're not too old. And, yes, lots of kids start instruments at three, but that doesn't mean they'll be any more devoted to their instrument or practice any harder. In fact, if your kids are interested now, talk about the importance of practicing and get them started. With passion and practice, they can easily catch up to most kids.

"Over the hill"? Seriously? They're 8 and 7! I didn't learn to play the French horn until 7th grade band class, when basically everyone else in my school started playing an instrument. Many of them and I got to be very good and played in our college bands.

If you want your kids to be musical prodigies, maybe it's "too late" (although I doubt it). For anything else, there's no reason they can't start now -- or at any time in the future! If they are interested, encourage it!

Your friends are exaggerating. No way they are Mozarts at 8 or 9 years old. Start when they are ready.

I learned to play the flute at 10, piano at 15, and guitar as an adult. Of course they are not too old!!

My stepdaughter didn't start anything until almost 10. She started violin then and has a wonderful talent for it now in high school, and enjoys playing very much.

No it is absolutely not too late.

I didn't start to play my instrument until I was 10, and I SUCKED. It was not until I was about 15, and I started getting serious about it, that I started to play well--well enough to earn a music scholarship to one university (though not my top choice, and I didn't actually want to major in music--so I ended up turning it down).

Not too late at all. Piano is a wonderful first instrument. For guitar, look into the Suzuki method.

Think of all the people that start band or orchestra in 6th grade and go on to be great musicians.

I have two DCS-- an 8 year old and 7 year old. Neither know how to play any instrument. Both have expressed interest in playing the piano and guitar. Many of my friends constantly brag about their children starting an instrument at 3 years old and having recitals etc. as the continue to master their craft. Part of me feels like I missed the boat and they are over the hill.

Is one instrument more appropriate than the other for their ages? Is it just too late for them to excel if they really like it? Thoughts?