Music teacher’s get asked this question a lot! The answer is not necessarily a specific age but more about whether YOUR child is developmentally and musically ready.
Playing an instrument requires reading, listening, movement, memory, even emotion, all of the areas of the brain responsible for those processes spring into action – “your brain is on fire”.
Most children even the musically inclined – can benefit from waiting a little longer to start instrumental lessons than the anxious parent might be given to believe.
Beginning an instrument is exciting and fun but it also takes daily practice.
Parents are you ready to commit to helping them practice? The younger your child is the more they need you and your undivided attention to help them practice.
Some of the best musicians in this world started their instrumental training relatively late.
The most important way to help your child enjoy learning an instrument is not to start lessons too soon, but instead support and encourage the development of their musicality and musicianship!
The natural way young children express their musical idea’s is through their voice. If a child has a solid musical foundation they will likely learn an instrument with ease and success!
There are many early childhood music classes offered around but not all are created equally. Search around for teachers that have specialized training and experience in early years music and music literacy.
Kodaly-inspired music classes develop musicianship skills and music literacy and are taught by Kodaly music specialist’s that have undergone an extensive teacher training process not just one or two training courses. .
Each lesson is carefully designed to gently progress in a logical progression through playful singing games and creative movement using percussion instruments, parachutes, balls and scarves.
Purposeful singing games develop musical language, expression and intellectual skills through guided questions and answer, problem solving lead the children onto developing music literacy and basic music competence.
If the musician has been ‘created’ (i.e. they have developed basic music competence and basic music literacy ) there will only be the technical difficulties of playing the instrument to think about.
If a child can hear what is on the page before playing, he will have a greater understanding of the music.
An understanding of pitch relationship through singing leads to better intonation – the ability to play in-tune. This is particularly important when learning a string instrument.
If a child can sing expressively it will help them play expressively on their instrument.
Neuroscientists have found that learning to play a musical instrument can enhance verbal memory, spatial reasoning and literacy skills. Playing an instrument makes you use both sides of your brain, which strengthens memory power.
Learning an instrument is vital for the best cognitive development to occur. This is due to the brain’s neural networks lighting up like fireworks between the auditory, visual and motor cortices in the brain (hearing, seeing and moving), creating millions of connections across the brain at once.
Learning an instrument builds so many connections, that the brain grows to be 30% more dense than students who do not learn an instrument.
Learning an instrument for a minimum of two years before the age of 7, or three years after the age of 7, creates permanent cognitive change (this includes adults!). It is generally agreed that 5 – 7 years is the ideal minimum amount of music learning for cognitive development, but of course, the more learning throughout life, the better the cognitive outcomes.
From 7 years old, the brain begins a natural process called pruning, which involves the brain ‘trimming’ information it doesn’t require so it can absorb more information. Pruning is much quicker for musically-trained students, occurring in just six months as opposed to 18 months for non-musically-trained students.
Einstein once said: “Life without playing music is inconceivable to me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music… I get most joy in life out of music”. And as it turns out, Einstein was onto something: many studies show a correlation between musical training and academic success, in both children and adults. Learning to play an instrument stimulates the brain, improving functions like memory and abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for maths and science.
Laura Hasthorpe, BA, CPGS, CSAK is a distinguished professional violist, Founder, and Director of Vancouver’s Colourstrings Conservatory of Music.
129 East 8th Ave – Mount Pleasant – Vancouver (between Main St & Quebec)
colourstrings.ca
At Colourstrings Music, the Kodály & Colourstrings methods have revolutionized children’s music education. These approaches emphasize ear training, Solfege, sight-singing, and rhythm using age-appropriate songs, enhancing musical proficiency and academic performance. Children not only learn to understand and appreciate music deeply but also develop enhanced cognitive skills and increased confidence. Parents report remarkable improvements in their children’s focus and joy in learning.
Surrey, 604/621-947
ejsfinearts.com
We are a fine arts school in Surrey established in 1999. We offer Music Lessons, Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Drums , Voice. Art: Visual & Digital Art Classes. Dance classes focusing on Hip Hop Fusion, Bollywood. Musical Theatre Classes for 2024-25 Sleeping Beauty & Sound of Music Reaching for the Stars classes for Music, Art, Dance, Theatre for students 5-7 yrs
Classroom #1: #203-6628 Fraser St. Vancouver, BC
Classroom #2: #201-4381 Fraser St. Vancouver, BC
Text 604-340-8120
happykeysmusic.ca
At Happy Keys Piano, we make learning piano gamified! Led by a BC certified elementary teacher, we specialize in beginner piano lessons for kids ages 4.5 to 11. Kids can learn 6x faster than traditional methods, grow their confidence through performances, and leave knowing how to read and play music, just like reading a book! Book your free trial today!”
With 17 locations across British Columbia. Click here to find our lesson centre closest to you.
long-mcquade.com
Music lessons for every age, level, and style. At Long & McQuade, we believe every person is capable of acquiring the skills and knowledge required to make playing a musical instrument a rewarding activity. We have a wide variety of professional instructors offering year-round music lessons, both in studio and on-line. Private lessons and a variety of group programs available.
Richmond, 604/241-0141
theartsconservatory.ca
A vibrant fine arts school that offers comprehensive programs in music, visual arts, and dance. The experienced instructors provide personalized instruction in a nurturing environment, fostering creativity and skill development for students of all ages and levels.
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