Music Lessons & Kids | When Should Children Learn to Play an Instrument?

[@jodi183]

Interesting thoughts. As a professional musician and music teacher myself, I think parents need to realize there are no "one sized fits all" ages for signing you child up for lessons. And I do agree with Sarah's comment regarding what are parents trying to accomplish or achieve by signing their children up for music lessons. IMO, when children want to learn to play an instrument, that's when they ought to be taking up lessons. I have taught those children who DO NOT WANT TO BE TAKING LESSONS. They don't focus in lessons, they never practice, thus, they don't learn anything that's being taught to them, and in general, they are wasting their parents' money. I've even seen children throw tantrums before their lesson. These students will eventually be dropped from a teacher's roster. Parents need to be realistic about their children and they need to be honest about what they want. Is it your agenda/goal or your child's? And here's some food for thought. I wrote a paper when I was at music conservatory about John Coltrane. I researched how he became one of the greatest saxophonists of all time, yet he was not a child prodigy. And I've thought a lot about child prodigies and highly gifted musicians. I was surrounded by a lot of extremely talented musicians during my studies (and I still am as a player)--some of them prodigies, many are not. What made the best players, prodigy or not, was dedicated and mindful practice. Yes, there may be something to be said about early music education, but I don't think it's so black & white. Contrane debunked a lot of the ideas that children, in order to be a "world class musician," need to be taught music prior to age 5. He didn't start playing an instrument until he was 13 or 14 when he started playing in school. How did he become one of if not the greatest of all time? He practiced 12-16 hours a day for years. Why? He loved the process. Wynton Marsalis is another one who didn't pick up a trumpet until he was 6. Oh, and by the way, Wynton Marsalis didn't even really take it seriously until he was about 12. He is both a world class jazz AND classical trumpet musician. In fact, he is considered one of the best trumpet players in both music "worlds." Coltrane was not considered a prodigy, yet he changed the way horn players think about and play music. And by the way, jazz is EXTREMELY difficult to play! Not only does one have to exhibit virtuosity on one's instrument, they also need to have an extremely deep knowledge of music theory and have the ability to "compose" in the moment. How do you get your child to want to play an instrument? I don't think you can. That said, if you show your child a love for music, a love you have for playing or wanting to learn to play an instrument yourself (oh ya, I think parents forget about that part), then maybe they will follow you as a role model. That's just my 2cents. Have a wonderful day!

[@Moni-uo3sc]

THANKS!!!!

[@timelesscorridor2384]

My response to the children who don't practice: I am a musician, and a father of a piano and vocal music student who is 10. She's been taking lessons for about a year. She loves music, but there have been two different times when she begged me to quit, and threw a tantrum directly before her lessons. It turns out, after long talks (communication is huge) with my child, we realized she didn't have a good practice routine, and wasn't practicing regularly enough, so she was nervous and afraid to face her teacher, who was telling her exactly that: that she needed to practice more! DUH lol. Furthermore, once I started watching and guiding her practice sessions, she began to actually learn and she saw herself get better and that's something she enjoys. We also "jam" together now and that's very helpful - she finds it very fun to play along with songs she likes from the radio/youtube/whatever instead of ONLY the etudes and songs from her book. Children do not want to do things that are difficult. They want to do things that they have a knack for, or things like video games that are fairly simple to pick up and just play. I really believe that the secret for teaching most children music is making them feel that feeling of "Hey, I'm good at this!" or "Hey, look at me! I'm getting it - I CAN do it!"

[@sueellendubbert478]

Thank you! I am a Suzuki piano teacher, former Music Together teacher, and Waldorf parent. I agree that around seven is a good time for beginning lessons for many children. Perhaps just a bit earlier (6 or 6.5) would still catch that imitative phase that is so important for rote/ear learning as well as developing a free and natural technique at the instrument.

[@mirjamroosens9379]

So beautiful what you said! I learned violin by suzuki method at the age of 25 and found it great!!! I’m also waldorf early child teacher and I totaly agree with you! Thank you for this! In my kindergarten I play every day the lyre and used it also as a percussion instrument to show when the children had to clap their hands, or let the wind blow and so on… we had so much FUN! Even the children who are not easy to contact; they all loved it.

[@ellengawler1902]

Thank you Sarah for addressing this issue! Everything you touched on I believe is right on the money. I am a Suzuki teacher (27 years) and a trained Waldorf Teacher. (I too have had long conversations with Sara Jane Smolen!) Here are a couple of things I might add; I have started out many 3 and 4 year olds. While it is true that they have a comfort with the instrument that doesn't always happen with older beginners, I must say that I worry about their developing little bodies and souls when they head into the minuets at age 6 or so. Book 1 typically takes 3 years. I would love to see a parallel method come out with pentatonic pieces that would take the child at least into their 7th year. I believe Suzuki used folk songs with the intention to respond to the childs' natural musical needs. I also believe Steiner had a deep understanding of the development of the child right down to the health of their internal organs. I have seen some serious suzuki students look unhealthy in their constitution and can't help wonder if intellectual efforts happened too early and effected their development. I have seen others be just fine (usually the ones who play outside a lot) Very hard to quantify..... A good imagination and sense of humor I believe is also paramount. It appeals to the heart realm of the child and is in keeping with Steiner. Playfulness, imitation, games, enjoyment of the process, Suzuki also has all this in spades and can really help the early years keep from getting too intellectual. I make up little tales, jingles and characters to keep the lessons and practice in the imaginative mode. Parents can certainly work with their child at home in this way and keep the child from getting too serious, too soon. Playfulness and enjoyment of the process will also be what is the most helpful in the long run. When parents dig deep to find these qualities in themselves, it is such a huge gift to the child! They will associate a warm heart with paying music and it will keep them inspired and wanting to play long into adulthood. My 2 cents... hope it is helpful..... Ellen Gawler

[@Moni-uo3sc]

Perfect! These are the kinds of insigths I was looking for. It takes me into the right direction

[@francoisr4036]

@Ellen Gawler Just wonderful, I have been researching "how do you read music notes for beginners?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Foonlant Dumbstruck Formula - (just google it ) ? It is a good one off guide for discovering how to teach your child to read music notes without the headache. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my buddy got great results with it.

[@PamelaLGiles]

Thank you for this well thought through "discussion" on the topic. I am a Waldorf class teacher of over 30 years and the mother of two professional musicians and one adult child who plays for pleasure. I adapted the best of both worlds in their training and found it successful. After all, Waldorf education advocates freedom in thinking and decision making!

[@abarnhart1679]

Wow, so fancinating! My daughter 9.5 year old daughter had recorder ages 6-8. My 6 year old son has not had any music lessons yet. I just started them both with a non-traditional piano teacher who we love we much! My daughter wants to quit already, but my 6 year old loves it so much. I would really like to push my 9 year old a bit, but perhaps I missed to window, so to speak. Not sure how to encourage her to continue without forcing her.

[@thecountrychickadee]

Thank you. A most helpful video.

[@josephaviles8289]

I have two daughters and one just hit 6 years old and truthfully thank you for your insight on this

[@shaygarofalo1744]

Thank you so much for covering this topic! I love learning about the Waldorf approach and it made me hestitate to start music lessons for my son after his early years in Music Together classes. However, he was interested in starting an instrument after his Music Together teacher suggested we think about Suzuki lessons for him and so far he's had a successful start with violin at age 5. I love the slow approach, watching him develop a special relationship with his teacher, and the connection I have with him as his 'home teacher.' My hope is that he'll develop a strong musical ear that will let him enjoy making music in a community throughout his life.

[@huleina]

Hello dear Sarah, my sun is just turning to 7 at the end of the year. This week only he started playing an instrument on his own initiative. I have been thinking about this issue but I knew we needed to be patient with it. We just started our Waldorf school with the first class for the first time in Nicosia. He is in the class and so am I as their teacher.

[@hillaryenloe]

Thank you... This was well done!

[@alinem6012]

Thank you! I am a Waldorf teacher and a Suzuki teacher! ❤️

[@creativemarmee7950]

I love tuning in with you on Sundays! I'm interested in learning more about what you were saying about learning windows for different things (language, music etc), do you have a book recommendation where I can read more, please?

[@lynns133]

Spiritual openness window is most pronounced at 3-1/2 to 6.

[@tonylars4128]

This was great, thanks, I been tryin to find out about "how do you introduce music to kids?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Foonlant Dumbstruck Formula - (search on google ) ? It is a great exclusive product for discovering how to teach your child to read music notes minus the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my mate got amazing results with it.

[@user-angelicaddlos]

Cheers for this, I've been looking for "music notes kids" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Foonlant Dumbstruck Formula - (do a google search ) ? It is a good exclusive product for discovering how to teach your child to read music notes minus the headache. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my buddy got excellent results with it.

[@Gumblossomhomeschool]

I loved this!

[@Anitas112]

I really love the philosophy behind Waldorf

[@morganreid1037]

Enjoyed this so much!

[@AndieBabie]

I came here to ask about your thoughts on music together as i feel like Waldorf and music together would be very complimentary together. And you mentioned music together in the first couple minutes haha. My kids have been in music together since birth but I'm just finding Waldorf now that my oldest is grade one age so I'm so excited to have found your videos!!!

[@paulsedgwick7060]

Thanks, Sarah! I provide banjo and uke lessons to young children. Your comments seem right on to me. (I also appreciate the banjo tag music!)

[@dianacordoba9785]

tahnk you sarah from colombia south America I love this and I was very imortant for me..........

[@TheCamilaBz]

Thanks!! 😄

[@leyliaxundova3145]

Thank you 🌼

[@Anitas112]

How nice my son is doing the Suzuki method

[@stephaniem7676]

What first instrument would you recommend for a homeschool with 5 year old, 2.5 year old? I'm trying to decide between pentatonic harp, flute or glockenspiel? Thanks for your videos

[@maddyconroy6620]

I went through the Suzuki method. I did not enjoy it and thinking about the violin today makes me sick, and maybe it was my teacher or being unnaturally forced to practice a lot as kid. But It’s really sad learning now that was his original message as that was not my experience with it.

[@annmarietibbetts2452]

Could you tell me the learning window for learning languages?

[@jrmcconchie]

If you have the resources, kids learn languages best the earlier you start. Once they turn 5-6, their process of learning a language changes. They go from just accepting this item here is a “libro” or “book”; recognizing items inherently by what they look like. After 6, they tend to say, this book is a “libro”; equating their target language to their mother tongue. Nothing wrong with it, but they end up having an extra step in processing the second language.

[@nangyaysengnaw8860]

❤❤❤

[@tammyariel2982]

My kids are 17 months and 3.5. They love music and are interested in instruments. They are not old enough for lessons but I cannot teach them much myself. I don’t want to wait till they are ready for formal learning to introduce them to music. But I’m not sure how to continue

[@Moni-uo3sc]

My son is in Yamaha music education since he was 5 yrs old. Are you familiar? Is Suzuki education comparable?

[@Moni-uo3sc]

@sandwich thank you, I will look into suzuki...I appreciate your response especially since you are a musician nand I am not

[@MaverickVersusEverything]

Maverick just called me in to watch. Ok - someone just broke out the icecream. --Mav's people

[@AhmedRw]

Here's a suggestion: Don't ask for sub and little bell and so on , if what you do and say is useful and helpful ppl WILL sub

[@PS-kd1if]

If every parent keeps his/her child from learning an instrument until the child is 7, there would have never been Mozart.

[@Alicealice777]

And Mozart’s life was tragic.

[@karlesmcquade2863]

@@Alicealice777 Actually, though Mozart died very young, even by the standards of his time, he actually lived a life filled with composing, performing, and teaching opportunities and successes. He, his younger sister, and their father were all highly accomplished musicians and performed music together for their own enjoyment. He frequently shared dirty jokes with his own mother (which we have preserved in his own handwriting) and he was good friends with Josef Haydn, who is regarded as the "father" of both the string quartet and the symphony. Mozart actually dedicated a collection of string quartets to Haydn.

[@karlesmcquade2863]

@@Alicealice777 Could you be confusing Mozart with Beethoven? (Beethoven was abused as a child by his father and other adults in his life, had a famously difficult romantic life, and lost his hearing before his fortieth birthday.) Or, could you be confusing the Mozart in the movie "Amadeus" with the real-life figure?

[@concertmasterntl]

Pleeeeeease don’t tell people to do Suzuki!!! As a violin teacher, professional musician, and Juilliard grad, I find Suzuki to be absolutely AWFUL. It cripples students horribly. After the first year of Suzuki, they progress really, really slowly, develop bizarre habits due to the unbalanced selection of Suzuki pieces, develop a crippling fear of reading music, which slows progress to a total halt over time, and they just waste time learning pieces instead of actual skills. There are plenty of very gentle, fun, wholesome ways to introduce 5-8 year olds to the violin without using Suzuki and without forcing the reading issue. Adventures in Violinland is great for the first year. Anything but Suzuki. If you’re going to start with Suzuki, make sure you switch to a more traditional or mixed method after the first year.

[@EtelkaNyilasi]

Thank you!! I was hoping someone would write this. You said it better than I could. I am a Colourstrings violin and viola teacher in Canada (a Kodaly-based system more well-known in Europe) and it lines up far more beautifully and organically with Waldorf than Suzuki does. Just comparing the books themselves is shocking- Colourstrings is, well, full of colour...just like Waldorf schools are! We teach with a lot of singing...just like Waldorf schools! Notation begins with child-friendly graphic notation and builds organically into traditional notation as new symbols are needed. Reading problems? Solved! Children are even encouraged to be creative, and compose from the earliest stage possible. Creative learning, just like in Waldorf schools! The Suzuki books are not inviting to the child in any way and dives straight into small black-and-white notes. (They were actually meant for parents as a reference, not the child, but teachers often still put it in front of the child anyway.) And don't get me started on all the technical problems and reading issues Suzuki children have. Adventures in Violinland has been a fantastic alternative to Colourstrings for me, it's also Kodaly-based which is fantastic! I mainly use it with young transfer students who don't get along with Colourstrings. Unfortunately, it already shows its age with some of the songs and its general style of drawing, and is very expensive to purchase as it involves SO many books. Shirley Givens was an absolute genius, however...I'm so sorry that she is overlooked in violin pedagogy! I would love to see Adventures in Violinland updated, re-published, and become more standard in North America. (Wow...sorry for the novel here!!)

[@jsblastoff]

Why is this the last comment in the list with four thumbs up 🧐

[@patriciaanton7550]

Many thanks, I been tryin to find out about "how to read sheet music for piano for kids" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Foonlant Dumbstruck Formula - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is a great one off guide for discovering how to teach your child to read music notes without the hard work. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my neighbour got excellent success with it.

[@jeiruskamartinez905]

Cheers for this, I have been researching "reading musical notes for children" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Foonlant Dumbstruck Formula - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is a good one of a kind guide for discovering how to teach your child to read music notes without the headache. Ive heard some incredible things about it and my cousin got great results with it.