Making the Choice...
These guidelines will help your child have a successful, rewarding
experience learning music. These are practical tips that we have
discovered from years of teaching experience with hundreds of
students.
Age-Appropriate Music Instruction for Young Children
We know that music is one of the first and most important modes
of communication for infants. Research has shown that music
enhances memory, language, reasoning, spatial-relations, logic,
perception, social interaction, and math skills. When children
participate in music, they are developing skills that will apply to
math, language, literacy, and life itself.
While music instruction should ideally begin at birth, that doesn’t
mean you should sign your 6 month old up for piano lessons or
rush out and begin violin with your 4-year-old. Music instruction
must be developmentally appropriate to have the best impact and
most enjoyment for you and your child. Our goal is to develop a
lifelong love of music!
Kindermusik (Birth - 5 Years Old) more than any other program
for young children provides a thorough foundation for future
musical opportunities. As the world’s most respected name in early
childhood musical learning, Kindermusik has been enriching lives
with the most carefully researched, developmentally based music
program available. From birth to age 6 children can experience the
magic of music without the pressure to perform—just the
encouragement and guidance to stretch their boundaries with
creativity and fun!
At ages 5-7, our “MUSIC for the YOUNG CHILD” graduates leave
the program reading notes and rhythm, playing their melodies on
the glockenspiel, dulcimer and recorder, knowing all the
instruments of the orchestra and which instrument they would like
to play. They jump into our instrument/voice studies full of
enthusiasm and an ability to feel and express the music with their
whole being. These children will be musicians for a lifetime!
When Should My Child Begin Private Instrumental Instruction?
As a general rule, most children are not ready to begin formal
instrumental training before the age of 6 or 7 for piano or string
instruments, and most instructors will not accept students younger
than 8 or 9 for other orchestral or band instruments. Before that,
they tend to lack the size, stamina, and outcome-oriented
commitment to make lessons a pleasurable and successful
experience. Children are individuals, with a wide range of
aptitudes, but all children possess the ability to enjoy lifelong music
making, and this ability can be greatly influenced by how we
choose to approach their earliest experiences.
Kindermusik contains all if the needed elements to develop a child
who is musically aware and who has the solid foundation to make
lessons a natural and joyous next step. Children who grow up in
Kindermusik have had chances to succeed, be nurtured and
encouraged in their early creative explorations, and develop a core
of music theory instilled through voice, body, and mind. Music for
them is a natural part of their environment, and they have gained
the language of note, rhythm, and expression to help them as they
select which instrument they most wish to make their own. Many
experts agree that early musical enrichment lays a foundation for
musicianship which may accelerate later progress on an instrument.
Children who graduate from our Kindermusik for the Young Child
program have a strong basis in theory, musicianship, and
instrumental technique. More importantly, they have been allowed
to develop the whole child through music, in a supportive and
reassuring atmosphere, which lays the groundwork for a lifetime of
positive outlook not only towards music learning, but towards
learning in general.
Beyond Kindermusik: Instrument and Voice Lessons
The following guidelines may help guide you in your search for
"Beyond Kindermusik" instrument and voice classes for your child.
Instrumental "Beyond Kindermusik" classes and Children's Choir
are available in Pleasanton at Where Music Begins. Voice, Dance,
Acting, and Musical Theatre "Beyond Kindermusik" classes are
available in Walnut Creek at California Theatre Arts.
1. How Young Is Too Young – Starting at the Right Age
• The right program at the right time. For instrument or voice
lessons, some people will tell you “the sooner the better,” but this
attitude can backfire. If a child is put into private music lessons too
soon (too young, shorter attention span, not ready for the
necessary physical coordination, etc.) they may feel overwhelmed
and frustrated and want to stop lessons not long after they have
started. The last thing you want to do is turn child off music
because they had one unpleasant experience that could have been
prevented.
We have found the following guidelines to be successful in
determining which program provides the best results. An age-
appropriate curriculum is key to music lesson success.
Piano & Guitar
• At age 6, children have begun to develop longer attention spans
and can retain material with ease. At most schools, 6 or 7 years
old is the youngest age to start children in piano lessons.
• Piano playing involves complex physical and intellectual skills all
happening simultaneously. At age 6, children are coordinated
enough to begin using both hands and all 10 fingers to execute
these skills. They are also ready for more advanced music reading
skills.
Voice
• 13 years old is the recommended youngest age for private vocal
lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons (proper
breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung
capacity) the younger body is not yet ready for the rigors and
details of private instruction.
Brass & Woodwind (Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Flute &
Clarinet)
• Brass and woodwind instruments require physical exertion,
refined coordination, and lung power. 9 years and older is a good
age to start.
2. Use Researched, Recognized Teaching Materials & Methods
• Not all books are equal. There are some excellent materials
developed by professional music educators that are tailored to all
levels and ages of students. For maximum results, it is important to
be studying from educationally sound literature that does not
confuse and ultimately frustrate the student.
• Choose Books and Programs That Have a Holistic Approach.
Effective lessons address all parts of the learning process to
incorporate multiple skills early on. For example, some piano books
realize the importance of featuring songs that promote healthy
hand technique while other books use material that actually causes
physical discomfort that can lead to repetitive injury symptoms. Be
sure to find a program that has taken all aspects of your child’s
music education into account.
3. Get Referrals The best way to make sure you choose a high-
quality instructor or program is to try to get a referral from
someone you trust. Then, try out the program and make sure it is a
good fit for you and your child!
4. Practicing Made Easier
As with anything, improving in music requires practice. Practicing is
an enjoyable activity when presented in a positive format. Here are
some ways to make practicing easier, more motivating and stress
free.
• Time - Set the same time every day to practice so that it
becomes part of a routine. This works particularly well for children.
Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less
reminding is required of the parents, and the more alert and
productive the student can be.
• Goals - The teacher should have clear practice goals written
down for the student to follow each week. This allows children to
effectively use their practice time to produce quality results.
• Encouragement - Praise and encouragement when deserved is
the most coveted reward you can give a child. Remember that
negative comments about a child's performance or practice session,
even in jest, can erode your child's confidence and motivation to
practice. Help your child correct what is wrong, but spend at least
twice as much time celebrating what he/she is doing right!
If you do not feel that you and your child are ready to commit to
daily practices, our Young Child program is probably a better fit for
you than private lessons. In our classes, students complete only 10
minutes of homework per week, easing them (and you!) into the
practice routine.
Have Fun!
Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. Try not to
put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too
quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace. The key is to be able
to enjoy the journey!
experience learning music. These are practical tips that we have
discovered from years of teaching experience with hundreds of
students.
Age-Appropriate Music Instruction for Young Children
We know that music is one of the first and most important modes
of communication for infants. Research has shown that music
enhances memory, language, reasoning, spatial-relations, logic,
perception, social interaction, and math skills. When children
participate in music, they are developing skills that will apply to
math, language, literacy, and life itself.
While music instruction should ideally begin at birth, that doesn’t
mean you should sign your 6 month old up for piano lessons or
rush out and begin violin with your 4-year-old. Music instruction
must be developmentally appropriate to have the best impact and
most enjoyment for you and your child. Our goal is to develop a
lifelong love of music!
Kindermusik (Birth - 5 Years Old) more than any other program
for young children provides a thorough foundation for future
musical opportunities. As the world’s most respected name in early
childhood musical learning, Kindermusik has been enriching lives
with the most carefully researched, developmentally based music
program available. From birth to age 6 children can experience the
magic of music without the pressure to perform—just the
encouragement and guidance to stretch their boundaries with
creativity and fun!
At ages 5-7, our “MUSIC for the YOUNG CHILD” graduates leave
the program reading notes and rhythm, playing their melodies on
the glockenspiel, dulcimer and recorder, knowing all the
instruments of the orchestra and which instrument they would like
to play. They jump into our instrument/voice studies full of
enthusiasm and an ability to feel and express the music with their
whole being. These children will be musicians for a lifetime!
When Should My Child Begin Private Instrumental Instruction?
As a general rule, most children are not ready to begin formal
instrumental training before the age of 6 or 7 for piano or string
instruments, and most instructors will not accept students younger
than 8 or 9 for other orchestral or band instruments. Before that,
they tend to lack the size, stamina, and outcome-oriented
commitment to make lessons a pleasurable and successful
experience. Children are individuals, with a wide range of
aptitudes, but all children possess the ability to enjoy lifelong music
making, and this ability can be greatly influenced by how we
choose to approach their earliest experiences.
Kindermusik contains all if the needed elements to develop a child
who is musically aware and who has the solid foundation to make
lessons a natural and joyous next step. Children who grow up in
Kindermusik have had chances to succeed, be nurtured and
encouraged in their early creative explorations, and develop a core
of music theory instilled through voice, body, and mind. Music for
them is a natural part of their environment, and they have gained
the language of note, rhythm, and expression to help them as they
select which instrument they most wish to make their own. Many
experts agree that early musical enrichment lays a foundation for
musicianship which may accelerate later progress on an instrument.
Children who graduate from our Kindermusik for the Young Child
program have a strong basis in theory, musicianship, and
instrumental technique. More importantly, they have been allowed
to develop the whole child through music, in a supportive and
reassuring atmosphere, which lays the groundwork for a lifetime of
positive outlook not only towards music learning, but towards
learning in general.
Beyond Kindermusik: Instrument and Voice Lessons
The following guidelines may help guide you in your search for
"Beyond Kindermusik" instrument and voice classes for your child.
Instrumental "Beyond Kindermusik" classes and Children's Choir
are available in Pleasanton at Where Music Begins. Voice, Dance,
Acting, and Musical Theatre "Beyond Kindermusik" classes are
available in Walnut Creek at California Theatre Arts.
1. How Young Is Too Young – Starting at the Right Age
• The right program at the right time. For instrument or voice
lessons, some people will tell you “the sooner the better,” but this
attitude can backfire. If a child is put into private music lessons too
soon (too young, shorter attention span, not ready for the
necessary physical coordination, etc.) they may feel overwhelmed
and frustrated and want to stop lessons not long after they have
started. The last thing you want to do is turn child off music
because they had one unpleasant experience that could have been
prevented.
We have found the following guidelines to be successful in
determining which program provides the best results. An age-
appropriate curriculum is key to music lesson success.
Piano & Guitar
• At age 6, children have begun to develop longer attention spans
and can retain material with ease. At most schools, 6 or 7 years
old is the youngest age to start children in piano lessons.
• Piano playing involves complex physical and intellectual skills all
happening simultaneously. At age 6, children are coordinated
enough to begin using both hands and all 10 fingers to execute
these skills. They are also ready for more advanced music reading
skills.
Voice
• 13 years old is the recommended youngest age for private vocal
lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons (proper
breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung
capacity) the younger body is not yet ready for the rigors and
details of private instruction.
Brass & Woodwind (Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Flute &
Clarinet)
• Brass and woodwind instruments require physical exertion,
refined coordination, and lung power. 9 years and older is a good
age to start.
2. Use Researched, Recognized Teaching Materials & Methods
• Not all books are equal. There are some excellent materials
developed by professional music educators that are tailored to all
levels and ages of students. For maximum results, it is important to
be studying from educationally sound literature that does not
confuse and ultimately frustrate the student.
• Choose Books and Programs That Have a Holistic Approach.
Effective lessons address all parts of the learning process to
incorporate multiple skills early on. For example, some piano books
realize the importance of featuring songs that promote healthy
hand technique while other books use material that actually causes
physical discomfort that can lead to repetitive injury symptoms. Be
sure to find a program that has taken all aspects of your child’s
music education into account.
3. Get Referrals The best way to make sure you choose a high-
quality instructor or program is to try to get a referral from
someone you trust. Then, try out the program and make sure it is a
good fit for you and your child!
4. Practicing Made Easier
As with anything, improving in music requires practice. Practicing is
an enjoyable activity when presented in a positive format. Here are
some ways to make practicing easier, more motivating and stress
free.
• Time - Set the same time every day to practice so that it
becomes part of a routine. This works particularly well for children.
Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less
reminding is required of the parents, and the more alert and
productive the student can be.
• Goals - The teacher should have clear practice goals written
down for the student to follow each week. This allows children to
effectively use their practice time to produce quality results.
• Encouragement - Praise and encouragement when deserved is
the most coveted reward you can give a child. Remember that
negative comments about a child's performance or practice session,
even in jest, can erode your child's confidence and motivation to
practice. Help your child correct what is wrong, but spend at least
twice as much time celebrating what he/she is doing right!
If you do not feel that you and your child are ready to commit to
daily practices, our Young Child program is probably a better fit for
you than private lessons. In our classes, students complete only 10
minutes of homework per week, easing them (and you!) into the
practice routine.
Have Fun!
Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. Try not to
put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too
quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace. The key is to be able
to enjoy the journey!
| What Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing Music Lessons |
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