The most frequently asked question
at Kreative Keyboards Learning Center is, “When should my child
start music lessons?” Since there are no hard or fast rules,
perhaps these pointers and signs may help you determine if your child
is ready to start music lessons. There are of course exceptions to
any and all claims of an appropriate starting age, each child is
an individual with many personalities. In the fifty-three years that
I have been teaching music, I have started many students as early
as three years old, but not all children are ready at that early
age. Remember, a child is a child and not a miniature adult. Do not
let your expectations and/or desires be the sole determinant of your
child's musical ability and progress.
There are many varying opinions as to when a child should officially start formal music lessons. Give a good deal of thought to your child's particular personality. Do they exhibit any of the following traits: |
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If your child can do the above, than chances are they may be ready to try music lessons. Remember to keep reasonable expectations, music should be a positive and life long endeavor. The benefits of music lessons for cognitive development is well demonstrated and extensively documented. There is a natural affinity of computer and music, portable digital keyboards have many fascinating voicing and rhythms, as well as sound effects to fascinate the young child. A low cost, low upkeep digital keyboard, would be a great investment for approximately $99.00 and up for the starting musician of any age. These portable digital keyboards are conveniently portable, small, and do not need special attention such as tuning. Digital keyboards have the capability of playing melody in many types of instruments such as: piano, flute, saxophone, trumpet, organs, and a multiple variety of sound effects. Harmony may be added, if desired, for not only additional interest; but the richness of accompaniment assisted by varied rhythms for a full and complete orchestrated sound. Some digital keyboards also have computer midi capabilities that will allow the student to interface with their computers to write music, as well as, sequence entire orchestrations. Today the world is a wealth of musical capabilities that will interest the youngest to the more mature musical student. While it is possible to spend over $1,000.00 on an acoustic piano, it is not necessary to make that kind of investment for a beginner student. Many successful people regard their parents influence and inspiration as the most important element in the development of music in their lives. Whether or not your child makes a career of music, the documented facts state that music will develop skills, self esteem, proficiency, time management, and many other factors that will affect their entire lives. At all ages it is important to choose a studio that have instructors who can teach your child to play a digital keyboard or piano and also able to provide musical enrichment experiences to develop an overall appreciation and interest in music in general. Playing the piano, keyboard, recitals, competitions, computer enhancement learning, musical games, and a general fun attitude is very important in developing an appreciation of music. What may not be apparent to parents and students is that these extra activities represent a major commitment of largely uncompensated time and money for the teachers and studios who make these additional activities possible. This fact of life is especially noteworthy in light of the fact that only a small fraction of teachers make them available at all, precisely because of the time and financial burdens required to bring them about. Thus, the task of finding a studio that will provide your child with all these activities into being falls disproportionately on a few active and committed music teachers. Your child will benefit greatly and enjoy a better musical education from the efforts of the instructors who do provide these extra activities. Despite your best efforts, your child may not be ready for music lessons. Should you force your child to continue? Every situation is individual, so we can’t tell you what to do. Simply allowing the child to quit lessons is usually not the best way to handle a resolutely uncooperative child. Such a decision should only be taken as a last resort and involve extensive consultation with the instructor. How many times have we heard the comment, “I wish my mother hadn’t let me quit my music lessons?” Finally, a word just for parents: Hang in there, it’s worth it! Give yourself a pat on the back that you recognize and are dealing with the issue of the importance of a musical education. Chances are great that your children when they become adults will say thank you for encouraging them to stay in music lessons. Wouldn’t you? |
Rita M. Bettis
Director of Music
Kreative Keyboards Learning Center
*In Loving Memory of our Director, Rita Bettis*Web Site Created by: Digital Rx |
Does
your child enjoy listening and interacting with music?