Children are talented and wishing success for them, parents are often keen on immersing their children in the music lessons, from an early age. Is it right?
However, on the contrary, parents often come across complaints, where parents are being held responsible for forcing their children to play the instrument when actually they have no interest. Many children often express their hatred because they were forced to play the instrument. So, a section of parents usually waits for some time so that children reach a certain age before they choose to play the instrument. So, what is the right age to start music lessons?
The above instances are quite contrary, and parents are often confused. To understand in depth, about the right age of taking music lessons, you need to understand the main reason, why parents would want their kids to learn music.
The window of Opportunity:
Research states that from birth until the age of nine, it is a stage of ‘window of opportunity’ – this is the time when the musical ability of children tends to develop. It is during this stage that the different mechanisms and structures which are associated with various processing techniques and learning ability are developed. Thus, it is the right time for children to learn music and make the most of it.
Still, the question is when is it the right time to start the lessons? It is also good to understand what the goal for music lessons is? Often young children are usually exposed to musical instruments, not just to master them but also for gaining experience. It is vital to gain experience and develop a meaningful relationship with music from an early age. If your goal is to help your child develop a meaningful relationship, you need to start from quite an early age.
This does not mean that the lessons will be formal, in fact, if they are too much formal, children might not actually learn them. Let your children stay focused on music, with specific movement activities like dancing, swaying or playing musical games.
By the age of five, children have already built a foundation that helps them in getting prepared for formal music lessons. The goal of such lessons is to help children become performers and also develop an interest and love for music. As a child reaches the age of 10, they tend to create some skills which are closely associated with the music of choice. At this age, they usually have the strength and desire to try out a more substantial musical instrument which can be brass or even a guitar, which needs greater stamina and strength. The goal of learning music at this age is usually to gain experience and use music to improve their ability.
It can be concluded that informal activities related to music can be started from a very early stage. This can be followed by some regular classes which are at the age of three. Learning the instrument usually begins between the age of nine and six. These facts should be kept in mind as guidelines. Musical experience from an early stage helps in developing several skills of the mind and body.
