Music Lessons: Is Your Child Ready?

First encounters with music can begin as early as birth; sometimes babies are exposed to music while still in the womb. Soothing lullabies sung by parents, as well as, recordings of the classics are excellent ways to share music with a child, and at the same time calm a fussy baby. Throughout the early childhood years, it is wise to introduce your child to all styles of music, whether it is rock, jazz, or opera. Do not nag your child to listen; subconsciously they will absorb musical qualities as they repeatedly hear great works played everyday over a period of time. Encourage your young child to feel the music and let their bodies move with dance or sing with delight. In addition, household items (such as pots and pans) let children explore with sounds and rhythm.

As your child approaches the preschool years there are many benefits of early music education. Research shows that children who take music lessons develop rhythm, coordination, and self-confidence. The experience of learning music also helps a child in mathematics. There are guidelines that music teachers look for to evaluate if a child is ready for formal lessons.

-Does he/she show an interest in learning to play an instrument? If a keyboard is available, do you find the child picking out familiar melodies or exhibiting pride in his own composition? Perhaps the child sings on pitch especially well, or just truly enjoys listening to music-still all good reasons to start training.

-Is your child's attention span long enough for at least ten to fifteen minutes of instruction or practice?

-Does the child exhibit good coordination of his small muscles; finger dexterity? Can he decipher his right from his left, at least most of the time?

-Your child must be able to recognize the numbers 1-5 and understand the correlation between these numbers and the finger numbers of his hand.

-The alphabet is very important in music lessons. He/she must display ability to write and comprehend the alphabet letters from A to G in most traditional theory methods.

-Does your child take instruction well from a stranger? There are three types of music teachers; one who has had private training throughout their life, another who has had formal music education in college and then the professional musician. All could be equally talented, however, parents must choose the teacher who can best relate to your child's needs. Remember, preschoolers need patience, understanding, and learn vastly different than older elementary school children.

A parent should never force a child to perform. Most children like to show off in front of friends or relatives, but if pushed they could become resentful. Recitals are scary for very young children. If the teacher schedules one, make sure it is non-threatening and made fun for the child. Music lessons are for your child's enjoyment, not for the parent's glory.

IS THE PARENT READY?

-Are you willing to provide a well-tuned piano, electric keyboard, violin, or other instrument for your child to practice on?

-Can you provide time (at least 15 minutes) daily to help your child practice? A very young child needs guidance and creative ways to make learning music fun.

-Are you willing to bring your child to weekly lessons?

-Are you also willing to keep track of books, papers and tools needed for successful music lessons? The preschool child doesn't have this ability at such a young age.

There have been numerous arguments over private vs. group instruction. In either case, the child will learn music. Parents should look for the class that best suits their child's needs and wants. The shy child might lean toward a private teacher, whereas, outgoing children like groups to interact. One method, Suzuki uses both private and group settings. They emphasize learning music aurally. It has been called the "mother-tongue" approach as it teaches children to play the same way they have learned to speak; through listening and repetition. Formal music theory comes much later on in the program. Suzuki programs include instruction in piano, violin, viola, cello, harp and flute. Kindermusikare parent/child classes that teach music and movement. Music making starts from newborns to age seven. This approach nurtures cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and language skills. This focus prepares a child for more formal lessons in the future.

Look for private, as well as, group instructors in the area. Check with your local school's music teachers and universities for referrals.

When a child is introduced to various forms of music at an early age it helps to broaden their minds and introduce them to the world of sound. What a wonderful gift you can give to a child!