How old should your children be before they start taking music lessons?

Let's assume that you are now considering paying for music lessons for your child.  

I feel the child would have to be able to read and understand the relationship between a symbols displayed on a piece of paper and and a desired reaction; probably about 5 or 6; when they can read.

What instrument should I buy first?
Is it worth the money I am going to spend?

As a first instrument I suggest the recorder.

It's an amazingly simple instrument; affordable (less than $20 for a decent wooden model) and yet complex.

It's small, easy to carry, not too loud and sounds nice on it's own.  

Lesson's are cheap and it's a a perfect instrument for learning to read music and it's easy  to pick out simple melodies once you get the hang of it.

If you child can read the notes on sheet music you can be sure that they are ready to tackle something more complex like the piano or guitar.

The Truth  

Some kids understand the recorder in an afternoon.  Other's never quite get it.  Not good or bad, just the way life is and it's good to know in advance.

By starting with the recorder you can also judge the dedication and talent level of your child.  Don't fool yourself.  Paying for lessons?  It takes about 10 years to become an expert at anything, including the piano or guitar.  If you are going to invest that type of money and time you should be sure they want to succeed.  

Today most children are more interested in computer games than learning the guitar or piano. Video games give instant gratification; it can take many hours of practice to nail a piece on the piano; most people these days just don't have the time for it.

If your son/daughter seems introspective and thoughtful, good at languages, music may be their "magic power".

I would say on average that the people who are MOST interested in sports/athletics are the LEAST interested in music-making. Not a bad thing, just  something that I have observed. We all have our own talents and  abilities. 

Don't be disappointed if your child can sing but can't play an instrument.  Being a singer is it's own special world and not every musician can sing.

The other exception is drummers and bass players. Most interested in rhythm and beats, this is a natural for athletically inclined people, especially boys.  Get a digital drum or some tam tams; better than any videogame ever invented.

A traditional wooden recorder; about $20.00

Don't buy an acoustic piano.  You have to tune it.  Buy a digital piano.  Good starting models for a couple of hundred; AND your kids can use headphones when they practice!!!  

My child's school offers music or band classes, which instrument is right for him/her?

Unless you see a future in the National Guard or military for your children I would stay away from brass instruments. They are extremely loud  and meant to be played in an arena so practicing at home is  torture; not just for you but for your neighbors too...

That being said if you go down this road you should choose an instrument compatible with the  body type of the child. I don't see a 100 pound girl doing well on the  Tuba, nor a 6 foot 4 football player on the flute.

 

Is it time to buy a guitar, piano or violin for your child?  The dreaded trip to a local music store

Repertoire selections (song lists) of sure fire hits for kids 0-6