How to Incorporate Music at Different Ages

​Anxious to provide their children with every opportunity, many new parents fret about when and how to introduce their child to music lessons. While each child responds to music differently, you can use the following key developmental milestones to help guide you as you seek ways to include music into your child’s life:

Birth to 24 Months

​The earliest months of a child’s life are a great time to introduce your child to the wonderful sounds of music. Whether in a school setting or at home, it is important to fuel your child’s innate response to musical sounds. Young children should have the opportunity to play and explore musical activities without any performance goals attached. They should be free to imitate and improvise, developing their own musical sense of direction.

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2 to 4 Years Old

The preschool years are characterized by a new streak of independence. When being introduced to music, most children will want to try things “by myself,” which will most likely result in an overwhelming amount of noise. Children at this age love exploring the dynamics of musical volume, and can go from “whisper” to “ear piercing” in just a few seconds. To reach the preschool-aged child, you can combine music instruction with reading, counting, and identifying colors and shapes. Using singing and movement to explore the world is both fun and educational.

5 to 6 Years Old

​At this stage, children are ready for a more formal introduction to music, usually as part of their elementary school curriculum. Most students start out learning the piano or a string instrument because they are easy for children to handle. Children introduced to these instruments benefit the chance to play rhythm and movement games that reinforce the lessons they’ve learned. While some children may be ready for private lessons, many children are not at this age. Continue to encourage your child to include music in every aspect of their day. 

6 Years Old and Over

For a variety of developmental reasons, most parents sign their budding Mozart up for music lessons at age 6. There are advantages and disadvantages to beginning lessons either in a group setting or individually. Group lessons offer a more social atmosphere in which to learn, and group activities can help reinforce lessons and expectations. However, private lessons may be more customized, geared toward the specific needs and abilities of your child.

Regardless of which form of instruction you choose, it is important to carefully select the right teacher for your future musician.

How to Choose a Teacher

Your child’s music teacher has the power to ignite a passion for playing an instrument, or to permanently douse your child’s dreams of musical glory. For this reason, it is imperative that you select the right teacher based on your child’s temperament and disposition.

​Finding the right music teacher can be a challenge. Ask friends and family for recommendations or referrals. Often, the best teachers gain a reputation that everyone in the community hears about. Ask at local community centers or places of worship as well, especially when they offer musical camps and programs that are open to the public.

When interviewing a potential teacher, it is important to ask questions about the person’s credentials and teaching style. Don’t feel awkward about asking questions—good teachers won’t hesitate to provide you with the answers you need. Some relevant questions might include the following:

• What is your teaching background?
• Do you hold any certifications with national music organizations?
• What are your studio policies?
• Are parents allowed to attend/observe classes?

If the answers to these questions are not satisfactory, keep looking for the right teacher. Many students will outgrow their teacher every several years, depending on the teacher’s approach to the lessons and the child’s attitude towards the class. This is perfectly acceptable and should be expected.
 
Early introduction to music appreciation can lead to a lifetime of enjoyment and pleasure. As children grow, the sounds they hear influence their interaction with the world around them. Music provides a tool for identifying and classifying those sounds, and can bring beauty into the listener’s life.
 
Allowing children at every stage of life to experience music is one of the most effective ways to ensure that they become an adult with musical knowledge. While they may not become the next Mozart, they may gain a love and fondness for music that will last a lifetime.