Music lessons

[migirl]

My mom started me on the piano when I was 4, and the violin when I was 6. She had a lot of ambitions for me though , and I ended up touring with orchestras and winning awards and competitions because I'd had so many lessons and practiced so much.

No advice, just my own personal experience.

[Flynn]

The Suzuki method starts kids at either 3 or 4 (I can't remember) with string instruments. I started in 4th grade when the schools had time built in class.

I agree with Tara.

DD asked to play violin for a year before we started, a bit after she turned 5. So far it has been a good experience. (And if you want a cute brag-fest video, I'll send it to you ).

Suzuki teachers will start around 3 or 4. One teacher told me that what they learn in a year at 3 takes about a month at 4.

I think, if they are interested, somewhere in the 4-7 range is good. It depdends on how much you agree with the Suzuki method of learning by ear versus learning to read music.

Also, I think piano is a good instrument to start on because you just have to recognize the key whereas playing violin also depends on correct finger placement and bowing technique. Piano could be more gratifying at the outset.

[alison]

I started the piano at age 7. I sucked ROYALLY. Wouldn't count, wouldn't practice. HATED all things that had to do with the piano. I had a lousy teacher who had me playing bullsh*t music, like "Monkeys eating Bananas;" I was not interested in the least... I quit when I was in high school and continued doing something that I loved, ballet (where you have to count along with the music as well... )

My brother, on the other hand, started violin at 6, and hasn't looked back. He was racing through those Suzuki books and was playing his first concerto soonafter, I think. He's got perfect pitch, and when he hears a ferry foghorn or anything (for that matter), can say, "That's an A flat." :banghead:

He teaches now and music is his life. We started off at the same age, the difference being, like Bryn, he asked to play the violin. And only the violin. He knows how to play the viola as well, but doesn't like it...

When we're at home visiting my parents, I sometimes accompany my brother on the piano. My mom still yells at me from the kitchen, "COUNT!!!"

Absolutely take the piano.

My grandparents moved out of their house about 2 years ago and offered me theirs. We just don't have the space for it and would have had to ship it. It isn't a terribly valuable one (regular upright) so I couldn't justify the shipping expense.

I regret my decision and now it is gone.

Absolutely take the piano.

My grandparents moved out of their house about 2 years ago and offered me theirs. We just don't have the space for it and would have had to ship it. It isn't a terribly valuable one (regular upright) so I couldn't justify the shipping expense.

I regret my decision and now it is gone.

TAKE IT! I had to sell my piano when my mom died (as with most things in her house). I was 23 and would have had to pay to store it --- what with storage being by weight and all, I would have paid for it many times over. I totally regret it - it was an upright Steinway and I only got about $1000 for it.

[Michele]

I think Russ started with the drums when he was younger, but ended up with the french horn in middle school (me too, but I sucked). He kept up with it almost entirely through the school's music programs and was pretty darn good when we were seniors...could've easily gotten a college scholarship...but it was really just a hobby for him. He's got a beautiful horn now that I wish he'd play more. Hopefully he'll have more time as a PGY2.

I tinkered with the piano, french horn, xylophone, trombone and never really went anywhere with any of them.

I think 'interest' is a good time to start.

[poky]

I think I started piano about 6 or 7 or so, and then when school added band as an option in 5th grade (age 10), I started clarinet, and loved it because it was *so* easy, since I already knew how to read music. Stopped piano lessons sometime in jr. high, but stayed with the clarinet through high school (marching band was fun!).

I agree that "when they show interest" is a good starting point, though; I know my parents started me on the piano because I was playing with their upright and wanting to learn more about it.

[migirl]

There was an article about this in our paper over the weekend, here is a short list of things to look for when starting music lessons for your child:

• Consider a child's attention span. As a general rule, children 5 and younger should practice 10 to 15 minutes. Lessons should last 30 minutes for elementary-age students.

• A child is more likely to perform best on an instrument he chooses for himself.

• Keep it fun. Remember, children have lots of interests and activities. Music is just one.

• When looking for a teacher, ask for references and ask to sit in on a lesson or purchase one lesson as a trial.

• Plan on spending $15 to $20 for 30 minutes of instruction.

• If you're unsure your child will like an instrument, rent one.