What is the best age to start a musical instrumnet?

This question in from anonymous from Vienna, VA - "What is the best age to start a child on a musical instrument?"

Answer -

Starting at day one singing to and playing music and musical instruments around your little one is a great basis to form a life long love of music! Beginning at age two children are ripe for learning! This is a great time to start specifically keyboard/piano classes. Don't believe the "nay-Sayers" that state that children under 5 should not be in formalized instruction. The early years of development are the most fundamental to building strong learning and exploring skills. However, be reasonable in your expectations. At this young age the overall goal should be that of fun and exploration. There should be minimal to no "homework" and the instruction should be from a professional organization with experience with this age. You will know if the lessons are "successful" by the level of enthusiasm your child exhibits towards the instrument and the actual lesson time. If they are engaged and happy to be having the lesson this is what you want. It will build a strong foundation for a life long love of music!

Feel free to keep sending in the questions and let me know if you'd like your name mentioned, etc.

Have a musical holiday weekend everyone!

Shelly

My Child Wants to Play an Instrument

The Last Solid Investment - Music Education

The Last Solid Investment in a time of financial instability - Music Education



Click to follow the link to the new Family Magazine Article - September 2010

What to look for in a Music Teacher/Music Service

So the school year is beginning and you're back into sign up mode!

How do you choose a good music teacher or music service? Here are a few tips!

Look for teachers or services that instruct for a living. Unfortunately, most music store locations employ instructors that teach "on-the-side".
And, many Private teachers are doing so to supplement their other jobs. There is no real criteria for their educational background, etc. And, since this is not their main occupation, the lessons become riddled with inconsistencies in terms of scheduling and instruction, etc. Also, the DC metre area, in general, is fairly transient. This means that eventually the teacher will move and you are then left with the task to find someone all over again on your own. To avoid all of this you can obtain a music company that hires only professionals with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree. The company is then in charge of scheduling, etc. and if and when a teacher does move on the company will then be able to transition from one educator to the next typically without changing your schedule and offering a consistency amongst the instruction by their own professional standards.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me!

Happy Music Shopping!!!

Shelly

The Power of Music

PreSchools and Music

Still undecided on a preschool for the fall? There are still a lot of options out there in every price range. One thing people are becoming more and more aware of is what ELSE is being offered at their preschool. For example, many well-rounded preschools make a great effort to make sure ALL of your children's needs can be taken care of during the time they are at preschool (and you are at work). Some offerings are dance, karate, music, etc. We will be compiling a list of some fantastic preschools in the DC area that offer instrumental music programs for your youngest learners starting at age 2 and up!

Shelly