What is the ideal age for a child to start?
Over the years I have talked with many parents and teachers about this very question. Every child is different, every parent is different, and every family is different. I have interacted with parents who have a child that knew when she was 2 years old that she wanted to play the violin. And there are families that have a kid who’s been playing for years, and still isn’t sure about it.
There are those who believe that the sweet spot in terms of age is about 6 or 7 years old, and in fact there are teachers who will not even start a kid until then. This is also about when they are starting to read, which some have indicated may be a good correlation for starting. There is some question as to whether starting at 3 or 4 actually buys you anything in the long run. Will the child who starts at 3 be any better at age 9 than the child who starts at 6? I have been told that things tend to even out about then, but I would defer to someone who has more experience with pedagogy. I have seen many people with idealistic notions start their kids at 3 only to quit after a time because it was just too early.
The kids who are particularly suited to starting younger are ones who have a parent who is a player or teacher. And regardless of when your child starts, your involvement is critical to the process. You have to go to lessons and then listen to them practice, encouraging and correcting, teaching them how to listen to what they are doing and how to practice. There are exceptions, but generally the kids who seem to excel have parents who are very involved in the process. Playing an instrument is work, and it needs to be part of the “family culture” that “this is what we do in our family.”
When I hear a parent say, “we’ll see if he takes to it” I know they are going to return the rental. That is an error in approach, this because the parent involvement is so important. In the end it’s a judgement call, and one that is not so easy to make.
One more thing to be aware of is that there are people in music who think that the very best way to start a kid playing is on the piano, switching to violin later. There are some very good arguments for this, and perhaps it is something you would like to explore.
Also keep in mind that Suzuki teachers and Suzuki programs are not all alike, and there is a world outside the Suzuki system as well. And it is important not to underestimate the chemistry between the student and the teacher, regardless of starting age or method or instrument.
There are those who believe that the sweet spot in terms of age is about 6 or 7 years old, and in fact there are teachers who will not even start a kid until then. This is also about when they are starting to read, which some have indicated may be a good correlation for starting. There is some question as to whether starting at 3 or 4 actually buys you anything in the long run. Will the child who starts at 3 be any better at age 9 than the child who starts at 6? I have been told that things tend to even out about then, but I would defer to someone who has more experience with pedagogy. I have seen many people with idealistic notions start their kids at 3 only to quit after a time because it was just too early.
The kids who are particularly suited to starting younger are ones who have a parent who is a player or teacher. And regardless of when your child starts, your involvement is critical to the process. You have to go to lessons and then listen to them practice, encouraging and correcting, teaching them how to listen to what they are doing and how to practice. There are exceptions, but generally the kids who seem to excel have parents who are very involved in the process. Playing an instrument is work, and it needs to be part of the “family culture” that “this is what we do in our family.”
When I hear a parent say, “we’ll see if he takes to it” I know they are going to return the rental. That is an error in approach, this because the parent involvement is so important. In the end it’s a judgement call, and one that is not so easy to make.
One more thing to be aware of is that there are people in music who think that the very best way to start a kid playing is on the piano, switching to violin later. There are some very good arguments for this, and perhaps it is something you would like to explore.
Also keep in mind that Suzuki teachers and Suzuki programs are not all alike, and there is a world outside the Suzuki system as well. And it is important not to underestimate the chemistry between the student and the teacher, regardless of starting age or method or instrument.