Music Lessons for 5 Year Old - Henderson,NV

Musical talent runs in my family. I've been a vocalist since I can remember, but did not start any formal training until age 8. Even then, it was tough to focus.

My son is an excellent guitarist. He also started at age 8 and is now 10. He has an innate ability that was recognized at about age 6, but I waited because I wanted him to be exposed to different types of music and performance.

I think it really depends upon the child...but I do think that age 5 is really too early to know for certain where to start. Take him to listen to music and see what have gravitates towards. My oldest has always had an affinity for guitar, but my youngest can sing like a bird and keep a beat through an entire set of songs (drums! bass!). Watch his hands and feet. His fingers. You'll get an idea.

I would start him in a program like Kindermusik. He should be exploring different instruments and having FUN with music, not drilling the particulars on how to play!

I personally don't think most kids should start piano before first grade, but there are a few who show a real desire earlier on. Depends on the child and the teacher.

I know many children have been turned off by being "forced" to practice and they learn to hate music. So when they are young, let them explore and experience the joy. That joy will carry them through having to drill scales!

And let your son choose the instrument.The great thing about introductory programs is they let your child explore different types of instruments, and he will probably pick the one he likes best!

one of my friends is a piano teacher. She does not accept students unable to read....unless the child is unexpectedly gifted & a natural. This happens very rarely.....

Most teachers I have had contact with will not start a child in music until the can read very well. They need to be able to follow instructions and the instructions are written on that pages of the music. They will expect the child to be able to do this easily.

It does depend on the teacher of course so you might call around and find some teachers and know more them.

A 5 year old can definitely do piano if they are interested in it. The important thing to remember with any instrument is that they have to be motivated to practice. If they are, they will love it and you'll see them learning and growing quickly. If they aren't, it will just be a chore and could make them resist learning an instrument down the road.

My friend's kids all started taking piano several months ago when they were ages 3, 5, 6 and 7. All four are still taking - and enjoying - the lessons.

My daughter is 5 and started piano in September. She can't read yet but the book started with numbers and letters so she got to know which finger belongs on which key and what number it is. So now, the book has taken awy the number but she still knows which note to hit. It's amazing!

She is not very good but likes it a lot. I have to warn you, it will take time and patience as you practice with your 5 year old. It's so easy to skip a day (or two) of practice - but 15 minutes a day is all you will need.

I'd say go for it.

The trouble with starting that young is strength. Most likely his fingers can't deal with guitar or violin strings, and even piano takes a certain span of your fingers to hit all the keys and move easily. You could certainly consult a local music teacher or school, but he'd probably have more success and enjoyment in a kindermusic class where he can make music with simple instruments.

I started piano at 5...and as a piano teacher, I've taken kids as young as 4...you do have to approach it differently...but it can be a blast :)

Children as young as age 3 begin learning the violin. Our friend's daughter began the violin at age 4, she's now 15 and still plays and takes lessons.

I've heard of children starting piano at age 3, but I think that's very young. My SIL started teaching my girls piano around age 5.

My daughters began taking formal lessons for flute and clarinet around age 8 or 9.

I second the Kindermusik. Most official lessons around here won't take you until 1st -2nd grade

If he has an interest in music and taking lessons, then 5 is not too young. My daughter started piano lessons right when she turned 5 and loves it.

I would say that your son should decide which instrument he wants to play - that way he will enjoy himself, stick with it, and excel.

Hi Mindy,

I am not an expert, but another mom looking to do the same for her son. Here are some thoughts which might help (or not):

I am starting my son (and myself) with ukelele lessons when he's five. We have chosen the ukelele because he's held a longstanding, consistent interest in guitars since he was two, and ukes are the right size/first step toward guitar. He's into building them himself now, with anything and everything. I know he's hungry to learn more.

My thought is to start your child on an instrument which will interest them. I say this because when I nannied, I could tell that some kids were more willing to practice the instrument and others just hated it-- their parents were the ones insisting on lessons, the kids simply weren't interested.

In regard to 'when' to start: when a child shows interest AND can handle themselves in the group setting of being taught. Last year, I would never have put my son into music lessons. This year I have seen a change in him where he's able to participate in larger group activities (circle/gathering times, storytimes) and be attentive and focused. This is important, that the child can attend to the teacher during the lesson, esp. if it is a group/not private lesson.

Some places which offer lessons have prerequisite classes (basics involving rhthym, etc.) which must be taken prior to the child enrolling for lessons on a spedific instrument, so I'd find out where you might be enrolling your son and see what their requirements are.