Studies show that music lessons for children can help them improve mathematical learning and boost their SAT scores. There are so many social and emotional benefits music lessons can bring to a child. That’s why it’s a great idea to introduce your child to the world of music early on.

But many parents aren’t sure when exactly their child should start music classes. If they start too early, will the lessons be overwhelming for them? If they start too late, will they be too far behind to catch up?

If you’re looking for the answers to these questions and more, read on. We’ve got the answers to help you make a good decision on when your child should start music classes.

The Optimum Age For Starting Music Classes

Kids become music lovers not long after they’re born. Even very tiny babies enjoy listening to lullabies or bopping along to their favorite tunes. 

The ideal time for beginning music lessons comes soon after those first signs of a love of music. Kids aged around four are normally ideally placed to enjoy basic music lessons.

If you’re keen to introduce your child to the world of music, you could get started with something lighter even sooner! We offer mother and child dance classes which kids as young as two years old can enjoy! 

Knowledge-Absorbing Superpowers!

A child’s brain works very differently from an adult’s. While kids are developing, their brains are like sponges, sucking in information and knowledge from all around. It’s almost like a superpower!

That’s why starting music classes early is so advantageous. The techniques and principles kids learn at a young age will stick with them for the rest of their lives. 

If your child is learning something a little more complicated, like how to read music, it pays to start early. This is for the same reason learning second languages becomes more difficult as you get older.

The Perfect Balance

Between the ages of four and seven, children reach a perfect balance for beginning their music education. Their muscles and motor skills are developing, allowing them better control over an instrument, while their improved mental abilities mean they’re better positioned to pay attention in a class.

Meanwhile, they’re still filled with that childhood enthusiasm that can lead to a lifelong love of music. When you make things fun and encourage your child to show off their creative side; you’ll get great results from these early lessons!

But with children this age, it’s important not to apply too much pressure. No preschooler wants to do a weekly activity like music if it’s treated the same way as a chore. When you’re kind and encouraging and let kids make some decisions for themselves, they’ll enjoy themselves more and be particularly enthusiastic about attending their classes.

What if My Child is a Little Older?

It’s never too late to start music lessons. Some parents might put off entering their child into classes after a certain age, thinking they’ll never catch up to other kids in the class, or wondering if these extra-curricular activities will harm their studies. 

But, as we already pointed out, there’s evidence to suggest children benefit academically from enjoying music classes. It can help them blow off steam after a hard week in the classroom, as well as build up their social skills and confidence. 

Everyone is Different

As a general rule; the ideal age to start learning music is between four and seven. But it’s important to remember that it’s not an absolute. Everyone is different, and kids go through the stages of development at different times so that things may change from child to child. 

Some kids may start learning a musical instrument at the age of four; becoming a prodigy in their chosen craft, dazzling instructors and family members alike with their prowess. Others may start at the same age and not take to music at all. But then they might try it again when they’re a little older and find things go much better.

So, if you’ve tried a lesson with your child and it didn’t work out, all is not lost! You could try a different instrument or style, or maybe wait a year before trying again. 

Keep it Fresh!

One of the main mistakes parents make when trying to encourage their children into learning music is forcing them to focus on an instrument they aren’t interested in. When learning music feels like a chore, the process is bound to be less effective. 

By forcing a child to continue lessons they’re not enthusiastic about, you could damage their love of music forever. Instead, it’s best to encourage them to make their own choices, learning a style of music they enjoy, that’s taught in a fun way.

At San Elijo Dance & Music Academy, we ensure all our students have a good time while they learn. And with our range of different classes, there are lots of different choices, including hip-hop and contemporary music. Your child can focus on something they’re particularly interested in.

Come Give It a Try!

There are so many benefits to enjoying music and dance classes. Kids of all ages can learn lessons they’ll remember for life when they enjoy their music classes.

If you’re not sure whether music classes are right for your child, what better way to find out more than letting them try it out for themselves? Here at San Elijo Dance & Music Academy, we offer a wide variety of classes for kids of all ages, so book a taster session today or contact us for more details!