Ready for Music?
Most kids express curiosity about playing a musical instrument by the time they are in elementary school. To help decide which one suits your child and to encourage a love of music from infancy, try these ways of nurturing your little Mozart.
Start early. Kids are never too young for music! Your baby can see what it’s like to make her own sounds by banging on pots and pans or an electronic keyboard. Tip: Get yourself a comfy pair of ear plugs.
Share tunes of all types. Play jazz albums at home, listen to folk in the car, and enjoy a little Beethoven during dinner. Exposing her to a wide variety of styles may help her hone in on the instrument that most interests her.
The right size matters. Your son wails away on his toy sax, but that doesn’t mean he can handle the real thing. You may want to steer petite kids away from the viola or bass; if his heart is set on strings, suggest the violin or guitar.
Can she focus? Rented or used instruments are a bargain, but private lessons can be pricey. Determine whether your child can sit still and focus for half an hour at a time.
Tune in. Kids require constant reinforcement and encouragement to practice—from you, not just the music teacher.
