New to Music Lessons? 5 Common Parent Questions Answered

Most parents who have enrolled their child in music lessons for the first time have questions and concerns about music lessons. Here are some of the most common questions we hear and some advice and tips to assist you.

What age is the "right" age to start music lessons?

There really is no "right" age to start lessons. It really is a matter of the individual child and their level of interest and individual readiness to start. Generally, students begin at age 7 or 8. However, many start younger and some students do not begin until they are in their teenage years or adults. The best way to find out about readiness is to evaluate whether or not your child has the capacity to sit and focus for a minimum of 30 minutes, as that is usually the average lesson time. Also, children should have a general understanding of patterns, numbers, letters, and right vs. left as these will be important in learning the basics of music and theory. When in doubt, have an instructor do an assessment lesson to see if your child is ready.

How long before I see results?

This is mostly dependent on the student's practice habits. A student who practices daily and practices properly as per the instructor's recommendation for effective practicing strategies, the student can learn a song in a week or two. Without proper practice habits, students will take longer to learn, so it is important to set up a practice schedule for your child from the beginning.

Do I need an instrument before I start lessons?

The short answer, yes. In order to get the most effect out of lessons a student will need to be able to practice and they cannot do so without having their own instrument. In some cases an instructor will let the student borrow an instrument or use their instrument for the lessons, but you will want to get your child their own instrument as soon possible. Some instruments have a larger upfront investment, such as piano and cellos, so it may be beneficial to rent or purchase a keyboard until you know if your child will continue.

How often does my child need to take lessons?

Most students take a weekly lesson with their instructor. This gives the student time to practice in between sessions, while still getting together often enough to fix mistakes before they become habits. It is not uncommon for students to increase the frequency of lessons should they become serious about performance or competitions, and may increase their sessions to 2 to 3 times a week in those cases.

What if my child doesn't like classical music?

The good news is that your child doesn't have to like classical music. If your child has a style preference, such as jazz or popular music, you should find a music teacher who is trained in that style of music and can teach your child that style. Learning classical music has its benefits, but if your child is more interested in learning a different style then they will generally enjoy greater satisfaction from lessons and practice by studying the style of music that they are most passionate about.