When is a good time to start a child in private music lessons? This is an age old question that is asked by many parents considering music lessons for their child. There are many points to consider.
After having taught for many years and working with hundreds of children and families, I now interview the family before I accept a student into my studio. Interview is a very strong word; I really just invite the family for an informal meeting to get to know each other. During this time these are my goals:
1. Assess the parents’ commitment to helping their child.
2. Assess what the parents expectation and motives are in enrolling their child.
3. Get to know the family’s interests and activities. Does the parent have the child in too many activities already?
4. Check the attention span of the child.
5. Check the interest the child has in taking lessons. (I actually had a child tell me that the only reason he was going to take lessons is because his parents were making him do it
6. To inform the parents of my program and of my expectations.
Because I teach the Suzuki method, informing the parents of their involvement is crucial to the development of the child. I need to be 100% sure that the family is willing to take the parental role responsibility . The question “When is a child ready to start lessons?” should really be, “When are the parent ready to start lessons?” Parents need to demonstrate commitment so that the child understands how to be committed.
What age should a child begin lessons? A Suzuki student can begin as early as 3 or 4 years old since reading is not the main focus. In traditional lessons, I recommend waiting until the child can demonstrate early reading abilities, generally age 6 or 7. Tracking is very important to reading; the child should demonstrate the ability to track from left to right.
Whenever a child begins lessons, the family should work closely with the teacher to gain success. When a child feels successful, he/she will be eager to practice, will show pride in his/her work and will want to attend lessons for a long time.
This question has always been an issue for many music teachers. Glad that you have laid out some good points here. I will definitely introduce your site to other music teachers I know.
Thanks and more power!
Thank you for the compliment. I have looked at your site as well and will try to add it to my blog roll (I’ve been trying unsuccessfully!). You seem passionate about your work; your students are lucky! Hope you will reciprocate and chat often.
I’m new on the suzuki journey, my son and I just had our second lesson. It’s been terrific so far and I have a feeling we’re in for the long haul. I feel this way mostly because I found the right teacher for my son (I met with several teachers – both traditional and suzuki). The fit is ideal.
It’s so great to know that this process of ‘interviewing’ or ‘auditioning’ goes both ways between parent and teacher, especially for those looking for a more rewarding experience for themselves and for the child.
Enjoying your blog, very much.
Thanks for the reply.
I wish you and your son the best of luck. It will not always be easy; being a music parent takes a lot of work. I raised 2 Suzuki students: one on piano and one on violin. Practices can be challenging to fit into a daily schedule and then the practice itself may not always be amicable. But hang in there. It’s worth it. My kids are college age now and reaping the benefits.
I have many blogs on practice, the effects of music education, and so on. I hope they will be useful. In the mean time enjoy! Keep me posted.
Thank you so much for that entry! It was very helpful… you always have such great ideas and information. I will definately be using these tips as I get more and more students… thank you again!
Wow! Thank you very much!
I always wanted to write in my blog something like that. Can I take part of your post to my site?
Of course, I will add backlink?
Sincerely, Your Reader
yes, as long as you give me credit or put it in quotes. Thanks for the compliment