Hello Parents,
Over the years, I have been asked a number of music questions on PIN Night.
Below is a list of those most frequently asked questions, along with their
answers. I hope that the answers are helpful to you.
Mr. 'R'
1. Q: At what age should my child begin playing a musical instrument?
A: The answer depends on the social and physical development of the
child. Children who can attain for about 30 minutes and possess well-
developed gross and fine motor skills can successfully begin playing
a musical instrument. Generally, most children usually acquire these
skills sometime within their seventh year or at the beginning of
their eighth year. However, you know your child. If he or she
possesses the necessary skills at an earlier age, your child may be
able to begin playing a musical instrument earlier than age seven.
2. Q: What is a good starter instrument for my child?
A: Piano is a good starter instrument. Although the piano is large,
your child does not need to hold it and can concentrate on moving the
hands. Also, your child only needs to use simple hand movements with
beginning piano, which will allow for some degree of success while he
or she is developing the necessary finger strength and hand
coordination.
The violin is also a good starter instrument. Violins are sized for
different sized hands. At a young age, your child will most likely
need a 1/4 size violin. Much like the piano, the bow and finger
movements are simple in the beginning, allowing the coordination and
fingers to develop. The 1/4 size violin is also very light, so it
will be easy for a young child to hold. In addition, the skills
learned from playing either of these instruments will transfer nicely
to other types of instruments if your child decides to try something
different as he or she matures.
3. Q: Should I choose an instrument for my child?
A: Never! At the beginning stages of your child's musical development,
you can suggest that your child start with either the piano or the
violin, but let your child make the ultimate choice. Children
instintively know which instrument is best for them. You can always
say, "Start with the piano (violin), and later, when you are ready,
you can try a different instrument if that is what you decide to do."
At the beginning, it is often a good idea to expose your child to the
sounds of many different instruments. It will help him or her choose
the instrument that he or she will ultimately play. Google different
instruments on the computer. Let them see the instrument and hear
it. Let them hear the symphony on the radio, or when they are ready,
take them to a concert. The Boston Symphony Orchestra plays a number
of Youth and Family concerts throughout the year. Above all, do not
purchase anything. Always rent an instrument in the beginning until
you know that your child is committed to making music and playing a
particular instrument.
