Learning music is magical but what age does your child start?
There are many positive benefits of learning music but they might not be ready.
In this article, Michael Tougher, founder of Soundbops, discusses what is needed, the benefits, possible negative effects and their approach to starting musical instrument learning.
What is the average age that children learn an instrument?
According to Making Music 2014 the average age for a child to learn an instrument was 7.6 years. I was close to the average and started to learn guitar when I was 8 years old.
What is needed to play an instrument?
To learn an instrument, concentration in the short term and dedication over the long term are needed. A degree of skill and dexterity is needed especially on certain instruments such as the guitar where the string must be pressed down hard and plucked at the same time. It can take a lot of practice and time to build these skills up. Tuition can come from a parent but normally a tutor is needed as they have a greater understanding and knowledge of music and the instrument.
The benefits of learning an instrument
Learning an instrument can be truly fulfilling and can enjoy it for the rest of your life. It is an engaging and creative experience that can improve dexterity and concentration.
Choosing the right instrument for your child
There are many more instruments than just the piano and guitar. There are various brass and string instruments that they can enjoy as well as many percussion instruments. The benefits of learning the piano and guitar are that they are more flexible, common and easily transported. It is easier and more appropriate to take a guitar camping than a cello. However, brass string and percussion offer great opportunities to join a band and collaborate.
The negative effects of learning an instrument too early
It is hard to learn an instrument and it takes a lot of practice and patience. It can also be very costly including the instrument itself and lessons. Forcing your child who is not old enough to have the dexterity and concentration to learn an instrument can create a negative first impression of music and discourage them from continuing. As a parent, you will know your child’s abilities better than anyone else. The more they are ready to learn, the more they will enjoy and prosper with their instrument.
The Soundbops approach
Here at Soundbops, we have created a range of products that are designed to encourage a child to explore and experiment with music fundamentals before they are ready to learn a traditional instrument. We make music more intuitive and enjoyable. We engage children and allow them to play, create, learn and love music.
We create a positive first experience of music for your child. Our products are designed to be open and free to encourage a child to innovate and create with music.
Our first product focuses on notes. We have literally created musical building blocks that represent each musical note. The child knows what notes are causing what sound and through play can grow their understanding and knowledge of music. When you teach your child a traditional instrument early, they are taught the positions and details of that specific instrument and find it hard to learn another. Our product educates the child about music fundamentals so that they are able to progress easily and happily onto a whole range of instruments.
