Should your child learn an instrument?

Is an instrument right for your child?

Learning to play an instrument brings many benefits, but it also takes effort and perseverance. However, which instrument is suitable for which child varies. In our article “The most beautiful musical instruments for babies and children” we give a few suggestions that might appeal to your child. It is important, however, that music lessons with the right instrument should primarily be fun for your child. That’s why it’s important that your child shows real interest in an instrument and wants to learn it. A little slack in between is allowed, but practicing shouldn’t become a torture. Your child can only enjoy music lessons if they go there voluntarily.

Not every child needs music lessons to express themselves. If your child is more athletically talented, they can probably let off steam better with a sporting hobby. Think with your child about their interests and discuss how they would like to spend their free time together. Above all, make sure that your child has time to play with friends in addition to school and music lessons.

When can your child learn an instrument?

Typically, most music schools recommend starting to play an instrument between the ages of six and seven. It makes sense to start with this in elementary school, because children are particularly receptive at this time. They are old enough to practice with discipline and learn to read music, but still young enough for easy learning. Learning to play an instrument encourages your child in a very special way because it has a positive effect on their development. These can be positive consequences of instrument lessons:

• The perception of your child is promoted by the instrument because the hearing is trained in a very special way and your child learns to listen carefully.
• Language development is also positively influenced by learning an instrument, because your child’s sense of rhythm and sound processing are improved.
• When your child plays an instrument, it can encourage fine motor development .
• Your child learns to concentrate better and trains their memory .
• Learning an instrument also develops social skills . Because when your child plays with others, it has to learn to adapt to them.

Which instrument should your child learn?

In principle, your child should choose their own instrument. Many music schools also offer orientation courses that introduce different instruments so that your child can get help in choosing an instrument. Popular entry-level instruments include the piano, recorder and violin. Your child should show interest and want to learn the instrument. Make sure that the instrument suits your child and does not overwhelm them. For example, most wind instruments should not be started until the age of ten to twelve, because your child only has enough lung strength at that age. Stringed instruments are not so well suited for restless children.

Before you buy an instrument, which can sometimes be quite expensive, it is advisable to first rent one for testing or to buy a used one. Maybe your child can take a few trial lessons first to see if they really like the instrument. If your child is still interested in learning this instrument after the trial period, you can purchase an instrument of your own.

Where can your child learn an instrument?

If your child wants to learn an instrument, you must first find a suitable music teacher who will take over the lessons. Maybe ask your friends and acquaintances first to see if anyone can recommend a good teacher. Otherwise, you can also turn to a music school, which usually has a wide range of courses for children. Sometimes students at a conservatory or conservatory also give lessons. In any case, you should first arrange a few trial lessons before you sign a permanent contract. In this way, your child can test whether they can get along with the teacher and whether the lessons are fun.

How can you support your child in practicing?

You can support your child by showing a keen interest in their musical development. You don’t have to be musical or master an instrument. It’s enough if you listen to your child practice every now and then and praise them for small improvements. This should motivate your child to keep going.

It is best to plan fixed exercise times into your child’s daily routine. In this way, practicing with the instrument becomes a daily routine and you save yourself a lot of discussions. Your child will only have fun with the instrument in the long term if they make progress, which unfortunately only comes from regular practice. However, you should not be too strict and give your child a break from time to time. In the beginning, 10 to 15 minutes of practice every day is quite sufficient. The older your child gets, the longer the practice times can become.