Even if the child cannot speak yet, it will let their parents know that he or she loves music: the child is pointing to instruments or the tape recorder, starts to dance when music is being played, or is mesmerized by the sight of a musician playing. It is practically impossible to restrain any child from wanting to experiment with making sounds from a drum or piano!
As a music teacher, Helene Goldnadel is always excited when parents inquire about music lessons for a very young child. It demonstrates they want to give their little one the best possible start. Research has shown many benefits from early music education - besides the obvious musical benefits, it fosters brain development, helps them do better in subjects such as math, and nourishes their creativity. Since music is a language, it also enhances social and emotional competence.
And, as we all know, some children are able to do amazing things at a very early age, given the exposure to music. So in my view, the earlier, the better!
It is not necessary for a child to know letters and numbers in order to benefit from music instruction. Music making at pre-school age should start through doing, rather than theoretical exercises. Young children learn best through imitation, rather than through talking about something, or explaining. They come up with the relevant questions soon enough. Naturally, the child will ask questions that lead into the teaching of note names, notation and music theory,
Private music lessons are often not the best place to start. It is common that the child is unable to focus, gets distracted by too many stimuli in the music room. Often at that age a child is unable to be away from the care giver for the duration of a private lesson and music lessons turn into 'expensive babysitting' instead.
For children younger than three, group classes, are a great choice. These classes actively involve the parent. The time spent together exploring drums, singing, and dancing is appreciated as a precious bonding experience by the parent and child alike. as well as provides a great primer for musical activity.
Once three years, the child is usually able to attend group classes without the parent present. The ORFF Schulwerk method is a time tested method utilizing pitched and unpitched percussion, the recorder, singing and dancing. The child learns to be part of a group - at times as a soloist, at times as a vital part of the accompaniment. This improves self esteem and social skills. Learning simple scales and rhythms lays a great musical foundation.
Once six or seven years, private music lessons can usually be started. It is important that the teacher is keyed in to the child's knowledge of letters and numbers and developmental level. Every child learns at different speeds and will guide the attuned teacher in his or her method.
Also read: Raising A Child Who Appreciates Music