at what age should you begin to teach a child a musical instrument?

Question

like a cello or piano????

Answer 1

The younger the better

Answer 2

You will have trouble teaching a young child the cello, since it's a large and difficult instrument. I reccomend starting with the piano around 4 years old. It's the best way to teach them how to play, and how to read and understand music at the same time. Wind and string instruments create sound in a way that ca seem abstract and arbitrary, but the piano is so easy to relate to the theory visibly. Piano!

Answer 3

I'd say 4 is the youngest that a child can sit still, pay attention and comprehend reading music. After all, that's the age when they start to read words, too.
I would also wait until the child shows interest in learning.
A cello, even a child sized one might be too much of a handful for a 4 year old though....
I'd start them on piano if given the choice. Piano lends itself to inherently teaching theory, which is a much important foundation to being a great musician.

Answer 4

Piano- as young as you can. With Cello, you have the complication that they won't be able to play it at all if they are really small. Piano, even if their hands are small, they can manage alright. Either way, it's never too early to expose them to instrumental music!

Answer 5

I started piano at age 5... I think for cello you would need to wait longer though.

Answer 6

I've heard that four is a good age but if the child shows interest and is willing, you could start younger. I have a friend whose son started drum lessons at two because he was obsessed by them. It's a musical family and he was always playing his father's drum set. They bought him his own which was child sized and got him some real lessons. He was very good at them too. It's never too young if it's the child's decision.

You might want to look into a class that follows the Orff Schulwerk method. It's supposed to be the best. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orff_Schulwerk

Good luck.

Answer 7

I would start piano lessons before age of
ten, if your child has an interest and an
aptitude for such.
Otherwise, stay with hop scotch, marbles
and kick the can. (alternatives to computer
games)

Answer 8

early
if you want them to learn the piano teach them the keys and maybe a simple song at a young age that way they have the fundamentals

Answer 9

I have a little 5 year old cousin who plays his tiny little violin. The piano is good, but they honestly can't get too far for the little fingers.

Answer 10

Well first off do ear training right away. This is essential. Singing helps too. And start them with various instruments. Percussion (drums and piano), stringed, and vocals. Just play them scales, octaves and training exercises. It is quality time with your kid and if you don't play start!!!