what is the best age to start playing a musical instrument?

Answer 1

I teach music and often do private lessons to help with cash flow. I have set a limit on the age of who I teach because it quickly became apparent to me that many parents wanted to re live their lives through their child. A good case in mind was when a small boy of just six years old was brought to me for guitar lessons. His mother brought him over straight after school and insisted he was eager to learn. However it didn't take me long to realise this young boy was very tired after school and could not concentrate of what I told him. I also discovered that all he had said was he liked the guitar during a music programme on TV. From this his mother deduced that he really wanted to learn the guitar, of course she didn't ask him! As I said, this boy was only six when he came to me, his mother proudly announced that he had already tried learning three other instruments before! She didn't know why he gave up and didn't actually learn any of them, I could have told her!
Anyway, I now only teach children of twelve or over, at least then they are old enough to decide themselves what they may like to learn, instead of an over eager parent doing it for them.
So, don't start a child too early, it can put them off for life!

Answer 2

7 to 10

Answer 3

I'm twenty-eight and I've been playing the piano since the second grade. Even though I don't play most often (because I'm critical of the way I want the music I produce to "sound" when I play), I haven't had the interest in learning another instrument. The love for the piano has been carried down in my family for years.

Answer 4

As young as possible. If you play young your fingers and/or mouth will be trained to play the instrument for when your older. Plus you have a fresh mind, you will remember better then a adult could. Usually they start offering musical instruments in school at a fifth grade level. I hope this helps!

Answer 5

To me, it's at whatever age you actually feel like wanting to. I know that one can develop extraordinary talents if they start young enough, but I fear this comes at the expense of the dreams and goals very young musicians might have been more naturally drawn to. In order to make sure a child grows up doing what they really want to do instead of what their parents want for them to do, I think it would be worth sacrificing any benefits to be gained in a technical sense by starting in early childhood. People can become excellent musicians at any age if they put their mind to it and actually enjoy the activity, but they can't replace a childhood lost to the overzealous ambitions of well-meaning but misguided parents.

This isn't to say I think that learning about music isn't good for children - it's not harmful at all to make sure children are exposed to many different things including music so that they can have a taste of what's out there. This way they might have a better idea of choosing a path in their adult life that is enjoyable to them. I just don't think it should be forced or taught to the detriment of other areas of interest.

Answer 6

My daughter started to learn tenor horn at 10 years ols and my son trombone at 7 years old( they had to fit an extension to the slide).
Both have continued their interest in music, my son now plays several instruments, but what is more surprising, they are both excellent mathematicians. Apparently, the ability to read music helps with academic achievement.

Answer 7

The age you are truly interested, 5 or 85. There`s no substitute for yearning

Answer 8

I don't think it matters. I play guitar and loads of people say to me 'oh I wish I could play'. That's what I said when I was 14 so I learned. It's never too late or early.

Answer 9

I say around 6-8 because if you wait any longer, teenagers won't have interest or any time. And because 6-8 year olds will probably have that skill for life if they keep practicing.

Answer 10

When Your Young But Capable Of Doing It
If you are Younger you will Pick it up Quicker!
Hope i helped
xx