Kids and music! I would say it’s a connection since a child is born. From the lullaby a mother sings for her baby to the toy xylophone or piano the kid plays with, it’s music everywhere. However, it’s in the hands of the adults to nurture this relationship.
The most common question adults or parents have is “What age is best for my kid to start learning music?” Well, the truth is, as early as possible. Just like how an infant picks up a language by merely listening to it around him/her all day, music can be learned the same way.
Music is after all a language too! Expose the child to music from an age of say 1 year or maybe even earlier. Play good music or play an instrument yourself and perform for your child. It’s best when the child sees his family members learn. By the time the kid grows a little older, he/she would already have learned a lot by observing and would naturally be good at it. Having said that, in my opinion, the best age to start learning an instrument would be around 4.
The piano is a great instrument to begin one’s musical learning. It is easier since all keys and notes are visible. It is also physically not overwhelming or exhausting. It makes a great accompaniment to singing and kids especially love to play a song they can sing as well.
As parents, it is important to provide constant encouragement to your children throughout the journey of learning music. Let them make as many mistakes as they want. Ask them to play or perform more often.
Children should be allowed to play with accomplished or professional musicians as much as possible. This motivates them and kindles the desire to learn more. It also makes them enjoy music rather than just learning it for the sake of learning. Find a good teacher, get the right instrument, and set it in an ideal way for them. Encourage them to practice regularly. Make them listen to good music and build an environment at home where they can stumble or fail and learn without fear. The best learning happens when the parent also learns along with the child and you could always have a fun jamming session with your kid. It would be great fun to play music together as a family, even if the song is as simple as “Happy birthday”, isn’t it?
So clearly, parents and family members play a major role in the musical learning process apart from the teacher of course. As a parent, you should keep the above points in mind. Let us hope we hear great music and see great musicians in future generations!