Music Lessons - When to start?

H

HKfornow

Registered User
My son seems to really like music, as he loves to window shop for violins, plays the toy piano in the playground, and has been asking me to play classical cds with the "violin, guitar & trumpet". Does it sound like he's ready for more?

I don't want to over load him or push him, he's going to turn 3 goes to half-day pre-nursery & has kindermusik class once a week (which he loves) . So I'm wondering when would be a good idea to start him with some music classes perhaps piano or violin or should I wait until he's older?

Any advise, pointers or recommendations appreciated. Thanks.
 
Musical instrument classes in group would be good to him at this age. He doesn't know what kind of instrument he likes until he really tries it. The centre, Mymusikbox is also offering classes on violin and piano . Personally, I think it is good for him to learn piano first for some hands and eye coordination as well as some basic idea on the pitch. He could then switch to violin or others if he wishes. Percussion instrument is also good to train up the child on rhythm and beat. This is just my personal opinion, as a music teacher.
 
I believe that starting piano or violin at 3 can do more harm than good.
Most 3-yr-olds do not yet have the maturity or the fine muscular control required to play these instruments properly.

If you read the biographies of successful classical musicians, you may notice that many of them started studying music at 5 or 6.
 
If you really want your kid to start music learning, you can try the Tom Lee Children Music Course, which start from singing and teaching some very very easy pre graded piano skills. You can also use this to check up your kid's interest towards music learning.:biggrin:
 
Yip's Children Choral & Performing Art Centre may be another choice for your kid. They do singing and teach them basic misic theroy in class from 3-5 years old. They recommanded to learn musical instructment at 5 years old.
 
Four to Six

Hello. I think it really depends on the child. I've been around music since I was 2 (singing), and now that I'm a teacher, I have been astounded by a few four year olds who are picking up keyboarding. We play with flashcards, movements, storytelling, and alphabeting... of course the progress is slower and more fun-oriented, but they become better readers, and they mature faster. Of course, my best students are 6 and 7 year olds because they are more comfortable in their body and mind. I can also throw alot at them very quickly and they soak up the information like a sponge. For more FAQ (frequently Asked Questions), there is a page on the website www.BeginWithMusic.com, hope you like it. Enjoy!
 
Music for youngsters

Having researched and studied this a bit, I believe it's wise to get started early... don't wait until they start primary school (around 6)... Have a look at the Tom Lee programs and start early as they can get booked quickly. But it's also wise to consult your child to make sure that your child gets to choose... Music can be something that is hated if it's not the child's decision to learn, especially in Hong Kong where most of the kids are spoiled.

I would steer clear of those programs, such as my My Musikbox that seem to be a bit more money-oriented and stick with the better names such as the Yamaha school over in Tom Lee. But a caution about Tom Lee, the courses are better for Chinese-speaking kids...
 
I started violin at 4 and piano at 5. My sister started violin at 3. She studied music at postgraduate level, in Australia and Europe, so it was a successful experience for her. I have had these gifts with me for the rest of my life so I really appreciate my parents allowing us to grow up with music.

We had good teachers though, which is extremely important with very small children, as average or bad teachers can do more harm than good.
 
My niece liked Vanessa Mae at a very very early age of 2. Eventually my brother let her study violin at 3 by private teacher. She loved it. Now, she studies in HKAPA junior class and the prof there says she has music talent.
No need to worry if it's too early. Furthermore, personally I think that group lessons are like playgroups ... so if you really want to develop your son's music talent, you should choose private teachers. But if you are not sure whether your son likes music, you may try group lessons first.
I play cello myself. I will let my kid to learn to play string instruments if she likes. Playing string instruments can join orchestras. It's really fun to play music with others and will be a very good extracurricular activity as the kids grow up.
 
Hi,

My son wanted to start playing guitar. Anyone who knows private guitar lessons or guitar lessons/class in Southside Hong kong Island?
Appreciate much your infos...

Regards,
sdjanke
 
Guitar lessons

Hi

My husband's guitar tutor has experience teaching all ages, young and old. He is a Grade 8 performer,a graduate of the HKAPA and has been teaching for 20 years. He is based in Tai Po but regularly travels to HK Island to give tuition. He is local but speaks very good English.

If he can't tutor your child himself (he is pretty busy), he may know someone who can help you. He is called Ben and can be contacted on 94680506
 
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I am a music teacher and Mum of a two and a half year old. I believe there's not one correct answer here and the best choice will ultimately depend on your child - and only you know best on that score!
Three is young - but not too young. Fun group classes that combine singing, movement and perhaps an instrument are a good way to start if your child likes to be in company. Private 1-1 lessons could be great if you find a teacher who has a real affinity with toddlers and understands something about early education - it would not be appropriate to teach a 3 year old in the same way that most teachers would teach children of school age. A recommendation would be the best way to go here, but I'm afraid as yet I've never met one in HK with this kind of speciality. If you find a possible teacher make sure you grill them intensively about their philosophy - many here are very result-driven. No one should even be thinking about grade exams at this stage, so if it comes up in conversation I would look for someone else. And don't be dazzled by a wall of photocopied exam certificates at distinction level - most teachers can coach a child of average ability to distinction if they know how to play the game...and that makes them a poor teacher rather than the opposite.
Finally I would say that whatever you do for the next couple of years - the most important thing is that the sessions foster a love of music, rather than developing specific music skills - that can come later.
Best of luck
 
violin teacher

debs, what music instrument do you teach?

virgobb - can you recomend the violin teacher that taught your niece?

heidimak- i checked your website, it looks great, but unfortunately you do not teach in kowloon area. could you recommend any violin teach in kowloon area?

btw, my LO is 16 months old. not that i intend to enrol her now for violin classes, just planning ahead. she is now attending kindermusik.

thanks.
 
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