When should my child start music lessons?

So often we’re asked if a child is ready for music lessons. That’s a hard question to answer because all children are different and learn at a different pace. Some can understand the concept of note reading and how music is written at an early age while others need a little extra time to comprehend. We believe, and have taught, preschoolers to play the recorder and small rhythm instruments.

Generally, the best age to start music lessons is seven years old. At this age children have better coordination and longer attention span. It looks easy when you see someone performing but we are asking your child to read horizontally and vertically at the same time and then coordinate their body to make sense of what they are reading.

Most public schools start students in band or orchestra in the third or fourth grade. Learning an instrument in school or privately is a wonderful experience for all children and one that should be encouraged.

We usually begin with a 30 minute lesson and once the student is more advanced can progress to an hour depending on level of difficulty, student desire and budget. Since 1975 we have not seen a need to have lesson contracts. However, lessons are scheduled as standing weekly appointments. Meaning, with exceptions for emergencies, your lesson will be on the same day and at the same time each week. This gives structure to the lesson schedule. While we do not have lesson contracts we do require 24 hours notice of cancellation otherwise payment for the missed lesson is due.

If you have any further questions, please contact Jim or Mary at 631.654.8449 or mmh1761@gmail.com