Is Your Child Ready for Lessons?
Parents frequently ask how to determine whether their child is ready to learn to play an instrument. Readiness is dependent on a variety of factors including age, physical development, and ability to focus, and may vary by instrument.
Most traditional private lessons begin at age six or older, although there is a range based on the instrument. Certain elements are consistent from instrument to instrument:
- Students need to be able to remain focused for 30 minutes.
- Students need to have a true desire to learn (not just a desire to please their parents).
- An ability to read and write is helpful in all cases and necessary in some.
A consultation with the discipline Coordinator or teacher is the most important tool for determining your child’s readiness for private lessons. This meeting, whether over the phone, via email, or in-person, will assess the child's musical preparedness, ability to handle the instrument physically, and ability to focus.
Recommended beginning age of student:
- Piano, Strings, Ukulele: 5 years
- Guitar: 8 years
- Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion: 9–10 years
- Voice: 14 years
The Music Institute offers private lessons in orchestral and band instruments, voice, and piano to students of all ages and levels of playing ability. Students can start private lessons anytime during the year.
Private lesson lengths:
The Music Institute offers weekly or bi-weekly lessons in 30-, 45-, or 60-minute lengths.
Custom short sessions:
For new students, The Music Institute can create a shorter session if the new student will be starting during a six-week session. Three or four lessons are recommended to get a clear impression of whether music lessons are appropriate for your child to continue. If you have any questions, please contact our office by email at TMI@HowardCC.edu or phone at (443) 518-4297.