What instrument can a young child start and when?

Piano, cello, and violin are the typical instruments for kids to start on at the young ages, even as early as 3 years old.  Other instruments such as trumpet, clarinet, flute and saxophone can be started at age 6 at the very earliest, but more typically at 7 or 8. Trombone, tenor saxophone, string bass, and other bigger instruments (requiring more wind or a bigger reach) can also start about then, around 8 years old. In public schools, most band or orchestra programs now start in the 5th grade. Forty years ago, most instrumental programs started a grade earlier, in the 4th grade.

"El Sistema" programs in the United States, modeled after the one in Venezuela (where Gustavo Dudamel, artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic came from [see episode on 60 Minutes]) start children very early on these typical orchestral instruments. I actually teach for one of these programs in Baltimore. We have a Kindergarten child on baritone! This is highly unusual and he's a little guy too. He does get a steady sound, but he can't hold it very long. Still, he loves it, and that's the key. Starting early if the child doesn't like it is a bad mix. In fact, there are several factors that should be considered when considering when to start a young child on an instrument:

1) musical readiness - Can the child sing in tune and move rhythmically? Any instrument is, after all, only an extension of the child's own musicianship. Without this musicianship already in place, any music lessons will teach a child only to be a technician. That is, the child will be able only to pluck out notes and will not be able to be musical—certainly not initially, and perhaps not for a several years. Here's an analogy: This is not unlike a child who can sound out the letters in words but does not understand the meaning of what he or she is saying.

2) psychological readiness - Is the child ready—even eager—to take correction from a teacher regarding the right notes, rhythms, posture, hand positions, fingerings, technique, etc.?

3) physical readiness - Is the child big enough for the instrument? (Stringed instruments are sized for smaller children.) For wind instruments, is he or she able to blow enough air? Does the child have enough small motor coordination skills to have enough early success that can help maintain initial enthusiasm.)

4) intrinsic motivation - This is probably the most crucial factor. At any early age especially, a child needs to have the inner desire to take lessons. This factor can trump all the other factors combined. That is, if there's enough "want to," that's all you need. Everything else will work out in time. 

Note: Having said all that, there is actually NO such thing as starting too early. What?! What about all those readiness factors? Well, the above information applies to "formal" music instruction. The importance of "informal" music instruction in early music development, much like language development, cannot be overstated and needs to start much earlier than 3 years old—even before birth! Children can start absorbing music and sound in the last trimester in utero. A child's musical potential is a product of nature and nurture. The role that nurture plays in the earliest months and years of life is undeniably important should we want children to grow up to enjoy and participate in music.

Comments

[Brandtschneider]

I am sure this requires a lot of coordination, discipline, and $$. Any figures or plans on how to implement this? I'm starting band kids in 4th grade and I'm struggling to get instruments in their hands at that stage.

Any evidence that they stick with it more or less than the traditional system?

[Dr. RizzRazz]

- - I am sure this requires a lot of coordination, discipline, and $$.
** Knowing the above would only help guide appropriate decisions. It's informational, especially for teachers and parents who want to start children on instruments.

- -Any figures or plans on how to implement this? I'm starting band kids in 4th grade and I'm struggling to get instruments in their hands at that stage.
** How so struggling? Don't have instruments? . . . To be clear, I don't think children should start early on instruments unless the above readiness list is met.

[Dr. RizzRazz]

To YUNiversity:
For guitar, a typical age is usually around 7 or 8. Some start very early but there are dangers with starting too early if it's not anything by completely enjoyable for the child. It needs to be "play" even up until 5 or 6 years old. After that, there can be 15-30 minutes of day of practice and some formal instruction from a kid-friendly and professional teacher. Some early guitar programs start at 5 or 6 years old and are based on Suzuki-style instruction. Play by ear and play by modeling. No note reading. This is key at the earliest ages that you avoid note reading. The less information, the better. The more playing and enjoying music better—whether that's with or without the guitar.

I would strongly recommend buying a ukulele (or actually two, so you can play together) and play melodies for him. Then he can pluck and you can finger it. Show him by demonstrating. Start simple. When he's done, you're done. No pushing for anything extra.

Also, play great music for him. I recommend Julian Bream for classical, also Ana Vidovic is tremendous. For jazz, no less than Django Reinhardt (early jazz). He's a pure genius.

I'm sure there are plenty of other greats: John McLaughlin (with Shakti, especially "Natural Elements[great Indian fusion]), Charlie Christian (40's jazz) and Al DiMeola (70's jazz).

Find and share YouTube videos with him. Ask a great guitar teacher what he should do while he's growing what I call "instrumental babble." This stage can last a few years, so you have to be patient about it. Let him lead the way. Listen to him and his needs.

To be clear, NO formal instruction at this age. Maybe by 5 years old, but starting early does not necessarily breed long-term success. There is NO hurry. Just enjoy.

Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask questions.
Best,
Eric