Give Your Child Guitar Lessons
Are your children old enough for guitar lessons?
When children are given the option to start music lessons they either want to play guitar or piano. But at what age should they start? Children who show a strong interest in music and have good concentration can sometimes begin constructive music activities as early as age 4. By the age of 8, most are ready to begin. When you are ready to begin guitar lessons in Philadelphia for your child, make sure you find the right teacher.
While adults can learn on their own mostly, children really benefit from a teacher in order to progress. Without guidance and structure, few children make real progress at learning an instrument. Even the hardest working children rely on the support of their parents and teachers to be able to practice consistently. Children need guidance and instruction in everything they do in their young lives. They need teachers to learn in school, guitar lessons are no exception.
Before you enroll your child in guitar lessons, you need to be able to answer a few questions.
Is my child ready?
You know your child better than anyone. Will he or she stick to practicing or resist you instead? Is the child’s interest in music strong, weak or not there at all?
Am I ready?
In order for your child to succeed in music, you will have to provide support. That means giving structure and sometimes authority.
How will this benefit my child?
Learning music is one of the most productive activities for the developing mind. It can teach your child self-discipline, allow them to make friends and set them up for a future in music if they chose.
Who is this for?
Are music lessons for your benefit or theirs? If you believe it will benefit your child’s development, then you are on the right path. If you are hoping to fulfill your own dreams or missed opportunities by vicariously living through them, you have bigger problems to contend with.
What are my expectations?
Children learn at different paces. If you expect to hear a recognizable song right away, you need to lower your expectations so that your child doesn’t feel pressured to learn. This will only cause them to resent the instrument and not want to play. Very young children may take up to a year before they can even play a simple melody. Don’t measure their progress. You are giving them a head start to developing into something bigger.
Thinking about the reasons why you want your child to take lessons will help give you clarity to know if they are ready or not. Of course, if they are begging, then go for it! But if you sense they are musical and aren’t sure, ask them if they would like to try. Children who are musical are looking for a creative outlet but don’t know how to obtain it. By offering an option, you are opening their minds up to endless possibilities. If they say yes, sign them up for guitar lessons in Philadelphia right away!