"Is my child ready for voice or instrument lessons?"

This is a question that I am asked so frequently that I thought I'd answer it here. There is an abundance of research data that proves that music instruction helps students to think with greater clarity, problem solve more efficiently and develop persistence. How can you be sure that your child is ready to get these benefits during private instruction? The following are some indicators:

1. Your child wants to learn to sing properly or play an instrument. (Just because you want them to is not a good enough reason.)

2. Your child knows their numbers up to ten and their letters up to g.

3. Your child is willing to practice (anything) in order to improve their skills.

4. For piano: Your child can reach the keys and has enough strength to press them down.

5. Stringed instruments often come in smaller sizes and can be started at a very early age. Some children can handle a violin at four, but a more realistic age to start is probably six.

6. Guitars come in smaller sizes and are suitable for children from around eight upwards, depending on the size and stretch of their hands.

7. Voice lessons are not traditionally taught before 13, but the philosophy regarding that has recently changed. If a younger child is singing constantly, it is now regarded as prudent to give them instruction; not necessarily to develop the voice, but to teach the young singer proper use, which will avoid injury and vocal strain.

If you have any questions regarding private music lessons for your child, please don't hesitate to email me at vinczeebw.k12.ri.us or to call me at school.

Elisabeth Vincze

Music Educator