FAQs: What is the Best Age to Begin Learning an Instrument?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is "What is the best age to begin learning an instrument?" 

Developmentally, most children are ready to begin lessons by seven years old and some students are ready much earlier. 

Consider if you can answer "yes" to the majority of these statements:

Academic Readiness

• My child confidently knows the alphabet from A to G.
• My child can count to at least 10.

Emotional Readiness

• My child is motivated and is asking to learn an instrument.
• My child is mature and is able to follow given instructions.
• My child can repeat a task without becoming frustrated.

Mental Readiness

• My child is a motivated learner.
• My child is able to focus for 30 minutes.

Physical Readiness

• My child can grasp objects (finger strength) and color within the lines (fine motor skills).

Parental Readiness

• Do you feel ready to make a weekly, consistent commitment to lessons?
• Do you feel ready to schedule practice times into your child's week?
• Do you feel ready to provide encouragement and support as they grow in their studies?

Finally, we desire for every child to explore and learn music!

If your child has cognitive or developmental delays, please let us know as we have board-certified music therapists on our team who provide adaptive music lessons. Contact us for more information! ​