When
should you start thinking about your child's musical education?
Where
do I begin?
When
should I start my child on an instrument?
Which
instrument should I choose?
Why
choose group lessons?
Why
should my child take the RCM exams?
When
should you start thinking about your child's musical education?
Music is a language, and it is never too early to start. All children are musical beings. They are born with an aptitude for music and the most critical time to nurture a child's musical development is from birth to age nine. Research has shown that a child's musical aptitude will stabilize by the age of nine.
The most valuable thing you can do for your child is to keep him/her singing and moving. Share the music you love with your child. Sing along, keep the beat, dance around, and let your child know that you are having fun. Explore different types of music together - the library is a wonderful resource.
If you are interested in a program for your pre-school child, we offer the Music Pups class. This is one of the best early childhood movement and music programs available today. It is designed to build a rich musical vocabulary by introducing your child to songs of many different styles and sounds, from different time periods, and even from different cultures. We will also teach your child to keep a steady beat, sing on pitch, and recognize rhythmic & melodic patterns.
For Kindergarten-aged children we have the "Music Makers Around the World and at the Keyboard" program from Musik Garten which combines all the things they love in Music Pups with an introduction to the keyboard.
When
should I start my child on an instrument?
There is no "wrong time" to start. It is a good idea to provide your child with a strong foundation in singing and movement before starting an instrument. Keep in mind, that learning to play an instrument, like learning to dance or play a sport, takes time- weekly practice and many years to become proficient. A younger child will require more parental participation. An older child may have more self-motivation, but will still need prodding to practice. Establishing a regular routine of practice and reaching for goals can be an important part of your child's development. The earlier you start, the easier it is to make music a part of your weekly schedule.
Which
instrument should I choose?
Western music is piano based, so this is a good place to start. We offer group programs for children beginning at any age.
Group lessons have many advantages - ensemble playing, peer-based motivation, experience performing in front of others, and fun. We strive to provide more than a "see the dot, press the button" education in music. A good foundation in rhythm, note reading, theory and composition will allow your child to become an independent musician and to easily move to other instruments. Our classes are also "family based", allowing you the opportunity to become involved in your child's musical education.
Why
should my child take the RCM exams?
From the point of view of a parent, it is important to note that The Royal Conservatory of Music is an internationally recognized institution which provides the benchmark for entrance into many music programs. It has developed a wonderful curriculum designed to fully develop a child's musical potential. Having obtained certificates from the RCM can open many doors for your child.
From the point of view of a student, it is important to set goals. Taking the "test" will set specific requirements, will motivate a child to learn, and will provide a sense of accomplishment once completed.
Back to the top