Community Music School

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When should I start my child in music lessons? Mozart began composing music when he was 4 and went on his first concert tour when he was just 5 years old. Beethoven’s father hoped his son would equal Mozart as a prodigy, and forced him to practice long hours at a young age. We often hear about children performing violin concertos or complex piano pieces before they are mature enough to understand all of the nuances of the music. But for the average American child with varied interests, the best time to begin traditional music instruction is between ages 5-7, or somewhat younger with the Suzuki method. At CMS, we offer the opportunity to arrange for one trial lesson. This way, the CMS instructor can give you personal advice regarding your child’s readiness. The public schools generally start instrumental instruction with recorders or song flutes in about grade 3 and then start the children on band instruments in either grade 4 or grade 5. There are a number of reasons for waiting, since most band instruments do not come in children’s sizes and require considerable fine motor skills to play. Piano, violin and guitar are instruments that are easier to start at an earlier age. The Kindermusik program is also an excellent way to introduce music instruction. When can my child start voice lessons? Although there are exceptions to every rule, it is our best advice to wait until a child is 12 or 13 (around puberty) to begin private voice lessons. Prior to that, singing in groups such as school choruses and church choirs is the best way to begin your child’s vocal education. At CMS, we do offer a group class for younger children to encourage good vocal production and to learn some of the basic techniques of singing. This is a fun way to get started in voice lessons! Do you ever send teachers out to people’s homes? No, all of our teachers teach here at the music school. This allows them to make the best use of their time and assures uniformity of facilities and, in the case of pianos, instruments. It also lends a degree of formality to lessons, helping children associate learning music with a special place and time. How long should children practice every day? Making a practice routine a part of music lessons from the very beginning is very important to the eventual success of the student. Most of our instructors would be happy to see 5 and 6 year olds practicing 10-15 minutes a day several times a week. As they grow older, children should practice more. Typically, children in elementary grades (2-6) should practice 30 minutes a day, perhaps with a "day off" each week. Length of practice time is not the only important factor – the quality of the practice is also important. Speak to your child’s instructor for "how-to's" and their personal recommendations. If your family is struggling with practicing issues, talk to the instructor for some motivational techniques. Some students, for example, do better by practicing in 2 short periods each day rather than 1 long period.

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