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What age should children start music lessons?

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Experts agree that exposure to music should start at birth.  At this point, exposure should be informal, mostly carried out by parents and caregivers.  Examples of activities that would help the child develop a relationship with music at this age would be rocking your child to music, dancing with your child, play music and sing for your child, age appropriate musical games.  

When the child is about three years old, they can be guided to find a beat in music, identifying the melody, identifying instruments.  These activities again shouldn’t be very formal and they should be presented more like play. Parent-child activities for this kind of exposure are sometimes offered by preschools, universities and community centers. (Dr. Robert A. Cutietta)

In general, ages 4-7 are usually the most ideal for starting to learn an instrument. Not only are kids' hands and minds functional enough to play, but they can actually begin to understand the basics of music.  Most experts feel that five years old is an optimal age to begin lessons. By this age, most children have built a foundation that has prepared them for formalized music lessons. In addition, at this point, children are usually pretty good at being able to sit and focus with a music teacher in their home.  At this point however, the goal of the lessons is not for the child to become a great performer on the instrument but to further his/her understanding of music. Piano and violin are the two most common instruments played at this age. Guitar, recorder and ukulele have also been tried with success. (Dr. Robert A. Cutietta)

By age 10, the child will have a variety of skills associated with their instrument of choice.  They’ll also have the physical strength to try a different, bigger instrument, such as a brass or large string instrument that requires a higher level of strength and stamina.  Around this time, the goal of lessons appropriately transitions from gaining experience with music to improving performance ability. (Dr. Robert A. Cutietta)

There is a growing (and convincing) body of research that indicates a “window of opportunity” from birth to age nine for developing a musical sensitivity within children.  During this time, the mental structures and mechanisms associated with processing and understanding music are in the prime stages of development, making it of utmost importance to expose children in this age range to music. (Dr. Robert A. Cutietta)

In summary, there are three answers to the question, “What age should children begin music lessons?”  Informal activities with music should start soon after birth, followed by more systematic classes around age three, and lessons with the goal of learning the instrument should start between six and nine.  Keep in mind that these are only guidelines; exceptions will undoubtedly occur based on the child and/or teacher. (Dr. Robert A. Cutietta)

Dr. Robert A. Cutietta is the Dean of the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. He is the author of “Raising Musical Kids” and a popular speaker whose areas of expertise include the middle-school learner, choral education, learning theories and the psychology of music.


Elite Music Instruction is a five-star-rated music school that has been in the business of music education for over 23 years. Lessons are personalized for each student to maximize progress and success. All ages. All levels. Piano, guitar, violin, voice, drums, saxophone, and more. Call today.

What instrument should my I learn how to play?

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If you have thought about getting music lessons for you or your child, you might have asked yourself this question.  Of course the only person that can ultimately answer that question is you or your child, but I’ll present a few things you may want to consider when making your decision. Here is a brief comparison among the piano, violin and guitar.

1- Cost 

 In general, pianos are more expensive than violins, especially when comparing to entry level violins.  However, you would be just fine learning on a keyboard, instead of a piano, especially if you are a beginner.  You can select a weighted keys keyboard to have the most similar experience to a piano. This option would make the piano option much more affordable.  The keyboard would also be beneficial if space in your home is a concern. As far as guitars go, they are in general cheaper than violins, again at an entry level quality.

2- Instrument maintenance

    Pianos require very little maintenance. You should keep it covered when it’s not being used to avoid dust and it’s recommended to have it tuned once or twice a year.  I’ve seen tuning cost run between $120 - $200. The best temperature to keep a piano at to avoid negative effects on the wood, strings and felt on the hammers is between 65 - 78 degrees F.  Luckily this is about the same temperature people are comfortable at, so most homes are at the right temperature for a piano, but something to consider if you plan to keep a piano in storage.   If instead you decided on a keyboard, they are equally virtually maintenance free. Just keep it covered to avoid dust.

Violins may need more maintenance. Violins will need routine cleanings, string replacements, peg replacements, bridge adjustments and more as it ages.  In addition, because the instrument is more fragile, you may find that if it’s dropped or accidentally stepped on (kids leave things on the floor at times) you might need to buy a new one. Cost of repairs may be higher than a piano because the violin is a tedious instrument to work with (compared to the piano), consequently, you’ll usually be paying more for the labor and expertise of your technician. Tuning a violin might be more difficult than tuning a guitar, especially at the beginning, but your teacher will teach you and eventually you’ll do it yourself, so no cost there.

Guitars would be somewhere in the middle of the two.  Guitars are more fragile than pianos but a bit steadier than violins.  You will eventually have to learn how to tune it yourself, but at the beginning your instructor can do it for you, and teach you.  You can also buy a guitar tuner, which are pretty inexpensive devices. You will also need to replace stings from time to time, which are fairly inexpensive as well (starting at about $5 each).

3- Portability

    This may not be an issue for some people, but if you want to be able to bring your instrument to practice on your vacation, or in the park or the beach, the piano wouldn’t fit the bill. 

4- Learning curve

   “Both instruments (piano and violin) are difficult to master, but when it comes to the start, violin is much tougher. There are all sorts of awkward positions that you would need to learn. Things like how to hold the bow, placing the chin rest at just the right angle and more. The other tough thing with violin is that you need to develop a strong ear early on with the tuning process. Young students might accidentally snap a few strings in the process. Musically knowing where exactly to place your bow isn’t an exact science. It’ll take new students some time to really polish their ability to quickly change positions while producing a solid tone.

Piano, on the other hand, takes a lot of the guesswork out of the equation. These instruments already come tuned, so it’s something a student can sit down and start playing right away. Determining where the notes are is much easier on a piano too.

Some of the challenges with the piano will be establishing proper bench height, having good posture and finger placement. The good thing is that it’s an instrument you can learn one hand at a time if you wanted to and still accomplish great results.

In the long run I believe piano will end up being the more difficult instrument. The repertoire will become much more demanding from a technical standpoint.

Having fluid dexterity in both hands will be important if you want to continue developing as a pianist. The good thing is that in the early stages of learning you have an opportunity to really hone in on those skills through simple repertoire” (This quote is from Joshua Ross, a classical pianist)

The guitar, as the piano, will allow you to produce simple music quicker, in comparison with the violin. There is less guess work too since guitars have frets and violins don’t.  If you want to achieve “mastery” all three instruments will take considerable time and practice. But you will be able to “get by” on the guitar sooner than you will on the violin.

5- Do you want to play and sing?

If your goal is to play and sing, both the piano or guitar would work very well.  

6- What music do you prefer?

If you like rock, the guitar might be better suited for you.  If you like classical, maybe the violin or piano.

When choosing an instrument,  follow your heart. At the end, you know best what’s best for you.  You have to pick something you enjoy and have fun with. And why limit yourself to one instrument? Maybe you want to try more than one.  

 Keep in mind that the consensus in the literature is that taking lessons is key to avoid developing bad habits that might limit your ability to grow musically and that might prove very difficult to unlearn.

Have fun playing music!!


Benefits of Music Education

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Between soccer and scouts, your school-age kid's schedule is loaded with fun activities. If you're on the fence about adding music classes to the list, take note of the benefits that come with signing your little one up for violin or piano lessons. Maybe she won't be the next Beethoven, but she may have an easier time learning math, practicing good manners (including patience!), and becoming a team player. Read on to learn more about the benefits of music education.

It improves academic skills

Music and math are highly intertwined. By understanding beat, rhythm, and scales, children are learning how to divide, create fractions, and recognize patterns. It seems that music wires a child's brain to help him better understand other areas of math, says Lynn Kleiner, founder of Music Rhapsody in Redondo Beach, CA. As kids get older, they'll start reciting songs, calling on their short-term memory and eventually their long-term memory. Using a mnemonic device to do this is a method that can later be applied to other memory skills, says Mary Larew, Suzuki violin teacher at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, Connecticut. Musical instrument classes also introduce young children to basic physics. For instance, plucking the strings on a guitar or violin teaches children about harmonic and sympathetic vibrations. Even non-string instruments, such as drums and the vibraphone, give big kids the opportunity to explore these scientific principles.

It develops physical skills

Certain instruments, such as percussion, help children develop coordination and motor skills; they require movement of the hands, arms, and feet. This type of instrument is great for high-energy kids, says Kristen Regester, Early Childhood Program Manager at Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia College Chicago. String and keyboard instruments, like the violin and piano, demand different actions from your right and left hands simultaneously. "It's like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time," Regester says. Instruments not only help develop ambidexterity, but they can also encourage children to become comfortable in naturally uncomfortable positions. Enhancing coordination and perfecting timing can prepare children for other hobbies, like dance and sports.

It cultivates social skills

Group classes or joining the school band require peer interaction and communication, which encourage teamwork, as children must collaborate to create a crescendo or an accelerando. If a child is playing his instrument too loudly or speeding up too quickly, he'll need to adjust. It's important for children to know and understand their individual part in a larger ensemble, Regester says. 

It refines discipline and patience

Learning an instrument teaches children about delayed gratification. The violin, for example, has a steep learning curve. Before you can make a single sound, you must first learn how to hold the violin, how to hold the bow, and where to place your feet, Larew says. Playing an instrument teaches kids to persevere through hours, months, and sometimes years of practice before they reach specific goals, such as performing with a band or memorizing a solo piece. 

It boosts self-esteem

Lessons offer a forum where children can learn to accept constructive criticism. During lessons, the child will have the opportunity to adjust, collaborate, have input and opinions and “conquer challenges” repeatedly. Turning “criticism” into a positive change, helps build self-confidence, Regester says. Recitals, group lessons and playing in a band offer the opportunity to perform in public (or at least in front of peers). Presenting yourself in public is often scary, but an important skill. Being able to conquer this fear and become more comfortable performing in public will also boost self-confidence.

It introduces children to other cultures

By learning about and playing a variety of instruments, kids can discover how music plays a critical role in other cultures. For instance, bongos and timbales may introduce children to African and Cuban styles of music. Although the modern-day violin has roots in Italy, learning to play it exposes children to classical music popularized by German and Austrian musicians. Versatile instruments, such as the violin and piano, can accompany a wide repertoire of styles, including classical and jazz (which originated in the American South). It's important to familiarize children with other cultures at a young age because this fosters open-mindedness about worlds and traditions beyond the ones they know.

What to Consider When Selecting an Instrument

Ultimately, the instrument you and your child choose should depend on a number of factors. Here's a list of questions to consider before bringing home a new music maker:

  • - Is your child excited about the instrument? Does she like the way it sounds and feels?

  • - As a parent, do you like the sound enough to listen to your child practice it for hours at home?

  • - Is your child specifically interested in a particular music style? If so, factor that into your instrument choice, as some specifically cater to certain styles. 

  • Experts don't always agree on which instruments are best for kids to learn, but many music teachers do agree that it's hard to go wrong with the piano, percussion (like the drum or xylophone), recorder, guitar, or violin.

    By Angela Kwan

    From Parents magazine

2019 Spring Music Recital

Great performance Dylan!

EliteMusicInstruction.com
Providing personalized music lessons since 1996. Reviewed as the best music school in Florida. Teaching Guitar, Piano, Drums, Violin, Voice, Ukulele, Bass, Keyboard, Saxophone, Flute, Cello Clarinet & more in areas in and around Weston, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Southwest Ranches, Miami, Miramar, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Parkland, Boca Raton, Boynton, Delray, Pompano, Lighthouse Point, Orlando

2019 Spring Music Recital

Super fun performance! Great job Erin! Thanks for participating.
EliteMusicInstruction.comProviding personalized music lessons since 1996. Reviewed as the best music school in Florida. Teaching Guitar, Piano, Drums, Violin, Voice, Ukulele, Bass, Keyboard, Saxophone, Flute, Cello Clarinet & more in areas in and around Weston, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Southwest Ranches, Miami, Miramar, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Parkland, Boca Raton, Boynton, Delray, Pompano, Lighthouse Point, Orlando

2019 Spring Music Recital

I believe you can not start something big alone. As they say “Team work makes the dream work” It has been twenty-three and a half years since I walked into Anthony Laurella's home. In the moment that we met, @AnthonyLaurella became my first student and thus became Elite Music Instruction’s first student.

A foundation is not only the beginning of a project, but a foundation is the element that the whole project will be built upon. I have learned that a foundation built with heart & integrity is always the strongest.

Wholeheartedly I was at Anthony’s home to share my knowledge of drums with Anthony. Likewise, Anthony was there with an incredible passion to learn the drums. Over the next 5 years Anthony would learn all he needed to know to build a strong foundation on which to build his knowledge of drums and drumming and I would build a strong foundation on which I would build my theory of teaching drums and music to others.

I have learned through teaching that in order to be a successful teacher you must first learn your art and then learn your student. This is the only way to successfully relay your knowledge to your students. Everyone is a unique individual and I feel everyone needs to be taught accordingly.

If you would like to know what Anthony has learned as a student you can simply watch the video below, but what you will see is only a morsel of what Anthony has learned. If you really want to know what Anthony has learned as a student of music you would need to get to know him as a person. Unfortunately most of you will never get to know Anthony, so here is a quick synopsis of who I have watched Anthony become.

Anthony was a kid that had to learn to live with his own adversities, as we all had to do. The big difference between Anthony and a lot of us is that Anthony never complained. Instead he always asked why? When he got an answer he would ask why again. And so it went. Month after month. Year after year, Anthony would always ask why and now Anthony is a compilation of knowledge and reasoning. He is a compassionate man that never gives up. Anthony is a dedicated husband, father, brother and son. He is dedicated to the success of his family business and the success of all his employees. He is the friend we are all better off for having in our lives. And if you ask any one of his students, Anthony is the best teacher they could ever ask for.

Anthony, because of what you taught me as my “student” I was able to create a proper music school. Built on nothing but heart and integrity. Without you Elite Music Instruction would have been impossible to build. I could not possibly be prouder of you.You have a sole that we all benefit from. For all of what you are I am forever grateful for you.

2019 Spring Music Recital

Excellent performance Jason! Congratulations! Thanks for participating.
EliteMusicInstruction.com
Providing personalized music lessons since 1996. Reviewed as the best music school in Florida. Teaching Guitar, Piano, Drums, Violin, Voice, Ukulele, Bass, Keyboard, Saxophone, Flute, Cello Clarinet & more in areas in and around Weston, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Southwest Ranches, Miami, Miramar, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Parkland, Boca Raton, Boynton, Delray, Pompano, Lighthouse Point,