It’s an exciting experience for everyone when they enter the world of music. Whether you’re planning to do it just for your own enjoyment, or whether you’re planning to become a professional, there’s always this same feeling of fulfillment when playing an instrument or writing your original music. But if you really want to be good at it, you should always consider starting out earlier in life. Sure, it’s okay to begin playing guitar when you’re in your 20s or 30s or 40s, but you’ll never be able to achieve the same result if you were to start as a child. How about joining a band at age 4? How about joining our KidzRock program?
This is why we wanted to open a specific discussion. Many start their instrument or vocal performing journey early in their life. But there’s always that big question about when’s actually the perfect time. But what we want to ask here is whether joining a band as early as age four is a good idea. Yeah, it might sound a bit too ambitious. However, it’s not impossible.
While most of the people we know had this extremely important milestone covered in high school, why wouldn’t we be able to afford this kind of privilege for the youngest ones? In this brief guide, we will be looking into this topic while thinking of the benefits that can come from this approach.
What you need to know first
Of course, we all know how demanding it may be to work with children. Speaking about music lessons, those who are working with toddlers should be more than just regular music teachers transferring their knowledge. In fact, it’s not that about their level of knowledge of music theory or the skills on the instrument. It’s about having the right approach and experience in working with children. So from this side, we could say that the task is a bit demanding. After all, getting young children to pay attention is definitely a challenge, especially if you’re trying to make a band or an orchestra with children below the age of 7.
However, all the benefits can feel so rewarding. Seeing your child have their first performance is a feeling unlike any other. There are plenty of ways that they could benefit from learning music and having an actual band experience.
Benefits from joining a band at an early age
So let’s start with the obvious examples of how such an experience could be beneficial. First, having any kind of coordinated group activity directly stimulates the development of their social skills. And that’s especially the case with such an interactive experience as playing an instrument. Performing a simple tune involves a great deal of activity from a child. And just imagine how beneficial it is for their social and emotional development to do the same with other children in perfect harmony.
Not to mention that such an experience will also boost their confidence. Managing to perform an actual song from start to finish, with the help of their tutors, children will start learning that success comes through elaborate teamwork.
Improvement of motor skills is also just one of the benefits of learning how to play an instrument. Now, this is really pronounced in a setting where your child is supposed to perform with other children their age. Performing one instrument requires a series of coordinated tasks, that ultimately help with motor skill development. Now just imagine what an experience it is to have a few or more kids performing this together, all synced to one tempo and one beat.
It’s also quite beneficial for sensory development. Playing an instrument is a multi-sensory activity, and there are so many things in the equation. Aside from hearing, it engages the sense of touch and the child’s visual perception. Just like with motor skills, there’s a lot going on in their brain when they’re performing music together in a group.
Joining a band at age 4: It’s important to be patient
You should bear in mind that it takes a lot of time to master an instrument, let alone have an actual coordinated band or orchestra of young musicians. Even if a child shows great interest and talent early on, you can’t expect them to become a virtuoso just like that.
How to know if this is the right approach
You may be thinking whether or not to send off your children to do any kind of music lessons at such an early age. But even if you’re in favor of your child taking lessons and having band experiences early on; how do you know if this is the right approach.
Well, it’s actually really simple. If a child shows interest in music and towards musical instruments, then this is something you should encourage. Seeing talent or interest in someone at such an early age is a gift that should be nurtured. So it’s not unusual to see potential as early as age 3 or 4, which is the right time your child is able to have their first lesson experiences.
And, after all, this is the only way a child would make any kind of progress in music. You’ll never be able to get them to like an instrument if they’re not interested in music.
In the long run
Sure, the most important thing is that your child spends quality time while also having fun. However, having this experience is something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. You’re giving them something that will open up a whole new world of possibilities; and the chance to learn how to express themselves through this art form. And that in itself is a reason to let them have a full band experience early on. So, joining a band at age 4? Why not? Rock on!
