As a parent, it can be a little overwhelming when trying to decide which instrument is best for your child to pursue. It’s important to pay attention to your child’s interests and personality as these can help guide you to a long-lasting love of playing an instrument. And, no matter what instrument you choose, you can be sure that learning to play any instrument can bring a lifetime of enjoyment.
String instruments are popular choices for kids of all ages. But how to know which string instrument is right for your child? We’ll explore if violin lessons for kids either in-person or virtually are right for your child.
What’s the Best Age to Start Violin Lessons for Kids?
When should your child start learning the violin? The good news is that children are generally able to begin violin lessons at any age! But, if you’re able to start early enough, there are benefits to starting violin lessons for kids between the ages of 6 and 10. Starting lessons early on captures young children’s ability to focus and practice. In this age range, children are also able to meet the physical requirements of playing an instrument and master those quickly. Additionally, children’s hearing can be trained early on to be attuned to pitch and rhythm, and their sense of musicality can be developed through listening early on.
While some string instruments like guitar and violin may take more time to learn the basics because of the fine motor skills needed to play them, they can be a great challenge for young learners.
Reasons to Consider Violin Lessons for Kids
1. It’s not cost-prohibitive.
Because violins are a popular instrument, both for kids and for lessons, you should be able to find an affordable child-sized violin for purchase or rental to get your child started. Beginner violins for children can start out as low as $150, and maintenance on violins is minimal. You’ll need to purchase resin for your bow and replace the strings occasionally, none of which are expensive. Additionally, because the violin is a popular choice, you will find many qualified violin teachers for kids, online and in-person delighted to offer lessons.
2. Violin teaches discipline and patience.
If you ask parents what their kids need more of, they’ll likely respond with, “discipline and patience.” Kids are constantly wanting things now, not later. Patience and discipline go hand in hand in preparing children for a bright future. Violin lessons for kids teach children that you have to master the beginner’s skills such as proper form, tuning, and scales, before you can move on to learning whole songs each day. This helps children form habits of discipline by setting aside time every day to practice, and habits of patience as they won’t be able to achieve mastery of this instrument right away.
3. Learning to play the violin is good for cognitive development.
When children play instruments, it helps light up and engage parts of the brain that other activities do not. This allows children to engage multiple senses and helps children refine their fine motor skills. Over the years, it’s been shown that children who learn instruments at young ages perform better in school, particularly in math.
4. Learning the violin builds self-esteem.
In addition to building patience and discipline, learning and enjoying an instrument like the violin helps children build confidence in their abilities. Performing in front of people, whether it’s a living room full of relatives as a solo performer, or as part of an orchestra in an auditorium, children who perform their craft will gain confidence in themselves through performance.
5. Violin Lessons for kids helps build relationships.
Starting your child in music lessons at a young age can have benefits far beyond their cognitive development and academic performance. Violin lessons for kids help children build social skills and relationships around an activity they enjoy. From their instructors to other children in their classes, to the orchestras they’ll be a part of in school and beyond, learning to play the violin will open up many doors for your children and introduce them to like-minded friends along the way. This inclusive environment in which children are constantly learning and performing is a great way to instill inclusive, team-minded values in children.
While any instrument will provide a pathway to an enjoyable future of music, choosing to enroll your child in virtual music lessons or in-person violin lessons can provide numerous benefits, short-term and long-term to your child. Our online music lessons are taught by local music teachers who plan their lessons to suit your child. Contact us today to learn more.
