Subject: Re: how old
From: Jessica
To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

on 1/11/00 1:20 PM, sue-at-oelke.com wrote:
> I have considered starting my daughter she is almost 6 I thing that she is
> mentally ready to start learning I think that as soon as the idea of pitch
> is there they can start learning. could be as soon as 2 in some kids.


In an earlier discussion of this topic, I seem to remember someone giving
good advice along these lines: that a child that young can be taught songs
and taught things about music, can be taught notes, intervals, scales, etc.,
perhaps even some elementary foundation skills about breathing but serious
lessons in technique of most any kind are best left till much later when the
child will have a better ability to grasp the concepts and when the voice
has developed more. Many people think the ideal time to begin formal
technique training is about 15 or16 or so.

However, it's never too early to encourage a child who shows musical
aptitude, and never too early (or too late!) to teach things about music to
anyone who wants to learn. You also might want to check the archives for
earlier discussions of this topic.

Good Luck,
Jessica