Starting music at a young age

If your young child is interested in music, you may have many questions. Start by observing what attracts them. They may move or dance when a song comes on television, tap rhythms with their fingers, pretend to drum on a saucepan or experiment with sounds on a basin. These can be playful signs of interest worth encouraging.

A useful first step can be age-appropriate musical play. Simple tambourines, triangles, cymbals, castanets and wooden sticks are among the instruments often used in Orff-based activities. This is only a beginning: listen to children's songs at home and encourage the child to join in and remember them without pressure. Where possible, attend suitable concerts and explore other arts through exhibitions and theatre. These experiences can enrich the child's engagement with music.

You can then explore instrument lessons. The article proposes piano and drums as two options for children aged five or under. It associates piano with quieter children and drums with energetic children, but temperament alone should not determine instrument choice. Let the child's interest, physical comfort, suitable equipment and a teacher's assessment guide the decision. Either instrument can provide a foundation, and children may choose another instrument later with their teachers' support.

Children need a suitable way to practise at home. For piano, an appropriate digital piano or keyboard may be an alternative to an acoustic instrument, depending on the teacher's requirements. For early drum work, practice pads and sticks can provide a starting setup instead of immediately buying a full kit. Discuss the equipment with the teacher.

Early experiences with the arts can be valuable alongside preschool education. We welcome children to explore music through teaching suited to their age and readiness.

Pelin Aşkın Kumova
Rekor Sanat – Piano Teacher