Guitar Lessons for kids??? How young is too young?

TheBMC · Post by **TheBMC** » Monday Jul 13, 2009

So my daughter asked me the other day when she could start learning how to play guitar... ( yes i was very happy! I've only been waiting 5 1/2 years for her to ask me...she's 5 1/2 ) My question is this...

How old do you think a kid should be before starting up with lessons. She has a good attention span and gets lessons for other things like gymnastics and cheerleading so she understands the concept of what getting lessons means. She is only 5 though ... 6 in Jan so I'm not sure if I should just let her give it a go or make her wait. she has asked me multiple times now in the past couple weeks so I don't think the idea is going to leave her head anytime soon.

Any thoughts opinions ect would be great!

Also, WHO would give lessons to a child and how much??

Thanks!
Ryan

zman1200 · Post by **zman1200** » Monday Jul 13, 2009

Perfect time is now dont push her let her be a kid first. we have many kids this age and some are amazing. most quit in a month some come back

TheBMC · Post by **TheBMC** » Monday Jul 13, 2009

Well that was kinda the thing. I never want her to feel presured that she has to do it... If she tries and and continues great if she quits that's fine too... If she does it I want her to enjoy it and do it for herself not because I wanted her to.

I'm assuming you do lessons? Where at? What is the cost? What is the recommended gear and cost of the gear?

zman1200 · Post by **zman1200** » Monday Jul 13, 2009

We are located in Alverda Pa its about 40 miles from Altoona one way , charge is $14 a half hour/amps,drums etc included,private air con room . Equip dont bother with names most come from the same factories they just put different names on them, try it before you buy it a turd is still a turd even if the label says rose

RFBuck · Post by **RFBuck** » Monday Jul 13, 2009

If she does stuff like gymnastics and understands that it isn't going to come right away and takes practice, I say let her have a go.
When I gave lessons, that was the biggest problem I faced...the practice. Most of the little ones thought it was like Guitar Hero and they'd have it pat in a few tries and when they didn't, they gave up. One couldn't get a grip on anything...but he kept coming back!! LOL I had to admire his dedication.
Some can start that early and totally grasp the concept and become exceptional players.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Tuesday Jul 14, 2009

I've always told parents of prospective musicians to wait until their hands are big enough before putting them in a formal teaching situation. Before that, give them a smaller guitar that belongs only to them (playing Dad's guitar should be a goal, as it helps them respect the instrument itself). Let them bang on it with no pressure, and have Dad play a little song on it every once in awhile, to show it can be done. I think a lot of us are here because our parents played, or at least someone we were around as kids. I think it kinda has to happen naturally. Obviously, exposure to music and encouragement are great for kids, and playing for your kids is something many of you all probably take for granted, but I think it would be pretty awesome.--->JMS

thebattle · Post by **thebattle** » Tuesday Jul 14, 2009

I would say go for it if shes showing interest. My son is almost 4 and he loves beating on the drums. Im going to get him a kit when hes about 4 1/2.

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Tuesday Jul 14, 2009

Make sure the child has a decent instrument. So many times parents get the cheapest instrument they can find. Just to "see if my kid is interested before I buy them a good one". Then the kid gets discouraged trying to play a cheese cutter.

mistikalvalkrie · Post by **mistikalvalkrie** » Tuesday Jul 14, 2009

I started playing the piano when I was 5...I've seen some kids start up younger than that. I think the biggest problem with the guitar is that you have to ind one that her hands will fit....but if she's 5 and a half and wants to play and you can find one with a neck that will fit her hands, I think you should let her go for it...I think its wonderful that she wants to do this already!