Children

Learning an instrument gives children a creative outlet and allows them to express their emotions in a healthy way. Working towards goals and performing builds their confidence and boosts their self-esteem. Music lessons expose children to a wider variety of music than they perhaps experience in other areas of their life – from classical to jazz to Scottish and world cultures. Although music is primarily a creative medium, it also allows children to think critically and develop problem-solving skills, improves maths ability through counting beats and understanding scales and theory much of which involves numbers and it improves memory skills and hand-eye coordination. It can also help develop social skills if the child gets involved in playing with others through a band or orchestra where they learn to interact with their peers in a musically disciplined environment.

For Piano, the recommended age for children to begin lessons is for Piano from age 5 upwards – lessons may be possible for younger children depending on concentration ability. Younger children can begin on a keyboard on which the keys are less heavy so easier to press. Early piano material is made accessible and fun to younger children through the use of colours to help them read the music as well as pictures, games and singing. For older children there are good tutor books as well as supplementary books containing pop, Disney and film music as well as classical and jazz.

For Flute and Clarinet the recommended age for children to begin lessons is from age 8 upwards and some children may be able to begin at a younger age. This depends on the size of the child and the size of their arms, hands and fingers. There are smaller and adapted versions of the standard instrument available for younger players. For Saxophone the recommended age for children to begin lessons is from age 9 upwards and some children may be able to begin at a younger age. This depends on the size of the child and the size of their arms, hands and fingers. There are smaller and adapted versions of the standard instrument available for younger players.