That's a question that I get a lot from prospective students or their parents. And sometimes it gets tricky to answer the question because many a times the question is backed by facts like "My child is 5 and loves music, so I think he is ready to learn an instrument!"
A contrasting one to that could be "I am old now, 60 years and don't think i can do it but wanted to understand your views"
From what I have known and understood over the years, there isn't a right age at all. One can start enjoying and listening music right from the womb. When the child is an infant or a toddler, the parent could help provide the right exposure of music to the child and that by itself is a music class. Many a times you have music sessions for toddlers and infants, wherein the parents help maintain the steady beat with the child or just, listen and enjoy the music and follow the songs.
So my favourite reply to a parent is "The student can start when he or she is ready for it!" Being ready does not just mean physically but mentally as well. Music classes are kinda structured and that would mean a lot for a child who is 3 or 4 years of age. Also, the same for a 60 year old. It would not just mean the love of music, but how would the student like to be a part of music. There is a huge difference in loving music and wanting to learn an instrument. And both need different readiness levels as well as interest levels. Being physically ready means a lot too, as not instruments would suit everyone, and so sometimes one has to try out an instrument to see if it's good enough to start with.
As we all our UNIQUE individuals, there could be a different perspective to each one as you read this, especially when you ask yourself whether you are ready for an instrument or not. So please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at 9819225180 or alwyncabral@gmail.com and I would be glad to assist your pursue.
