Health & Fitness
I was asked: What Age Can My Child Start Playing Drums?
Don't worry about pushing your kids into music lessons. Sometimes it's worth keepng the drumming Animal at bay, for a littel while :-)
Though many parents exclaim super-rhythmic talents in their children at ages as early as one or two (which may be the case), honing those innate skills or just exploring a percussive interest seems best suited for ages 4 and up. This is not just my opinion, but empiracle evidence from own interests of great musicians in who talk about their early lives. Rarely have I read or heard any say they started any practice that could be considered "serious or structured" before 4yrs old.
In my opinion, younger, toddler crowd is best suited to drum circles, sing-a-longs, and other entertainment-best activities. If you are a musical family, feel free to home-school in any way you feel your child will absorb the best. But to get value for your ($) dollar, some attention needs to be held for at least 20-30 minutes, the typical, minimum lesson time. The lesson itself can be the most basic, but an understanding by the child that he/she is there to learn as much as play, is really the heart of the matter.
Any instructor can always entertain and pass the time, but that's not what I want to do in a "one-on-one" lesson, where expectations are higher. And not every 4 yr old will show interest in lessons so early. Sometimes kids need to be 6 or 7 before they really "get" why they are there, or really want to be there.
Group lessons are an option for the very young, with friends and kids of similar ages, where the instructor can take more creative liberties, since the cost for each child goes down dramatically and expectations match that. Training to be Gene Krupa can wait a little longer. But these forums are always a good time, and often a needed respite for parents! :-)
Of course, I present these, and a few other unique options and materials at:
http://DadDoesDrums.com
Happy 2014!
Barry Kaye
Dad of http://DadDoesDrums.com
