"My Child loves music! I would like to start them on private lessons to learn an instrument. What instrument would you recommend?"
I often hear this type of question from parents and I think that it great that you want to encourage your child’s interests in music! Whenever asked about lessons for children this age, I always recommend piano or violin. Both instruments are great for young children, will help children to develop their musical ears, spatial awareness and both have skills that can be transferred to any instrument later on if they choose to pursue another instrument.
"Do you have names of private teachers in the area?"
Here are the websites to both the Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute of Music and the Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers. Both resources will help you find the right teacher for your child! Click on the buttons below to visit their websites.
"My child loves to sing! Do you recommend voice lessons for them at this age?"
While it is wonderful support your child's love of singing, I would not recommend starting them with private vocal lessons until 8th grade at the earliest. Their voices and vocal muscles are still growing and developing and private vocal study can actually do harm to their growing voice. Private voice lessons are not necessary at this young of an age, however if you would like to give them more opportunities to sing, there are several area children's choirs that I would recommend they join. While most require students to be in the 2nd grade or older, it is something that you can start thinking about now. As Linus said, "Happiness is singing in the choir!"
"Is there anything else I should consider when thinking about starting music lessons for my child?"
Learning to play an instrument can be an exciting new adventure, but it is also a commitment. I would wait to start lessons until you think that your child (and you!) can commit practicing and sticking with it. When learning a new instrument, we will no doubt be tested and run into challenges, so please encourage your child to continue on and push through those times. It is much more beneficial to start an instrument a year or two later than to start one before your child is ready and then to quit prematurely. Your child will need you as a cheerleader and support system to join them in their practicing and keep them motivated. In fact, many parents like to learn how to play right alongside their child, which can be a wonderful bonding opportunity! Either way, the fact that you are interested in lessons for your child shows your love and desire for them to learn grow in a way that only music can provide. What a wonderful gift! Thank you for your support of your child's music development :)