Many people want to start their students in music lessons as soon as possible to develop their attention to detail and discipline, but some instruments are just too big for little hands. In our last post, we shared some questions to consider before signing up for private lessons, and this time we’ll help you decide which instrument to start with.
Whether the student changes instruments later or stays with their first choice from 4 years old through high school, the musical principles they learn at a young age can be applied to any instrument they pick up later.
Architekt Music Academy is unique in that our teachers do not compete with each other - we’re a big music family of passionate educators. If we feel a student should consider pursuing another instrument for any reason, we will promptly tell you!
Ages 4-6
At Architekt Music Academy, students can begin lessons as young as 4 years old, depending on their ability to focus during the 30-minute lesson. Because parents assist our students’ practicing at home, we do welcome parents sitting in on the lessons to know exactly what they need to work on the rest of the week.
Guitar/Bass: Maybe, depending on hand size
Even mini guitars can be too big for students at this age, because their hands are small and need to reach all six strings. We often recommend focusing on the musical foundations by taking piano or vocal music appreciation lessons first.
Piano: Yes!
Piano lessons teach the basics of note reading, melody and rhythm. Our teachers will arrange the curriculum based on the student’s personality, and may even add in voice lessons if interested. This practice will give them a head start on music in school!
Voice: Yes, with Piano
For our youngest students, we combine voice with piano lessons to protect and develop the student’s vocal muscles. With the combo class at Architekt, we ensure students won’t exhaust their voices in one lesson.
Drums: Yes!
Drums are a great instrument to start with at a young age. If they can properly hold two drumsticks and stay focused for a 30 minute period, drums can be a great fit!
Ukulele: Maybe, depending on hand size
At such a young age, holding and fretting the instrument may be a challenge, even on the ukulele. Developing vocal and note reading skills on piano may be a great place to start!
Ages 7-11
7-year-olds pick up music quickly because they have learned to focus in school and may have started some recorder in music class. While parents still need to encourage and remind their students to practice at home, children in this age bracket will learn and practice their lesson content more independently.
Guitar or Bass: Probably!
By this age, many students have developed hand strength and dexterity which helps to play guitar effectively. While each student’s hand size, strength, and overall development is different, we may recommend a ¾ or mini guitar for your student.
Try a few lessons to see if the instrument will work for your student, and then decide if the time is right. If the guitar is too big, your student could try ukulele, instead!
Piano: Yes!
Piano prepares students for every other instrument, and at this age students will learn Music Theory to prepare them for advanced repertoire. Because students between 7-11 years old have unique interests or levels of focus, the teachers at Architekt will create an individualized curriculum to keep them moving towards success.
Voice: Yes!
Students under the age of 12 will work on matching pitch, breath control, and character. Depending on the child’s vocal growth and strength, our teachers will introduce other techniques. Repertoire includes musical theatre, pop/rock, and classical pieces as discussed with their instructor.
Drums: Yes!
This age is perfect for starting drums, because students can maintain rhythm and focus on a steady beat for the full 30-minute lesson.
Ukulele: Yes!
Unlike guitar, the ukulele has a combination of a small size and nylon strings, making it easier to approach. Students will begin learning strumming techniques and chord shapes, making it a great first step towards learning guitar or bass.
Ages 12 and up
By age 12, students are ready to learn any instrument we offer at Architekt Music Academy! They have the appropriate hand size and strength to make progress on guitar. They can also learn ukulele as a fun portable instrument—great for taking to the beach or on a hike!
For piano, they will be able to reach their fingers and play advanced repertoire, developing consistent technique. As they take voice lessons, they’ll work on vocal exercises and develop vocal production.
Ready to start playing?
Now that you know which instrument may be the right fit for your student, call, email or fill out this form to talk with a member of our stuff who will help schedule you with an amazing instructor!
We look forward to meeting you!
