Michael Hemsworth • June 13, 2025

When Is the Right Time to Start Music Lessons?

Making Music vs Music Lessons

When Is the Right Time to Start Music Lessons?
by Mr. Michael – Music Teacher, Parent, and Advocate for Creativity

Hi there! 
I’m Mr. Michael—a music teacher, parent, and someone who’s deeply passionate about helping kids grow through creativity. 

One of the most common questions I get asked is:

“What’s the best age to start music lessons?”

And here’s the part that might surprise you:
All of my own kids play music—but none of them started formal lessons at a very young age.

In fact, most of their instruction began during their tween and teen years. That brings me to a really important distinction:

Music-Making vs. Music Lessons
There’s a big difference between the best age to start making music and the best age to begin studying an instrument formally.

From birth to around age seven, children are soaking up musical aptitudes—things like pitch, rhythm, tone, and coordination. This is a prime window for musical growth, and that’s why group classes like our Music Explorers or Animal Adventures in Music are so powerful. They help young kids experience music in joyful, age-appropriate ways.

So, When Should My Child Start an Instrument?
Here’s the short version:
🎵 It’s never too early to make music.
🎵 It’s never too late to start an instrument.
🎵 But it can be too early for formal lessons, depending on your child’s readiness.

For example, piano and violin are often great starter instruments for ages 5–7 because they match well with developing motor skills. At this age, lessons should still include plenty of movement, listening, and playful exploration—not just reading music.

Other instruments, like guitar or wind/brass, may require more strength or breath control. But there are accessible alternatives like the ukulele, recorder, or even a small hand drum that can open doors for little learners.

Questions to Ask About Readiness
If you're thinking about starting lessons, ask yourself:

Is my child curious about instruments and willing to engage a few times a week?

Can they focus and follow instructions for at least 10 minutes?

Are they ready to learn from someone other than a parent?

Most importantly—am I ready to support them at home with regular practice?

If you’re not quite there yet, that’s totally okay. There are still so many ways to enjoy music together—through singing, movement, listening games, or group classes.

My Story (and My Kids’)
For the record—I didn’t start piano lessons until I was nearly in middle school. And my kids? They started in their double digits too. What matters most isn’t when you start, but how you support a child’s musical curiosity and confidence along the way.

So if your child is showing interest, let that be your sign. Reach out to a music school like ours, or talk to a trusted local teacher. We’ll help you figure out what’s right for your child’s age, stage, and personality.

Music is a lifelong journey. And wherever you’re starting from, we’re here to walk with you—one joyful note at a time.

With encouragement,
Mr. Michael
Teacher at NewSongs Music School
Author of Mr. Michael’s Music Maker Manual
By Michael Hemsworth November 20, 2025
You’ve signed your child up for music lessons, they’re excited for the first few weeks, and then suddenly… practicing becomes a struggle, enthusiasm fades, and you start to wonder if this was the right choice. Let me reassure you: this is completely normal . Every young musician goes through ups and downs in their musical journey — and with the right support, they can rediscover their joy and confidence . 🎵 1. It’s Not About Losing Interest — It’s About Hitting a Plateau Children often start with high excitement because everything feels new. But once the basics become routine, motivation can dip. This doesn’t mean they’re no longer interested — it means they’ve hit a learning plateau. W e see this as a natural part of the process. The key is to help students push through that plateau with encouragement, variety, and achievable goals. 🎯 2. Short-Term Motivation, Long-Term Growth Kids are motivated by progress they can see and hear. That’s why we focus on helping each student master songs they actually enjoy. If your child loves pop, film music, or worship songs — we’ll find age-appropriate versions to keep lessons relevant. When learning feels personal, motivation naturally follows. 👨‍👩‍👧 3. How Parents Can Help at Home Your involvement makes a huge difference. Here are a few tips: Create a routine: Even 10–15 minutes of consistent practice beats long, infrequent sessions. Celebrate effort, not perfection: “I love how you stuck with that tricky part!” goes further than pointing out mistakes. Be curious together: Ask them to show you what they’ve learned, or play a short duet! Keep it positive: Avoid using practice as a chore or punishment. 🎹 4. When to Reassess (and When Not To) If your child has truly lost interest for an extended period (more than a few months), it’s okay to have an open conversation. Sometimes it’s not the music — it’s the instrument, the song choices, or the format. We encourage families to try switching instruments or teachers before giving up altogether. Often, that small change reignites excitement. ❤️ 5. The Bigger Picture Music isn’t just about scales and songs — it teaches patience, creativity, discipline, and confidence. Even if your child takes breaks or switches focus, those lessons stay with them for life. So if your child’s motivation dips after a few weeks, don’t worry. With patience, partnership, and the right guidance, they’ll rediscover why they loved music in the first place. And we’ll be right here to help them find their rhythm again. 🎶
By Michael Hemsworth October 27, 2025
If you’ve ever wished your child would sit down to play piano without being reminded, here’s a secret: it’s not always about motivation - sometimes it’s about environment. A child’s surroundings can completely change how they feel about practicing. Just like reading under a favorite blanket feels better than reading under a flickering light, the right space can turn piano time from a chore into a joy. Here are five simple ways to create a music corner that makes practice time feel natural, peaceful, and fun. 1. Put the Piano Where Life Happens If your child’s piano or keyboard is tucked away in a spare room, they might feel like practice means “disappearing.” Instead, place it somewhere visible — in the family room, near a window, or anywhere your household gathers. When music feels like part of everyday life, kids are more likely to explore it naturally — without you needing to ask. 2. Make It Bright, Comfortable, and Welcoming Kids are drawn to spaces that feel good to be in. Add warm light, a comfy bench, and maybe a splash of their personality — artwork, a plant, or a favorite stuffed animal sitting nearby. When their space feels inviting, they’re more likely to sit down, relax, and focus on the joy of making sound. 3. Keep Essentials Within Reach Missing pencils or music books can break the rhythm fast. Keep everything your child needs in a small basket near the piano — books, pencils, stickers, metronome, maybe even a notebook for song ideas. Having the tools ready turns practice into a flow, not a scramble. 4. Invite the Family to Listen A child’s confidence grows when music becomes something shared. Even five minutes of attention can make a big difference. Sit nearby with your coffee, ask them to teach you a few notes, or cheer when they finish a piece. When kids know you’re listening, they play with more pride and purpose. 5. Clear Out the Clutter A calm space makes for calmer practice. Keep the top of the piano clear of papers, toys, or distractions. Add something small that says, “This matters” - a plant, a candle, or a handwritten note that says, “I love hearing you play.” Small visual cues remind your child that music is a valued part of home life, not an afterthought. 💛 A Note for Parents A “music corner” isn’t about making a perfect space — it’s about making a welcoming one. When kids associate piano with warmth, belonging, and encouragement, practice stops feeling like a task and starts feeling like a gift.
By Michael Hemsworth October 10, 2025
At NewSongs Music School, recital season is one of our favorite times of year. Our students get the chance to take what they’ve learned in lessons and share it with family, friends, and the community. For many children, standing on stage is more than just performing a song — it’s a chance to grow in confidence, celebrate progress, and feel the joy of music in a whole new way. Our upcoming Winter Recitals are right around the corner: Sat, Dec 13 — Madison Ave Campus Sat & Sun, Dec 13–14 — Grant Line Campus Some time slots are already full, but we want every student to have their chance to shine. Whether it’s their very first time performing or one more step in their musical journey, recitals help children set meaningful goals, stay motivated in lessons, and experience the excitement of applause. If your child hasn’t signed up yet, now is the time! Connect with your teacher or the front desk to reserve a spot. We can’t wait to cheer for them.