Guitar lessons for children
Being at a young age, children often have lots of spare time on their hands. Why not use it to learn a music instrument such as the guitar instead? Early years music education helps preschoolers become creative. It’s why so many Singaporeans send their kids to early years music classes before the age of 7.
By learning the guitar, not only will your child differentiate himself from the sea of people in our society in the future but develop his musical side of his brain as well.
For some lucky children, they have musical talents which just comes more naturally to them than others. However, it is a shame that many do not actually find their calling till they are much older, but by then may have already been too late for one to enjoy as he might not have time to do so.
Hence, not only does learning the guitar helps you find your talent but exposes you to a whole different world of music; whereby many find themselves most at ease and relaxed.
Below is a video of a young boy playing the guitar on The Ellen Show and get ready to be wowed by what he can do with his guitar.
Why Your Child Should Learn the Guitar
- Find his natural talent and calling
For some, music might be your hidden talent. In order for one to work on improving his gift, he should find his calling from a young age to find his music guitar passion as early as possible.
- Expand views
Besides enjoying and relaxing, playing the guitar will also help to expand a child’s views in the world. Instead of always seeing things in a fixed way children learn in school, he would be able to look at problems from a different perspective instead.
- Trained to balance his time well
As your child would need to practise the guitar after his guitar lessons and prepare for his guitar exams, he would have to learn the balance his time between schoolwork and playing the guitar. By learning the make your own schedule and managing your time, your child would be able to benefit in the future in his work.
- Learn to be determined to achieve in everything you do
When learning the guitar, your child might come across difficulties. However, with determination and spirit, your child would be able to overcome all his obstacles and persevere his way through.
- Easy to learn other music instruments in the future
No matter what music instrument you want to learn, the foundation is always the most important. By learning the music theory and getting used to playing string instruments, your child would have no problem picking up a brand-new music instrument in the future; especially string instruments such as the violin.
- Learn to take a break and relax
No matter how many exams or the amount of homework given, your child must be able to take a break and relax when needed to. By learning the guitar, your child will always have the solution to stress; simply pick up the guitar and start strumming.
- Be an all-rounder child
In todays society, it is not enough to just get an A for your exams; companies and employers are looking for an all-rounder worker. Thus this will give your child an advantage in our todays competitive society.
Should My Child Learn the Guitar For Leisure or Exam Purposes?
We often get questions from parents asking us whether their child should learn for leisure or to take grades and guitar exams.
If your child is taking beginner guitar lessons and has only just started, we recommend him to learn for leisure- at least for the time being till he has built a proper foundation.
From then on, your child could start taking exams to challenge himself and compare himself with others.
When to Start Guitar Lessons
There is no set and established age for when children can begin taking their guitar lessons. Truly, it depends completely on the child. You just have to ask yourself some questions. Are they physically and mentally ready for guitar lessons? And do they have the foundational skills necessary to be successful?
Generally, children are best suited to learn guitar once they have developed these four core characteristics:
A level of coordination and dexterity
In order to play guitar perfectly, your child needs good hand dexterity and coordination. Because, these skills will allow them to stretch their fingers along the fret board, move their hands independently of each other; pluck, strum and pick comfortably during playing. Without proper dexterity and coordination, your child’s guitar lessons can be a real challenge to digest. In fact, this may make them frustrating, overwhelming and not fun for your little one.
Discipline and patience
Learning to play an instrument takes work and time. If your child wants to become a good guitar player, then they’re going to need to put in the effort and be patient at it. In fact, they will also need to commit to doing “home tasks,” going over their guitar lessons and practicing at home regularly. For young Childs, this takes extreme discipline to acquire lessons. Does your child have the discipline to practice inside, while watching their friends are playing in the front yard? Make it sure that your child is ready to make a commitment before enrolling them in guitar school.
A good attention span
Most guitar lessons range from 30 minutes to an hour. Which means that your child will need to sit still for play, listen attentively and stay focused for at least that session. In fact, they will also need to have the attention span to practice at home on a daily basis. And if they are easily distracted or unable to focus, then you may have to wait another year or so before enrolling them in guitar school.
Musical interest
It’s always important that your child show a general interest in music before enrolling them in guitar school. Musical interest ensures the child will be engaged and much excited about learning their instruments, instead of dreading or resenting it. And this love and excitement for their guitar lessons will transform into increased discipline and greater dedication to honing their craft.
Normally, the youngest a child can begin guitar lessons is around five or six years old. But, it will only happen if they show great coordination and focus on musical interest. Otherwise, the guitar lessons may be best saved until your child has matured a bit more physically and mentally ready for the hard work and determination that guitar lessons require.
Can I Sit By My Child During Guitar Lessons?
Of course!
In fact, we recommend parents to sit by their child during guitar lessons to monitor his performance and learn a bit at the same time to teach him. This is especially recommended for children taking beginner or basic guitar lessons.
Want to Join Our Guitar Lessons?
To sign up or enquire about our guitar lessons for children, call us today!