Are you a parent looking to launch your child’s musical journey with guitar lessons for kids? Keep reading to find our everything you need to know about kid’s guitar lessons!
Parents often strive to introduce their kids to music and the guitar is a top pick for its versatility and broad use in many contemporary styles of music.
With so many guitar options available, it can be challenging to know where to begin. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you determine the optimal age for your child to begin playing guitar, and equip you with expert tips and advice from a seasoned guitar teacher to help you navigate through getting started on guitar.
Get ready to dive into the following key topics:
- What is the right age to start learning guitar?
- Tips for choosing the right size and style of guitar for your child
- The benefits of starting guitar at a young age
- How to find the right guitar teacher for your child
- How to know what method or learning approach to use
- How to support your child on their learning journey
At What Age Can Children Start Learning Guitar?
One of the most common questions parents ask when it comes to learning the guitar is “What age is appropriate for children to start learning guitar?” The answer is that it varies from child to child, but there are some general guidelines that can help.
Generally speaking, children as young as 4 or 5 years old can start learning the basics of the guitar. However, it’s important to note that every child develops differently, so it’s best to consider their individual needs and abilities. For instance, a child who is smaller or has smaller hands may have trouble playing the guitar until they are a bit older.
On the other hand, if your child shows an interest and aptitude for music at a young age, there’s no reason they can’t start learning the guitar earlier. The key is to find a guitar that is the right size for your child, as well as a teacher who is willing to work with them at their level.
Lastly, if we want our kids to succeed at learning guitar at a young age then we need to change our expectations of what success looks like for their level of development. This means taking a simplified approach to learning and prioritising creating a fun experience over results.
If you are a parent looking for kids guitar lessons in Melbourne then consider enrolling in our specialised children’s guitar lesson programs at Melbourne Guitar Academy.
Tips for Choosing the Right Guitar for Your Child
When it comes to selecting the right guitar for your child, size is the most important factor to consider. Children need a guitar that is the appropriate size for their hands and body, in order to play comfortably and effectively.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a guitar that is around ½ the size of a full-sized guitar for children under 7 and ¾ size for children 12 and under. This will ensure that your child can play comfortably and reach all the frets without straining.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a guitar that is lightweight and easy to play, so your child doesn’t get discouraged. Nylon string guitars are often recommended for younger children, as they are softer and easier on their fingers.
If your child is more into rock music and other genres played on the electric guitar then it’s highly recommended that you start them off on electric guitar if your budget permits. You’ll have to pay a little more to get started but it will be well worth it.
The Benefits of Learning Guitar at a Young Age
Learning the guitar at a young age has numerous benefits for children. Not only does it help to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, but it also helps to develop creativity and self-expression.
In addition, learning the guitar can also boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence. As they progress and master new skills, they will feel proud of their accomplishments and motivated to continue learning.
Finally, playing the guitar can also be a fun and social activity for children. It can provide them with an outlet to express themselves creatively, and also allow them to connect with others who share their passion for music.
Our group guitar classes for children are a great way to help your child make new friends, improve their social skills and become part of a team while developing a lifelong appreciation for music.
Finding the Right Guitar Teacher For Your Child
Choosing the right guitar teacher is key to ensuring that your child has a positive and productive experience with the guitar. Look for a teacher who has experience working with children and who is patient, encouraging and supportive.
It’s also a good idea to find a teacher who can offer a variety of lessons and activities that will keep your child engaged and interested. For instance, some teachers may offer lessons that focus on a particular genre of music, while others may incorporate games and activities to make the lessons more fun and interactive.
When searching for a guitar teacher, ask for recommendations from friends, family or music teachers, and read online reviews so you can get real feedback on prospective teachers.
Choosing the Right Learning Materials
In addition to finding the right guitar and teacher, it’s also important to choose the right learning materials for your child. This may include books, videos, apps, or online resources.
When selecting learning materials, it’s important to choose materials that are appropriate for your child’s age and skill level. Look for materials that are engaging, interactive, and challenging, but not overwhelming.
It’s also a good idea to choose materials that offer a variety of learning experiences, such as songs, exercises, and games. This will help keep your child interested and motivated, and also ensure that they are getting a well-rounded education.
At Melbourne Guitar Academy we use the Guitar Ninjas Curriculum written by expert guitar teacher Michael Gumley. This curriculum includes a karate-inspired level-up system where students get earn coloured guitar straps in place of karate belts. It’s a great way to incentivise practice and reward their hard work!
Supporting Your Child’s Journey Learning Guitar
As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s learning. Encourage your child to practice regularly and provide them with a positive and supportive learning environment.
It’s also important to be patient and understanding, as learning a new instrument can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small, and provide positive reinforcement to keep them motivated and inspired.
Finally, be open to incorporating music into your daily life, whether it’s by listening to music together, attending concerts or musical events, or simply singing along to songs. This will help to reinforce your child’s love for music and keep them engaged and interested in their guitar lessons.
You might even want to consider taking a handful of guitar lessons yourself so you understand how tricky it can be for them, along with having enough of an understanding to help them out when they need it at home.
In Summary
In summary, learning the guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience for children of all ages.
By choosing the right guitar, the right teacher, and providing both support and encouragement at home, you can help your child develop a lifelong love for music and the guitar. So why wait? Get started today, and watch your child’s musical journey unfold!
If you’re looking for children’s guitar lessons in Melbourne consider booking a free trial lesson with us so we can show your child how fun and easy it is to learn how to play the guitar.
About The Author
Meet Michael Gumley, a renowned guitar educator based in Melbourne, Australia. With 15 years of experience under his belt, Michael has taught over 10,000 guitar lessons, making him a true master of his craft. Not only has he written 12 comprehensive books on learning guitar, but he also imparts his knowledge and skills to other teachers all around the world through his guitar teacher development programs.
As a father himself, Michael understands the importance of finding a trustworthy and knowledgeable guitar teacher for your child. With his passion for music and dedication to his students, Michael has earned the respect and trust of countless parents who have seen their children flourish under his guidance. Let Michael be the guide on your child’s musical journey and watch as they develop into talented guitarists under his expert tutelage.”
