Learning a new instrument is challenging and requires time, patience, practice and adherence to instructions from an instructor. In short, it’s not exactly the sort of thing your average 3-5-year-old is interested in. At this age, children are most concerned with being in the moment and engrossing themselves in play, having their basic needs met, dinosaurs and watching Bluey.

Violin violin lessons for children are not for the faint of heart and they require an incredibly high level of concentration to develop skills. As a result, many young students give up after only a few weeks or months if they find that they’re not enjoying the experience of playing violin.

Strings of Learning: A Guide to Engaging and Effective Violin Lessons for Children

On the other hand, if a child is naturally curious about the violin and shows a willingness to engage with the process then it’s never too late for them to start learning. In fact, I’ve taught students as old as 18. Children who start at this later age often have a distinct advantage over younger ones, namely that they can focus and listen for longer periods of time. They also tend to pick up the physical aspects of playing the violin, including the posture and grip, much more easily than children who begin lessons at an earlier age.

Kids who learn the violin can develop a deep love and appreciation for music, as well as a sense of pride and accomplishment at their skill level. They’ll gain a better understanding of composers like Beethoven, Paganini and Mozart and be able to appreciate the beauty and nuances of classical music. Moreover, the discipline that is required to learn an instrument can help build character and self-reliance and it’s an opportunity for kids to meet other children (and adults) who have a shared interest.