How Long to Learn an Instrument?

What progress to expect from your child’s music lessons in month 1, 6, and 12.

Learning to play a musical instrument can be such a joyous experience for your child.

They are excited because they will get to play their favorite songs and have fun, as well as make lots of friends.

And of course, they are very motivated because they will have their own instrument to practice at home (Check out this previous blog post, “How to Properly and Safely Store Your Child’s Instrument“, if you need more information on storing and caring for that instrument.)

I’m sure you share this excitement with your little one.

But, we know that along with that motivation comes a question:

How long will it take for my child to be able to play this musical instrument?

Well, for starters, each person has their own learning pace.

So, the answer to this question will depend on some factors, such as:

• The student’s age
• The student’s dedication
• The method of learning

However, since this is one of the most frequent questions parents ask us, we decided to give you more details of the progress you can expect while your child is training as a musician with us.

In their 1st month of classes

First, you should know that it is vital for kids to learn the basics (music theory) to understand everything related to their instrument.

Remember that music is a language, so it is as if your child is learning a new language.

Assuming that your child studies and practices regularly at home, we can say that, in about 3 lessons, your child will be able to sing his first simple piece of music.

At this pace, in a month, your child could be able to play 2 to 3 easy songs.

But remember, learning goes beyond songs.

Your child will discover a new language and will also learn important aspects of playing their musical instrument, such as:

• Correct posture
• Fingering

Your child begins a process of adaptation with their musical instrument.

Also, children begin to perform music reading exercises, which means they know the first notes and how to place them on the staff and on their instrument.

Did you know research shows children who play musical instruments can usually complete complex math problems better than their peers who do not play a musical instrument?

This article, “Correlation Between Math and Music Ability“, from Brain Balance Achievement Center goes into more detail.

Your child will also begin to train their musical ear.

The musical ear is a skill that allows someone to recognize the sound that corresponds to each note or helps produce the exact sound on an instrument without any musical note of reference.

Your little one will love discovering this new language and having fun with his peers while developing new skills.

At 6 months of lessons

After about 6 months of lessons, studying, and practicing regularly, your child should be able to perform in public with simple musical pieces.

Performing is one of the most important steps to start applying and developing the technique learned from the beginning of your child’s lessons.

Performing at events, such as recitals or concerts, will contribute significantly to your child’s musical growth.  This is why we plan events, both virtual and in-person, for your child to participate.

These events are excellent opportunities for your child to demonstrate to themselves (and their proud parents too!) the goals they have achieved, thanks to consistent study and practice of their instrument.

Depending on their progress, they could also participate in an ensemble or band (group performances).

Band work is very important since each student has a specific role to play, and the performance depends on each of them.

This type of activity will help your little musician gain confidence and increase their self-esteem.

After 1 year of classes

After one year of practice and consistent study, your child will have:

• A better command of their technique.
• Developed a better rhythmic response.
• Gained confidence on stage after participating in the many performance opportunities given to them.
• Improved their presentation level.

Another bonus aspect that can be acquired after a year of music study is peripheral vision.

Peripheral vision allows your child to be aware of their surroundings during a presentation.

With this ability, children will also be able to communicate with their bandmates without having to talk to them or make gestures.

A musician has one of many incredible talents: they become a “multitasker”.

That is, a musician can do several things at the same time.

Thanks to peripheral vision, an artist can do the following simultaneously:

• Focus on their instrument, playing their song from memory (or with a score).
• See what their colleagues are doing and communicate with them just by looking at each other.
• Aware of the audience’s response (interacts with their audience).
• Knows what’s going on in their general environment (for example, if the audio is failing).

And of course,

• They are gaining stage dominance, which will allow them to enjoy their onstage experience more and more.

The power and benefits of music are truly amazing!  It is, without a doubt, one of the most complete activities to add for your child’s growth.

Ready to see your child grow through music? Here’s how to take the next step:

Schedule your Free demo class at Confident Voice Studio; we call it our FREE Exploration Lesson.  To reserve your spot, click the link, “Schedule my FREE Exploration Lesson today”.  Our expert music teachers will guide you to choose the ideal instrument for your child according to their tastes and skill level.