What is the perfect age to start Banjo lessons?

Are you wondering if your kid is ready to start Banjo lessons? Do you want to know if there are banjos for young beginners? Let me tell you that it's a very common question among parents who know the importance of music on children. Musical Instru said that banjos might differ from one another in relation to their sizes, types, or even brands, but don't worry! You can always find the right banjo for beginners. In this article, you will finally know what the most appropriate age to start Banjo lessons is. Moreover, you will understand that banjos can be as important as any other instrument.

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To choose or not to choose Banjos: That is the question

According to Concordia University and the Montreal Neurological Institute, music lessons can bring many benefits to children before the age of seven such as coordinating both hands since brain scans develop stronger connections in motor regions.

Music teaches children patience and discipline.

Even though banjo's strings are tighter and sharper than a guitar's, playing banjo develops concentration on children and help them improve their dexterity faster than playing other instruments, therefore getting a banjo for your kid is a great idea if you want to help with your child's development.

It is said that children who play instruments do better at school

The perfect age to start

Children can start their banjo lessons when they are 6 or 8 years old, unlike instruments like guitars that can be started by 6 or even 5-year-old kids. However banjo is a bit more complex,therefore as parents, you should consider whether or not your child is ready to start the instrument. Children who have some experience in guitar will have an advantage while learning. Nevertheless, dexterity is crucial to do well in this instrument so children that aren't even able to write or hold a pencil properly might get frustrated easily. A good way to start exposing children to Banjo music can be using videos such as Baby First TV videos that teach young kids about instruments with music and fun stories where the main characters "Notekins" go on an adventure in order to find the "lost" instrument.

Parents have the last word in whether the child is prepared to start any instrument or not

Motivation goes first

According to Thoughtco the best way to introducing a musical instrument to any child is using an everyday object such as pepper shakers, metal ladles etc to later introduce real instruments for children. Moreover, it is also important to expose your kids to different types of music.

One way to stimulate your kids with music is to start getting banjo toys around them. (pictures or books to draw can work as well) This will be a great help to develop their motor skills and children can even learn different notes while playing with the strings. As a result, you will have your kind devoting his/her time to it.

Children should relate to playing banjo to fun in order to get them motivated.

Children learn by watching so if you are also a Banjo player, you can motivate them by practicing with them. Remember not to be strict with your child if this instrument isn't for him/her. This can cause stress release resulting in the negative developing mind.

Music is a natural stress reliever

The best banjos for young ones

Banjos for children can vary in size and material, but the right banjo can teach children how to finger and strum strings in order to produce many notes. According to Mombible the best banjos for kids would be Banjolele Music Set or the Savannah SB-060 Travel Banjo with Bag for older children. You can also start with Plan Toys Banjo for ages 3 to 6 years old. Remember practice makes perfect!

Picking the right banjo depends on your age (or your child's) and the type of music you want to produce

You aren't too old to learn

If you are an adult interested in starting banjo lessons, but you are wondering if you are too old for it, the answer is of course not! It may be a fact that musical instruments are usually played by young people. However, let me tell you that there are some inspiring cases of +80 year-olds who started their banjo lessons and managed to play as well as any young student. You could be the next Earl Scruggs one of the most iconic banjo players whose death left the music world with innovative ways of playing the instrument such as his three-finger picking style. The key to success as a banjo player would seem to be discipline and perseverance as the main requirements.

Learning to play Banjo can be an amazing hobby as well.

"I don't know where to start"

Even though a banjo studio is an ideal way to learn to play this instrument, there are also other alternatives such as the "teach yourself" audios or videos. For instance, "Banjo Lessons for Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Banjo" by Peter Gelling can be a great option. This audio includes melody line, basic strum and much more!

Peter Seeger was a very well-known artist for his Banjo skills. An inspiration for those who want to play this instrument.

There are also many Youtube videos that can teach you to play different songs with specific types of banjos. Why don’t you can check one of Jim Pankey’s videos such as “Learn to Play Bluegrass Banjo”? It’s a great idea!. Different banjo styles are created everyday, for example many players make variations of the classic American sound to Irish melodies, more like Jazz style music, Scruggs style etc. Do you think you can develop your own style?

Bird of Chicago, an American band

Conclusion

Banjos can be a great way to introduce your child to the music world and it will also help them improve their motor skills. The age of 6 or 7 may be ideal, but it will completely depend on the child's development and motivation for the instrument, remember that there is not a "best age" to start any instrument. So it's never too late to take up this instrument. Can you imagine your entire family playing the banjo? It would be a funny thing to see! Go now and get your banjo!

Did your child start taking Banjo lessons already? Do you have any question about it? Let us know in the comments

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