I'm going to go back to this thought. We did music because it was something my husband and i both grew up with. it "fit" our family. i wouldn't have done it just for the theoretical values or discipline. especially because before 6-ish (at least for gt kids otherwise maybe older) it really is a responsibility on the parent.

for those reading along with interest - you typically rent violins for little kids so you are buying every time their arms grow and you aren't making a huge commitment before you know if it will work out. susuki that's been referenced means the goal is to teach by ear not sheet music reading. and yes, typically children start with a pretend instrument until they learn all the piece, a bow hold, and clap out some songs before being 'awarded' a real violin.