Well, others have nicely covered the physical limitations associated with physiology and the age of your child.

I'll add, though, something that you no doubt already know-- though IF you don't, I guess I am saying it now. Even in fairly $$ instruments, half-size instruments just plain aren't as good acoustically. Ever, pretty much. Quarter size exacerbates that set of problems.

I'm not even sure that a Uke would be a good choice for most 3yo-- my DD is 14 and very long-fingered, and her concert Uke is about the right size for her hands (which are otherwise XS).

Originally Posted by aquinas
What is your experience with exposing your young children to private music instruction early?

It depends on the child and the teacher-- we couldn't FIND anyone that would take our then-3yo for piano. (We didn't want Suzuki)

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Does it feed a broader love of music?

Maybe?? I'm not sure-- it's a chicken-egg thing on some level.

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Is the emphasis on enjoyment rather than skills acquisition at that age?

I would think so-- developmentally, that seems most appropriate but it likely depends on how asynchronous emotional development is.

In that case, though, I might look for a KinderMusic class (or something structured like one) intended to provide a music foundation (rhythm, meter, mood, beat, counting, etc.) to 3-5yo. We found that to be a not-horrible fit for DD at nearly-three. She was the youngest in the class, and the most able (by far), but it worked for her, and she had fun.

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How does the asynchrony between mental and physical abilities play out? Is this an endeavour better saved for a year or two down the line, when emotional and physical maturity catch up somewhat to the brain?

Yes, in our experience-- frustration tolerance is likely to improve radically in a year or two, as will the physical strength, hand size and coordination needed.

DD started formal piano lessons immediately before her 6th birthday-- and she was young enough physically that the instrument, and serious study of it, have shaped her physiology somewhat, just as you see with athletes that commit to a sport very young.

She had begged for lessons from the time she was 14 months old. Really. smile I'm glad that we kept music of all kinds playing in our home, played musical and singing games, I taught her some theory using fun games and a soprano recorder, etc.


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