My 7 year old son wants to start playing the sax. Is he too young to have lessons?

Question

He is quite musical and really wants to start lessons. I was just a bit worried in case he is too young. Don't want to go and buy the sax and book lessons if it is too young to start learning.

I'd be grateful for any advice

Answer 1

too young?! ha ha! one of my friends is learning to play the violin and while she was at practice saw a 3-5 year old playing a scaled down cello better than she could play her instrument and she'd been taking lessons in and out of school for 2 or 3 years!

I say don't hold him back, anyway, it's been proven that the younger you are the faster you can learn more.

Answer 2

The earlier they learn, the simpler it seems to be. My 16 year old and 14 year both play the flute as well as other instruments. 16 year old started at 11, 14 year old started at 8. I know the 14 year old has had longer etc. but she really is considerably better than her sister.

Music also helps with maths- adding the notes in a bar etc. which is really helpful, and you can actually notice your child getting quicker with mental arithmatic.

I'd say go for it, and good luck!

Answer 3

They are never too young to learn, I started playing the sax when I was 11 it is difficult, but once you get used to it, it is very easy, I say let him do it, he would be awesome in the future if he learns now! Good Luck!

Answer 4

That's tricky. The problem in this situation is not his age necessarily, it's his size. His hands may not be big enough to reach all the keys, the mouthpiece may be too big for him to be comfortable, his lung capacity may not be able to accommodate such a large instrument, and the instrument itself might be too heavy. Some young players with these limitations only learn the notes on one hand until they grow more because they're easier, but if your child is musical he will learn quickly and get bored. I'm sure he can only take playing "Mary Had A Little Lamb" so many times...

My recommendation would be to have him accompany you to the music shop and get a feel for one before you decide on renting (don't buy). Something to consider would be for him to learn the recorder. It's smaller and most (not all) the fingerings are similar. The saxophone is probably the easiest of the wind instruments to learn so if your son gets good at the recorder, he will likely ease into the saxophone if he still wants to play it in a few years. In fact, if he decides on ANY wind instrument, the recorder is a good stepping stone. Another plus is that recorders don't have to be rented because they're super cheap. You can buy one for yourself and learn alongside him! Hehehe.

If it turns out your child isn't too small, then he should have a good time with the sax. It's super fun and he'll enjoy making lots of noise! Hope you stocked up on earplugs ;-) Best of luck with this!

Answer 5

No one is ever too young to start learning an instrument!

I started to play the clarinet when i was 11 and now im 13 and lovee it. I know a guy who started playing sax when her was 8 and he is amazing. So let him try it. Mabey you might want to rent the sax just in case he doesn't like it. After a while if he really loves it, then buy it.

Answer 6

you said it yourself my dear that he is quite musical.  Help him explore the possibilities of his gift

Answer 7

i think the younger they are the better when they want to learn something, the lessons might be a little spendy but depending on where you live there should be places you can rent the sax and pay for lessons 1 or even a couple at a time, just to see if he is going to stick with it.  Sounds like you have a very smart kid if he wants to take on something like that so young, congrats!!

Answer 8

NO WAY!!! As long as he can handle it correctly and understand, then go for it.

Answer 9

He's not too young at all! I started playing the trumpet when I was 9 and I enjoyed it very much. I say that you should let him, especially if he wants to!