Should I start my 4 year old in music theory or dance 1st?

Question

The reason I ask is finances obviously, but if she is to succeed in either of those interests which she is firm about, which would u suggest beginning first. ballet or music?

Answer 1

MUSIC THEORY?!! Ynless she's a spawn of Beethoven or Brahms (sp?) I dont think you should do that to her. Its something she has to come to appreciate first ... trust me. I know. Let her be a kid, make her dance =D

Answer 2

The answer is music theory. I teach Pre-K and my students have an additional music teacher. Studying and learning music at an early age has many wonderful benefits that extend throughout life.

    * do better in reading and math when they start school

    * are better able to focus and control their bodies

    * play better with others and have higher self-esteem

    *Skills learned through music can transfer into skills which are useful in every part of a child's studies at school and can help with general well being.

Answer 3

Well most children get offered music in elementary school and it might be hard for a 4 year old to grasp right now. I started dance when i was in 7th grade and i wish i started it when i was younger. I think it would be most beneficial for her to take dance at this age. Hope this helped!

Answer 4

Yeah, music theory is a little bit much. You could try an instrument though. Depending on what type of dance, bones aren't fully developed at that age, and if you're thinking ballet, don't do it while she's that young. Why don't you ask her to pick a hobby she wants to do?

Answer 5

:-) That's a toughy!  I'm a music fan...but what's your definition of music theory?  At 4, most children are not interested in the intriticate details of music...but starting a piano course that brings in pieces of info is great.  I found that my son, 5 years, is very interested in music (runs in the family) and wants to learn to play the violin.  Money is an issue, as I play but don't know enough about it to teach it...so we all agreed that piano would be the most practical instrument to teach first.  This is the series we've been using My First Piano Adventure for the Young Beginner by Nancy and Randall Faber.  There is a Piano book and a writing book.  I'm quite impressed with it, from an educational standpoint.  Seems as if they know child development quite well.  

Dance is something most 4 year olds enjoy as well...financially I think this route is going to be more expensive as time goes on.  It's also more stress on the body and stress on the child's emotions...causes a bit more of a competitive spirit...if it isn't handled correctly.  (I guess with piano...there can be more stress if the parent(s), teacher(a) are having too high of expectations and pure enjoyment of playing is lost).

I guess it all boils down to what you are capable of doing financially and what your child's main interest is in.  Good luck in your decision making.  

Answer 6

music would be really beneficial because if she learns  to count music and such...then she'll perform a lot better in ballet classes. But whether she'll actually understand music theory at that age or not is another question.

Ballet would actually be my first recommendation for that particular age. It's fun and she'll learn about counting music that way as well.

Answer 7

Dance! But make sure that it is a class designed for preschoolers taught by someone who understands their needs. A good dance program will introduce a variety of music but formal music classes require a fair amount of sitting.  

Answer 8

I don't know much about either, but it's probably worth mentioning that some of the JumpStart software features music-related activities.

Answer 9

I don't think a 4 year old is capable of understanding music theory, but if you start her with an instrument, that would be fine.  

Answer 10

music!

i doint know what i would do if my mom wouldn't have had started my playing music! i would parish. i am sooooo glad that she did cuz it helped me with school work and stuff and at first i didnt like it but then now i love it and i spend up 2 4hr. playing the pianio and i think that it is a good way 2 get rid of stress. hop i helped!: )

Answer 11

DANCE!

I have a four year old too - I'm lucky that the daycare he is in actually helps me with these issues (it's a university child development lab).

They have a Music Professor who does research on music and early chilchood - so I got advice from her.

She reckoned that your boys, at least, no music instruments or anything like that until age 6. I think girls can start a little earlier.

But music is good and getting them to listen and sing is good.

Dance on the other hand is something that will be a good way of developing motor skills.