Teaching instrumental music in a homeschool setting can be a great way to introduce children to the world of music and foster a lifelong appreciation for the art form. It can also be a challenge, as it requires time, patience, and dedication to ensure that your student is learning the correct technique and developing an understanding of musical theory. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can make homeschool music lessons and teaching instrumental music a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both you and your student.
What age should I start teaching homeschool music lessons?
There is no single answer to the question of when to start homeschool music lessons and teaching instrumental music to children. Every child is unique and will have different interests, abilities, and learning styles that will determine the best age to start. However, there are a few general guidelines parents can use to decide when to start.
First, it’s important to note that children as young as 4 years old can begin to learn simple music concepts, such as keeping a steady beat and matching pitch.
This allows them to gain an understanding of musical terminology and the basics of rhythm, melody, and harmony. Starting music lessons at this age can be beneficial as it can provide a foundation for further learning and exploration of music.
As children get older, they can start to learn more complex musical concepts.
Around the age of 9, they can begin learning to read music and playing simple melodies on an instrument. From there, they can begin to learn more complex pieces and techniques as they get older and develop their skills.
It’s important to remember that every child is different and may have different levels of interest and aptitude for music. Some may be able to progress quickly, while others may need more time to develop. As such, it’s important to tailor lessons to each child’s individual needs and abilities.
Ultimately, the best age to start homeschool music lessons and teaching instrumental music to children depends on the individual child. Parents should assess their child’s interests and abilities and decide when it’s the best time to start. With the right guidance and support, music lessons can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for children of all ages!
How to teach instrumental music when you don’t know anything about it:
Teaching homeschool music lesson can be a great way to help your child learn the fundamentals of music and have fun in the process. Even if you don’t have any music background, there are lots of creative and engaging ways to introduce your child to music and help them learn. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make use of online resources.
There are many online resources available today that can help you teach music in a fun and engaging way. From interactive games to songbooks and tutorials, there are plenty of options you can explore to help your child learn. - Use music technology.
Technology can be a great tool for helping teach musical concepts. From apps that help with rhythm and note-reading to digital instruments that can help make practice more fun, you can find a range of tech tools to help your child learn. - Incorporate movement.
Movement is a great way to help kids learn, and it can be a great way to help teach music. Incorporate fun movement activities like dancing and clapping along to songs to help your child learn rhythm and sound. - Play together.
Playing music together is a great way to bring music into the home. Even if you don’t play any instruments, you can sing and dance along together. Start with simple songs and progress as your child grows. - Utilize visual aids.
Visual aids can be a great way to help your child learn music. Draw notes on a staff, use color-coded instruments to teach pitch, or even use props like scarves or ribbons to help your child learn rhythm.
There are many different methods and approaches to help students learn and appreciate music. From traditional methods such as teaching by ear and through sheet music, to more modern approaches such as teaching through technology and online resources, there are a variety of ways to teach music to students.
For those teaching students to play instruments, the traditional approach of teaching by ear is often the most effective. This method involves learning by listening and playing by ear, rather than reading sheet music. It can be beneficial for students as it allows them to become familiar with the tune and develop their own interpretation of the music.
For those teaching students to sing, reading sheet music is often the most effective approach. This method can allow students to learn how to read and interpret the music, as well as develop their own vocal techniques. It can also be beneficial for students to learn how to play an instrument to accompany their singing.
For those looking to teach music with the help of technology, there are many online resources available. These can include websites and apps that teach music theory, rhythm, and music notation, as well as allowing students to practice and perform music.
Additionally, many websites and apps such as YouTube and Spotify allow students to listen to and learn from a variety of musical styles and genres.
When teaching music, it is important to be creative and take into account the individual learning styles of each student. By employing a variety of methods and approaches, teachers can help students to become more engaged and better understand the concepts of music.
Homeschool Music Lessons
Getting started with homeschool music lessons:
First, choose an instrument that suits your child’s interests and abilities. Not every child will enjoy playing the same instrument, so it is important to find one that your child is comfortable with and can progress on.
You can also consider the resources available to you – do you have access to a piano, guitar, or other instrument that you can use to teach your student? Once you’ve settled on an instrument, you can begin to look for resources to help you in your teaching.
Find some lessons or tutorials that are appropriate for your student’s level. There are many online and print resources available for teaching music, from beginner’s books and videos to more advanced tutorials and courses. You can also find some great resources for teaching music theory, such as books and worksheets.
Next, practice regularly with your student and give constructive feedback. You don’t need to be an experienced musician to be able to teach music – just practice with your student and offer gentle guidance and feedback to help them improve. You can also encourage them to practice on their own and to explore music theory and other related topics outside of your formal homeschool music lessons.
Here are some great homeschool music resources to help you teach instrumental music in your homeschool too!

- Easy to learn, easy to teach, easy to read
- “Sing It, Then Play It” learning & teaching methods
- Melody-based learning
- Over 80 Christian hymns, choruses, & folk songs
- Bible-based instruction, reinforced with scripture

We’ve also personally used Study.Com to teach music theory and our kids are thriving with it!
Study.com has an awesome Music Theory course (and other homeschool music classes) available on their website! The lesson videos and worksheets are so helpful – especially as a homeschool mama! You have everything you need available to your students with little-to-no prep involved!
Use the code: CreateYourHomeschool at checkout for 30% OFF your first 3 months at Study.Com!
Click here to check out all of the music courses available to you!
The most important tip I can give you about providing homeschool music lessons is to make it fun!
Music is something that should be enjoyed, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your teaching.
You can look for interesting songs to learn, create a few game-like activities, or even invite friends over to join in the fun. Just remember to keep it enjoyable and don’t be too hard on your student.
By following these tips, and grabbing a few of these great homeschool music resources, you can create a successful and rewarding experience for teaching instrumental music in your homeschool. In addition to fostering a love of music, it will provide your student with a valuable skill that they can use throughout their life.
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