hi there, not sure i am in the correct section or not. i would like to get opinions on music lessons for a 5-6 year old child. is there any lesson that does not require to choose a specific music instrument first, ie the child just start off with 'basic'? i hv asked around but mostly offered keybooard and piano courses. (in penang). thanks.

thanks for the comments. i hv asked around, got a music center offering 'music garten' course (no specific instrument, just sit and listen), and also keyboard course. will bring my son to 'look see' first.

Perhaps you are in the wrong section. I believe the Musicians forum had better experts to answer your question. Anyway here are my comments.

The child's interest is the most important here. Children of this age had not acquired the ability to focus attention and concentrate for long periods (like one hour or 45 minutes - the shortest duration for music lessons). You need to rely on their interest to captivated them to last through the lesson.

You can theory only and dont learn any instruments. There are such courses available. Theory starts with identification of notation for the various notes. It also goes into duration of notes (eg how long a note is to be played). Maybe adult cant grasp this without instruments but not a child. They need the demo which comes for the music instruments.

You are better off taking your child for concert at Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) at KLCC.

The more interaction opportunity and creativity there are, the better the children can learn. Children prefer colors, games, practical activities than merely listening to teachers talk up front. Therefore, it would be a waste of time and energy to send children for only theory class, they can't understand, and they can't interprete either.
Sitting on a chair and listen without one teaching and guide through is different.

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Hi Tek Wei, I'm a music graduate, hope I can share my opinions with you here.

Yamaha offers children course namely JMC, it's pretty famous, which I don't think other musical schools offer any relevant course that specially for kids.

According to your situation and your goal on your kid, I would encourage you to send your kid to PJ Yamaha school, which I'm sure it's located in PJ Kelana Jaya. Reasons are:
1. I'm not Yamaha teacher, but I must admit that PJ Kelana Jaya campus is the HQ of Yamaha and its facility is well equipped. I'm not sure about the Ipoh's music centre that you meant though.

2. As you said, teaching methods and teacher's qualification are far better than Ipoh's. To learn everything, despite any academic subjects or skills, the most important step is to get your fundamental and basic knowledge strong. Many of my students do not know how to place their fingers on the piano, do not know how to adjust their piano chair according to the height of their wrist and elbow, do not know how to play a note with finger tips etc. As a non-musical learner like you, who can differentiate the music tone not singing in tune, how can the teacher be teaching a kid and how would you expect your kid to improve?

3. Traveling south and north would be quite tiring to kid. Giving your kid an instrument would help them in cultivating interest in music, and I'm not sure if you have a keyboard or piano in Ipoh. Anyhow, traveling life can be adapted along times. I think this issue is not as important as teacher's qualification and teaching methods, which I have mentioned in point 1 and 2.

Hope my info helps.

My only concern is that whether how will it affect him if i put him with a less superior centre with a less superior teacher (in some certain areas).

Thanks.