Why May or June Is the Best Time to Plan Music Lessons for Children
As the school year begins to wind down, September can still feel far away. Yet May and June are often the best months to think calmly about your child’s activities for the coming school year. Before summer holidays begin, families usually have a clearer picture of what worked during the year, what their child enjoyed, and where there may be room for something new.
Whether you are considering violin lessons, guitar or ukulele lessons, music theory, or a first introduction to music, planning early makes it easier to find the right format, schedule and learning approach.
Music lessons support much more than musical skills
Learning music is not simply about playing the right notes. Regular music practice can help children develop concentration, memory, coordination, perseverance and listening skills, while also giving them a personal space for expression, creativity and confidence.
Instrumental lessons add another important dimension: children gradually learn how small, repeated efforts lead to visible progress. For younger beginners, the first objective is not necessarily technical performance. It is often more important to develop curiosity, rhythm, listening and the pleasure of making music. For older children and teenagers, lessons can progressively include more advanced instrumental technique, musical interpretation, improvisation and music theory.
Learn more about music and child development:
Why Study Music – Royal Conservatory of Music
Why May and June are a good time to start planning
September schedules can become surprisingly complicated. School timetables, sports, language courses and other activities often have to fit together within only a few available afternoons. Thinking about music lessons before the summer therefore gives families more time to find a suitable weekly slot without rushing.
Early registration can also be particularly useful for individual lessons, where the number of available teaching times is naturally limited. It also gives your child time to think about the instrument itself and to discover what genuinely attracts them.
Sometimes the right question is not simply, “Do you want to learn music?”, but rather, “Which instrument makes you want to pick it up and play?” That distinction matters.
Violin, guitar or ukulele?
Each instrument offers a slightly different way into music. Violin develops precise listening, coordination and musical expression from the very beginning, and can be particularly rewarding for children who enjoy melody and are sensitive to sound.
Guitar offers a very versatile path. Children can learn melodies, chords, accompaniment, riffs and progressively improvisation, making it suitable for both classical foundations and contemporary music.
Ukulele can be an excellent first string instrument. Its small size, four strings and accessible first chords allow younger learners to make music quickly while still developing rhythm, coordination and musical understanding.
There is no universally “best” first instrument. The most important starting point is often the connection between the child and the sound, feel and possibilities of the instrument.
Lessons adapted to each student
At NiQo Music School in Dübendorf, near Zurich, lessons are designed around the student rather than around a rigid method. Teaching is available in French, English and German, with individual guidance adapted to age, experience, musical interests and learning pace.
Current lessons include violin, guitar, ukulele, and music theory and musical foundations. Lessons are available for beginners and intermediate students, with different lesson durations and flexible formats depending on the student’s needs.
Starting music without pressure
Beginning an instrument should feel exciting, not intimidating. A first lesson can simply be a moment to meet, discover the instrument, play a few sounds and understand how lessons could work.
There is no need for a child to arrive already knowing how to read music. Reading, rhythm, listening and technique can develop progressively alongside the instrument. The goal is to build solid foundations while keeping music alive, expressive and enjoyable.
Plan the next school year with a little more calm
May and June provide something precious: time to explore instruments, ask questions, find the right weekly schedule and let your child imagine what they might enjoy learning next.
Planning before the summer can make the beginning of the new school year considerably smoother — leaving September for what really matters: making music.
Contact NiQo Music School to ask a question, arrange a first lesson or discuss the most suitable option for your child.