It is never too early to begin music with a child. Zoltan Kodaly famously said that ideally, the child's musical education should begin at the time of their
mother's birth!
Just as it is never too early, it is also never too late. A lot of people have been put off singing early in life by a thoughtless adult. Kodaly believed that singing is for everyone - not just a select few - and that everyone can be taught to sing.
When a child is very young, there is a window of opportunity for helping them to find their voice. Later they will become self-conscious and embarrassed, but little children, who have not yet learned to be ashamed of free expression, can be taught to sing out and sing in tune. This is a gift they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Parents often wonder when a child should begin playing a musical instrument. Do Re Mi teachers prefer to help children find their voice first, develop the skill of singing and learn about the different aspects of music. Then, when they are older (about 7) they are well equipped to start an instrument. Through their Do Re Mi classes, they already know how to read notes on the staff, and understand the elements of music. They can sing in tune, which helps them self-correct when they make a mistake on their instrument. And importantly, they have developed an appreciation and love of different kinds of music. By the time they are 7 or 8 they have usually developed the fine motor skills necessary to manipulate their instrument well, without the frustration often evident in younger students.
