When considering starting your child in lessons, most parents consider whether or not their child is interested in music. I think the better question is: "Is this good for my child?" Does your child have to be interested in his broccoli in order for you to want him to eat it? I doubt it, but there are things you can do to make him more interested in his broccoli. When I was a kid it was cheese! You can also encourage interest in music by introducing your child to it in a positive way, and then making it fun (i.e. COVER it in cheese)!
The lessons learned through music are innumerable. Math, History, Italian, and reading skills can all be learned directly through music. However, in my opinion, the most valuable lesson learned through music is the art of discipline. It takes discipline to practice everyday, to push through when something is difficult instead of giving up, to break down a difficult section into smaller sections in order to play it perfectly, and to continue lessons year after year. Discipline learned through music carries over to any and all other areas of life. So whether or not your child becomes a professional musician, remember that whatever they do become, they become stronger in because of their music lessons.
Here's a great blog on why people pursue careers in music. I don't expect my students to go into music as career, but to understand why we crazy musicians do what we do might help you encourage your child today!
Check it out! http://blog.sharmusic.com/blog/bid/84673/The-Value-of-a-Music-Degree
