What is the ideal age for music lessons? An illustrated circle beginning with age 0 to 3 describes what is appropriate for each age group. For 0 to 3, singing and swaying to the music is best; for 3 to 5, identifying elements such as the beat and melody; for 5 to 9, formal lessons on simple instruments such as recorder or ukelele, also piano depending on attention span; ages 10 and up, formal lessons to master the instrument and musical ability on piano and other physically challenging instruments such as sax or bass viol