It depends on the possibilities in your "area" I guess. In grade school we were given the opportunity to start with the first bits of music theory (and reading notes) very early on. I think I was 6 at the time. The next year I was allowed to enter music school and because I took the early optional classes in school I was allowed to start with piano lessons right away, along with music theory. (Normally you had to do one year of theory before starting on an instrument.) I did the piano lessons for 5 years before adding the (piano) accordion into the mix, so that was at the age of 12. I learned the accordion in a local accordion orchestra and took some private lessons from the conductor. After about 5 years (at the age of 17 I think) he "retired" and I became the conductor of the orchestra. The rest is history... with a change from PA to CBA around the age of 50...
Starting early is important, but which age is best can be anyone's guess. Exposure to music is also important at a very young age, even before you develop the urge to play as well.
Starting early is important, but which age is best can be anyone's guess. Exposure to music is also important at a very young age, even before you develop the urge to play as well.
