What age should a child start learning a musical instrument?

My son is eight, and I keep wondering whether this is the age when music should become part of his life in a more serious way.

He has grown up surrounded by instruments. Keyboards, guitars, recording gear, and various things that make noises they probably weren’t designed to make. He has seen me play in bands. He knows music matters to me.

And yet, he doesn’t seem especially interested.

That is what makes the question difficult. Most children are ready to start learning a musical instrument somewhere between five and eight, but readiness is not just about age. It is about interest, concentration, coordination and how music is introduced. Push too hard and music becomes homework. Wait forever and a child may never discover something that could quietly change their life.

That last part matters to me because I was around seven when music lessons became part of mine. Our class had some kind of musicality test at school, and a few of us were selected for free instrumental lessons. I chose cello, and later had piano lessons too. But I don’t remember having much choice about whether I would learn an instrument at all.

At the time, I wasn’t particularly grateful.

Looking back, I am.