Little Duckling was not quite five when she started having violin lessons. She started straight away with correct music notation and had no bother with it. We bought the fiddle at a folk festival when she was three as she was so enthralled by Eliza Carthy (and still is) and let her 'play' it with supervision for a short time each day without instructing beyond which end goes where etc. She still practises on a daily basis with very little need for reminding and says when she gets to be as good as Eliza she wants orange hair. I said if she was that good she could have it rainbow coloured if she liked!!!! She will be seven next month and has already played in a few concerts. Starting at such a young age means she has come to it without the inhibitions we adults have and as long as she is enjoying it I will do everything to encourage her even if she never does turn into anothern Eliza Carthy but then you never know she just might!!!