I started taking piano lessons (Suzuki instruction) when I was 3 and I think it helped me become a musician later in life.  (I'm a pianist and singer.)  The Suzuki method helps develop a child's ear very early on, which is something that never goes away.  If he's showing interest, even at this age, why not sign him up for something and see how he responds?  

Its never to early!

There is such a thing as music therapy used to help in speech with autistic kids.  There are some dvd's by Bounce! that my son likes, although Archer's taste sounds a little more advanced.  You might want to check them out.  I heard they play on the Sprout channel and are availiable through most public libraries.

i'm a early childhood integration teacher, and i think as long as he is showing the interest and you aren't pushing him, music would be a wonderful "vocabulary" for him to express himself further - especially that he might be somewhat frustrated in himself if his speech is delayed. it's all about the child's motivation - if young children are pushed it can squash their natural desire to learn, but if you encourage the parts of him he wants to explore, it could possibly be an incredibly fulfilling experience for him and lay the way for a life long passion.

It is never too early!  Even if you don't want him in music lessons yet (although with the right teacher, piano or string lessons would be completely appropriate), at least a music class would be a great idea.  There is a wonderful thing called kindermusik, which is a program of music classes for little kids.  It's wonderful, and most areas have them, or at least something similar.  My degree in college is a BA in Music, and I started out actually as a music therapy major.  If he's delayed speaking, you might want to think about music therapy.  It's amazing, and I bet he'd love it.

The piano teacher down the road from me (in south Japan) teaches from 3 years old and recommends the earlier the better.  He's great with kids, though, which no doubt makes a helluva difference, so make sure you get a teacher who knows how to teach toddlers!

my little brother read music before he could read words.  i think some kids just have an aptitude for it.  we both had one-on-one piano lessons for years, and it was excellent.  i think you're right, too.  one-on-one makes it so much easier for a little guy to express himself.  absolutely nurture his musical tendencies!

man, he's cute!  i would second the notions that music therapy (or something like it) would benefit archer.  i saw kids shine in music class when they couldn't in other forums.  and don't forget that mozart started playing at 3.

I had piano lessons at 3-ish.  It didn't take - I'm a total hack at any instrument I've ever tried - but I say go for it!  On the more free-form side, there's a great organization in Denver that does African drumming with kids.  It's really active and the kids always seem to be having a great time.  Maybe there's something like that in LA.  

totally not too early- check out a local university or college  for grad students working in music- my partner is finishing his thesis in Composition and he's taught everyone from 4-year-olds to undergrads to retirees, it's a universal language and perfect for individual instruction and exploration. He often does free lessons because he gets such a kick out of seeing little people share learning music. I just showed him the vid and he agrees that if Archer is that interested (at 3 no less) in the mechanics of music he has limitless potential to grasp the finer points as he grows. In short, keep rockin' little dude.

I, too, was a Suzuki baby.  Started violin at age 3.  Worked great!  I don't play much now but the instruction and mind-development are so valuable.  The earlier the better!  I just started my 5yo in Suzuki violin, and the younger two (3 and 18mos) are picking up on everything.  It's like 3 kids for the price of one!

I've read too that learning how to read music and play an instrument helps with math and other subjects in school.  My youngest two did music therapy and loved it.  

Archer is so cute.  You are one lucky woman!!!!

Hi Rebecca,

I've never commented on any of your entries before, but I've been spending the last hour or so catching up on what's been happening with you instead of doing work. So I just wanted to say that your last few posts have made me, a 20 year old childless curmudgeon cry (especially the one about sad children's songs). You're such an awesome mom and Archer is gorgeous. He's going to be such a heartbreaker with those big brown eyes. Also congratulations on your pregnancy!

PS you're also an amazing writer.

Thanks you guys. Music therapy sounds right up Archer's alley. I think for Thank you all! Archer's 3rd birthday, music lessons will be in order. It sort of makes sense for a child who is behind in language to be ahead in other areas so I'm going to nurture Archer's relationship with the subjects he most connects to. In this case, music.

Sheri-- I agree! I am a very lucky woman! Biased, sure but counting ma' blessings nonetheless.

And than you for your kind words, Elisabeth. Please keep reading. xo.

Have you heard of Oliver Sachs latest, "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain"? Here's a brief review/synopsis-

"Legendary R&B icon Ray Charles claimed that he was "born with music inside me," and neurologist Oliver Sacks believes Ray may have been right. Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain examines the extreme effects of music on the human brain and how lives can be utterly transformed by the simplest of harmonies. With clinical studies covering the tragic (individuals afflicted by an inability to connect with any melody) and triumphant (Alzheimer's patients who find order and comfort through music), Sacks provides an erudite look at the notion that humans are truly a "musical species." --Dave Callanan"

I say let Archer's freak flag fly and see where it leads. Keep us posted. He might be a prodigy!  

Definitely backing the early music lesson crowd. I wish my kids had been so obviously intrigued and gifted. And boy is he cute.

It's not too unusual for children with autism to be able to sing what they cannot speak. What does the speech therapist say?  Of course, there are many other fantastic reasons to learn music!

Archer's not autistic. Just delayed in his speech. The speech therapist is actually no longer our therapist (I'll be blogging about that later...) We had very bad experience with our appointed therapists, They kept changing on us. Leaving, flaking, etc. It was pretty much a disaster so we started Archer in school five days a week instead. Which is helping MUCH more than speech therapy so we figured... eh... might as well.

Stay tough and keep the faith. One of our best friends' son was mostly nonverbal when he was almost three. But he's very bright and their doctor gave them support and reassurance. Alex is 3 now and verbal, but he speaks in a tiny whispery voice (unless frustrated) but if you lean into him he can be understood. He's coming along, he's happy as hell, and generally liked more than his older, and much more verbal, brother.

His parents feel it's just part of personality, temperament, and individual developmental rate. The doctor agrees.

It's not to early to start him with music lessons now, i don't know if you have KINDERMUSIK where you are, but my son did that when he was 18 months old. Archer is definitely ready for keyboard lessons. And the "talk-singing?" It works very well with all kids, especially kids on the spectrum. I made up songs about getting dressed and cleaning up toys and buckling seat belts and stuff. They still remember them.