Right age to start Mridangam

[natyasri]

hi,
I have a 6 yr old boy. I am very keen to start him on mridangam training. he is kind of small...
what is the right age?
also is there any teacher who can teach on skype? we dont have any one here. please recommend.


Also your thoughts on skype learning of veena. Please dont judge, i am a very keen parent and a rasika. if only i had any option, i would not go the skype route.
Thank you....

[Ananth]

My son's master advocates at least eight years. I have seen some younger kids join but make little progress... Producing good 'num' sound needs some strength.

OTOH, for violin even five years is OK, earlier the better.

You didn't say where you are now.

[Nick H]

Producing good 'num' sound needs some strength.

And it needs large enough hands and long enough fingers. Until a child has those, it is quite impossible for them to play properly.

However, they can still develop enthusiasm and knowledge. They can learn basic lessons and konnakal. If the lessons are made fun quite a lot can be achieved.