I have a seven year old that likes music, but I wouldn't buy him a MP3 player. But my 4 year old has a huge appreciation for music, he can name a song by hearing the first couple words, and not little kids songs, songs that my husband and i listen to, and most songs on the radio. He also is a good singer and truely enjoys doing it. He memorizes the words to songs faster than I can. He has a knack for it. He will be getting a MP3 player this year. I know many other children older than mine that I wouldn't trust with an MP3 player, it just depends on the child.