The internet is all a buzz today with people talking about new video of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin playing the flute. (You can watch her Thursday October 2 in the Vice President Debate at 9pm EST on most news channels).
Palin played the flute during the talent portion of a beauty pageant. Watch the video of her performance:

So when should you start trying to get your children into music? As soon as possible. Music is important for children of all ages. It can help them learn and relax.
An article at FamilyMagazineGroup.com says:
Recent studies on music education continue to elaborate on the ways in which infants and children under the age of six learn and absorb music. A number of case studies have shown that the learning process with music actually begins soon after birth, which reinforces the effectiveness and necessity for early childhood music development programs.
You can foster music appreciation and even talent in young children by providing them with baby and toddler musical instruments to explore and by playing CDs. You can find a wide selection of musical baby toys at amazon.com.
If you can play an instrument, play it for your children. Whether you're a professional or it's just a hobby it can provide enrichment. Houston-based professional Bass player Curry Duffey plays music for his daughter Sofia almost everyday since she was born. Sofia loves all kinds of music now and loves playing her own baby-sized musical toys.
Even if you're not musically inclined, music can be used as a teaching tool. SongsForTeaching.com has a bunch of downloadable songs plus their lyrics to teach children letters, numbers, and more.
Singing outloud to music on the radio even helps. You are teaching children about the value of music and helping them appreciate all kinds of music from the classics to rock.