How long ago were the flashbacks? On occasion during the series there are times where we see Yui, Ui, Nodoka, Ritsu and Mio as children such as when Mio was remember when Ritsu was giving her confidence to speak infront of the class (where Ritsu pretends to be a Pineapple) or when Yui was drawing and offered Nodoka the Red Crayon she had....before thinking about eating it herself.

I am wondering how long ago these flashbacks occurred?
These are the 2 scenes you probably mentioning in your question.



1) You can re-watch episode 8 of K-On!!, roughly at 07:20, Nodoka answers Mio that she first met Yui in kindergarten. (Approx. 12 years ago)


2) In the same episode, at 12:38, Ritsu relate her first impression about Mio back in elementary school. (Approx. 8 years ago)


3) The actual year is not confirmed yet, maybe plus minus a year or so.