How soon do you think I could start my daughter in piano lessons?? She is 4 now, but loves music!! Thanks for your input!
Hi Holli--As someone who has taught piano lessons, I would encourage you to find someone who specializes in young children. Traditional piano methods (even pre-reading methods) are often beyond the scope of children who haven't started school yet and aren't able to understand the concept of time signatures etc.
The Suzuki method is often encouraged for young beginners--it focuses on ear training and memorization, adding notation later on when the student is more ready. The training for Suzuki teachers is special, so it's not available everywhere you go.
If you don't want to go the formal lesson route, look for some group classes that focus on the love of music and incorporate listening, rhythm, and movement. One example is kindermusik (go to kindermusik.com to see if there is a teacher in your area). This group class is for babies all the way up to 8 year olds and is really fabulous.
Good luck with your music quest--I believe it is one of the universal languages of the world!
Hi Holli! I teach piano and my criteria is that they have to know how to read. I usually start students at 1st or 2nd grade. However, since your daughter loves music I think if you found a kindermusik program (I would love to start one but don't know if it would be well attended in my rural area) or a similar class that would be wonderful! I think a music class that is fun and doesn't have a daily practice time(such as piano lessons), would make her love for music grow as opposed to it being a chore to have to practice.
That being said, only you know what your child is ready for so if you think she is able to do a daily practice routine and you find a teacher who is great with little ones then go for it! It is a skill that lasts a lifetime!
Have a great day!
I have three sons 10,5 and 19 months. My oldest started at 6 and my 5 year old started last summer two days after his turned 5. I put my 19 month old on the teachers waiting list already. When I put my middle one on the waiting list he was 15th in line, otherwise he probably would have started when he was 4. My boys really enjoy it. They are getting so good and I feel that piano has helped them in school and with confidence. My 10 year olds golf instructor was thrilled to know he was taking piano, because he said that piano helps kids with golf. Who knew! I have only positive things to say. I am even thinking about starting lessons!!
It really depends on the kid, I think. My mom who used to teach piano thinks that 7 is the best age to start, but we just started in group Yamaha lessons and my 5 year old loves it. There are younger kids in the class. It's fun but not too intense. I also recommend Music Together and other group classes like that. We started those at 8 months! (Very popular as a mommy & me activity in LA.)
That's wonderful that your daughter loves music. Have you considered Kindermusik classes for her? Kindermusik is an exciting way to learn about music in a very developmentally appropriate way. It's an internationally acclaimed curriculum designed by experts in education, music and child development and is taught in Ames by Judy Keeling. Visit http://www.EarlyChildhoodMusicOfAmes.com for more information, short video clips of classes, testimonials from parents and an opportunity to register for a FREE preview class. Classes available for all ages 0-7yrs and piano too. Now enrolling for Summer Camps!
A relative (who has given lessons for 20 years) usually suggests waiting until a child is in second grade--that way their fingers are strong enough. She will start an occasional first grader--if the child is really interested and the parent is committed to not letting the child quit right away. Younger children will usually make slower progress, especially because reading can be part of the lesson practice. If your child starts young, be prepared to be actively involved with practices. The other concern about starting young is whether the child is really committed to doing the necessary practicing. If practicing becomes a battle at such a young age, the child can be turned off of playing piano entirely. Sometimes at a young age just encouraging them to play around on the piano--even making up their own "songs"--can be enough to keep the interest alive until their fingers are strong enough and they're mature enough to handle the practicing.
As a piano teacher - I would tell you that it depends on the piano teacher. First you have to find that one that is willing to work with younger children. I have a number of 5 year olds that I teach; however, ability and practice discipline really varies at this age. One reason why a lot of teacher won't take younger children is simply because their hands are small and may not grow as quickly as the child progresses. Long fingers are helpful when starting younger children. But fostering a love of music at any age by having musical instruments around as well as playing a variety of music on the radio or CD player is also encouraged.
In my experience as a piano teacher, most kids have the necessary skills and attention span around 7-years-old. The youngest successful student I have had was 5.
I teach piano to about 10 students per week. I think the youngest I would recommend is 5. In my experience, I've found that much younger than 5, it is hard to retain their attention for a lesson, and have them grasp the concept that they have to practice on their own during the week. Of course, this all depends on the child, but I've found 5 to be the absolute youngest I'd go. Best of luck! Amy L
ive heard teachers starting at 3 years. so perfect time!
Someone else recommended the Suzuki method for young children, and I would second that. My son started piano the year before kindergarten and has now taken for 2 years. He is doing really great and has learned SO much in that time. And a lot of teachers wouldn't have considered starting him until now. I know kids that have started as young as 3 in Suzuki. The only thing you really need to think about is that Suzuki is an extremely parent intensive technique. You need to be willing to be a very enthusiastic and patient participant to have a successful Suzuki experience. It requires that you practice with your child daily basically.
I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and we will probably start her on an instrument before too long! She seems more ready for Suzuki since she is a 2nd child.
Good luck!
As a child I wanted to take piano SO much but my mother heard to wait until 3rd grade or so. Well, I think it was too long to wait and if a child is ready and interested, I would start them then. Of course you'd need someone who specializes in younger children.
Hi Holli,
I think if your sweet little girl is talking about playing piano then she should start. My boys started guitar at the age of 5 or 6. YOu could take it slow and see if she is interested and if not then introduce it to her later.
Good Luck!
Start now. If she's showing an interest, nurture that and help her to grow in her love of music. My nephews and niece all started at 3 yrs. of age and are INCREDIBLE pianists now.
Good luck and have fun.
Hi Holli,
I have been teaching piano for 10 years and the earliest I start lessons is at the age of 7. I have started students at the age of 4&5, but in the end they don't really seem that far ahead. I think it is important for them to be able to read and to have the patience to practice. Starting the child earlier can make music more of a chore than fostering a love for music. As in the above comments, I would also suggest finding a kindermusik program or Music for the Young, something where children enjoy music together. A rigid program is difficult for a young child and can be quite frustrating for both the parent and the child.
I actually work for a music conservatory and am also a music educator. My advice would be to have her take music classes that focus on developing rhythm skills and building basic music concepts or a beginning piano class (group setting). Most children are ready to begin private piano instruction between the ages of 5 and 7. This coincides with being physically ready for the piano and also beginning reading skills, which help tremendously in reading music. Good luck!
We recently got a piano. I called around for prices and such. The one told me my daughter had to be in 2nd grade because she wants them to be able to read. Everyone else said she was old enough now. My daughter is 7 years old and in first grade. Your daughter may be too young. Don't be too discouraged, time flies and your daughter will be 7 before you know it!
I was told they have to be able to read music before they start but then again, with a private teacher they can learn the basics at her age I am sure. Good luck!
It really depends on what the teachers in your area are willing to do & what programs they are familiar with. Also if your child has the attention span to sit for as long as the teacher requires. It's important to find a teacher who has a music TEACHING degree (not just a music degree), & is able & willing to work with a child who might have a shorter attention span than she is used to, changing things up as needed.
We have 4 children. The 1st started when she was 7. The 2nd started when she was 4 (Little Mozarts program). That teacher wanted her to be able to count, know her colors, & recognize & be able to write her letters from A-G. The 3rd started when she was 3 (with a program that included rhythm instruction & singing & dancing as well as note recognition/playing--I think it was called Harmony Road). I haven't started the 4th yet, but he sings along with me when I play piano (matching pitch), & sings with us as family (with some of us singing in parts, so he has to stay with those that are singing the melody). We also work on rhythm by clapping/tapping different rhythms to music on the radio & dancing.
The 1st is still taking piano (at age 14). She quit for a few months a few years ago & missed it so much she asked to go back. The 2nd switched from piano to flute at age 9 & is quite accomplished for her age at that. She also still plays piano for fun (she's 11 now). The 3rd is still playing piano at age 7 & just competed in her first competition (it went well). The 2nd & 3rd are nearly playing at the level of the oldest. The oldest hasn't progressed as quickly, in spite of being more motivated generally, so the older age of starting did have in impact, I think.
Your motivation is important too. We are not parents that want our kids to become virtuosos! We've encouraged music participation because it improves brain development/academic performance, & as a music loving/involved family, we hope to foster a life-long love of music & fun for them. I guess my point is that while learning an instrument does take time, effort, & a measure of discipline & work, it should at least almost always still be fun!