Beginning Piano Lessons
When should a parent consider beginning piano lessons for her child? For individual piano lessons, this tends to be around 5 or 6 years old. However, group classes or classes with parental guidance often start earlier.
As a piano teacher for many years, I get requests from parents who would like to start individual lessons at age 2 or 3. Most children at this age are not yet mature to manage a lesson on their own and will be highly dependent on a parent-coach to learn and may still not progress at a good rate in playing the piano if motor skills are not yet developed. As such, my piano lessons start from age 5 onwards.
Children mature at different rates, some earlier than others. This is purely a difference in character maturity, not at all a reflection of intelligence or ability.
Beginning with Group Music Lessons
It's best to first expose children to music between the ages of 3 to 5.
While motor skills may still be developing at this age, aural
perception is keen. Join some group classes with good rhythm, solfege and aural training to develop a musical ear.
As
group classes tend to focus on musical aspects, not on playing
technique, it's best to start individual lessons after about 1-2 years.
If the child is not ready for individual lessons, just stay a little
while more with the group class. It would fit the learning pattern of the child better and would be more beneficial in the long run.
Parental Involvement
For child beginners starting at a young age, a nurturing parent and home environment is absolutely essential for the child to learn well.
It's ideal if a parent has interest in music and can learn together with the child (even through individual lessons) or accompany the child to practice. Treat the time together as fruitful parent-child relationship building time. The child would soon enjoy this time together and appreciate music and piano practice.
Is my child ready for individual beginner piano lessons?
Children generally cope well with starting piano lessons around 5 to 6 years old. At this age, children are usually equipped with sufficient mental maturity, motor skills and interest to make lessons work. If your child is only ready a little later, just be patient and wait a little. It will be good in the long run! Here are some general guidelines to assess readiness for beginning piano lessons:
Mental maturity
- Saying the alphabet and counting to 20
- Differentiating left and right
- Ability to concentrate for at least 10 to 15 min at a time
Motor skills
- Colouring well "within the lines"
- Use of scissors
Interest
- Requests for lessons
- Responds to music by dancing or moving to the rhythm
If your child matches most of the guidelines listed above and you can provide a supportive environment at home, it would be good to think about beginning piano lessons!