Piano Lesson For Young Children

What is a good age to start piano lesson?
This is no doubt one of the most commonly asked question by parents who are interested to enter their young child to private piano lesson. I
have student as young as three (my daughter). I believe a child is ready for private piano lesson, when they have reached the following
milestones:

1. Ready to sit still for 15 minutes
2. Ability to identify numbers 1-5,
3. Be able to recognize letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G
4. Show interests in music making.

Generally there are no fix rule as to what age a kid should start piano lesson. It is up to individual private piano teacher to decide when they would like to take a student. It is easier to teach grade school kids as they are mentally and physically
more developed than a preschooler. I find that it is a lot easier to explain certain musical concept and rhythm to a 7 years old than to a 5 years old.

I believe a piano teacher who is personable/experienced and understand young children's behavior and thinking is essential in the development of young child's musical interests! Also important is the commitment shown by parents. Parents who are willing to spend at least 30 minutes a day working with young children on their daily practice will keep the young
child motivated.

Interestingly enough, many children drop out of piano lesson when they reach between 3-5 years of piano playing levels.
This is when a student becomes an intermediate level their school activities becomes heavier, along with the fact that piano playing requires more time and effort to break through to the next level. I would encourage the parents and teachers be open minded during these transitional time. I generally recommend my intermediate students play music they are interested in. This includes Pop song, Hollywood or Broadway pieces such as "Star Wars", "Mission Impossible", "Harry Potter", etc! The idea is to maintain the student's interests and not let them drop off! Many classical repertoire can be frustrating and uninteresting to grade school students. It takes many years of life experience and music appreciation to enjoy the beauty of classical repertoire.

There are a few piano methods that I have used and would recommend them to different age group!

1. Little Mozart (Published by Alfred) - 3-6 years old
I used this series extensively with my preschoolers! The concept and pictures are easy to understand. I also provide stickers and other motivational tools to supplement the materials.

2. Piano Adventures (Written by Fabers) - 6 and above
This is one of my favorites piano method book. The primer book is suitable for 6 years old. The series also provides a late beginner method book (age 10 and above). I find that the music selection of this method book is age appropriate and interesting for school age children. The only drawback to this method book is the late introduction to different key signatures.

3. Piano Town (Written by Keith Sneil) - 7 and above
I recently started using this method book and find it rather satisfying and suitable for 7 years old and older. I would not use this method book for my preschooler since it is designed for grade school age children.

I also recommend a book written by Rhoda Rabin! The book is titled "At The beginning" Teaching Piano To The Very Young Child! If you want to find out more about piano lesson designed for young age children, this book is worth a look!


Tips for educator and parents:
Keep the music lesson fun and enjoyable!
I find that sometimes it is helpful to giggle and laugh along with the young children. Be flexible with the goals and expectation! After all, music is supposed to be fun!


(We do not spam nor do we share your email information with other parties)