Piano lessons for children. The best age to start.

By: Rachel Branston

I have taught children as young as four to play the piano; a few have been successful whilst most have been pushed by their parents and returned later on when they are closer to six.

I specialise in a course designed for very small children which uses a lot of singing and all round musical tuition, but there are the physical hold ups of tiny hands that just aren't ready to use the fingers independently and most children will progress much faster and therefore enjoy the experience much more if they are around six.

It sounds obvious, but the difference between five and six is huge, not just in the size of the hand, but in the concentration levels, their ability to absorb information and their basic knowledge (for instance, what are the first seven letters of the alphabet?).

The type of course offered too makes a big difference. My course for the very young is taught in a group of six or seven pupils. Parents are encouraged to sit in and help. I can demonstrate and encourage from the front whilst parents can guitde their own child's hands on the piano keyboard. I can move around the group and check each is coping.

Lessons for little ones need to be fast and flexible. They should incorporate singing, perhaps even dancing to allow the children freedom of expression and a variety of different concepts. Even most adults have relatively short attention spans if the work is pretty intense and playing the piano is very, very intense.

It is not just physical skill that is limited in the very young but piano lessons require more analysis and intake of information than most can cope with. Remember you are asking a child to think in two languages at the same time, use their hands independently and all with expression and feeling. Quite a task for anyone.

It's therefore pretty amazing that a six year old, who probably can't read fluently can take this learning on and make a success of playing the piano. But there are lots of children who do and there's nothing more wonderful than seeing a small child sitting correctly, looking perfectly at ease as they play their pieces.

So to sum up, I would generally say that the age of seven would be the best time for the average child to begin to learn how to play piano. By this time they should be physically, intellectually and emotionally mature enough to cope. Still a keen and musical six year old from a supportive family will be far more successful than a reluctant eleven year old being pushed into lessons by eager parents.

Each child and each teacher is different. You have to make a realistic judgement and don't despair if things don't work out at the first attempt. Just be careful not to push too hard and risk putting off a child from music forever by going too far too young. Remember to learn piano should be a joy and a benefit to all.

Article Source: http://www.yesparenting.com/articles

Rachel Branston has designed an effective dvd course to teach piano to all ages. Pick up her free introductory piano lessons for beginners and find everything you need to know about learning to play piano at www.playyourpiano.com .

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