What age is appropriate to start piano lessons?

just wondering -- thanks

Re: What age is appropriate to start piano lessons?

I dont think it is a necessarily a question of age. I think there are multiple factors to consider. The first would be if your child can sit for a lesson. I took lessons a long time ago and they were about a half hour to 45 minutes long. Then you have to figure if they can count, read music (as well as words) and have the the developing fine motor skills and dexterity to play the simplest of pieces. I've seen little kids do this - I have seen adults fail miserably. I can play "Doe-A Deer" with one finger. Good luck. I hope that Abby will have a desire to play an instrument.

Message edited 8/11/2009 11:08:52 AM.

Re: What age is appropriate to start piano lessons?

I think 3 is a bit young to start "formal" lessons.

my dad is a musician. I grew up with instruments around me my whole life (and I had a stint at the piano)

I would probably purchase a childs or toy keyboard and sit with my child in small intervals a day, and talk about finger placement, the meaning of the black and white keys etc. even buy a music book that you can both follow along to and learn to read the notes and maybe even play a tune.

we ALL had to learn to read music at a very young age. one of my brothers learned to read music before he learned to read actual words

but I would definitely gauge the child's interest before diving in to paid lessons. they can be very $$ even for children, and since repetition is key with these things, you want to make sure it's money well spent.

*disclaimer: this is my opinion as the child of a musician...not as a parent

Re: What age is appropriate to start piano lessons?

Can I also add that you may wish to get your child involved in a music class in a group? I have Abby in a Music Together class (there are others) and they have varying ages of children in it. I see the interest in some kids and the disinterest in others. Abby happens to love it and lucky me, she has rhythm - gets it from her father who was in his college marching band.

Re: What age is appropriate to start piano lessons?

My parents started me on piano at age 3. I don't think I realized I hated playing until I was 13 years old. I just played because it was a part of life. Then I played for another 10 years or so knowing that I hated playing the piano!

I think 5 or 6 may be a good age to start. If s/he has interest, then you can decide if you want to invest the time and money into more formal lessons.

My parents started me with formal lessons without ever asking me if I liked piano. I think that is the wrong way to do it.

Message edited 8/11/2009 11:59:05 AM.