Piano lessons for children. The best age to start. | Education

By RachelBranston
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I am often asked by parents of young children what is the best age to begin piano lessons. Well, although I have seen children as young as four start to learn to play piano it is a tall order for most so young to cope with the physical and mental demands.

I have a great deal of experience teaching a music course designed for very young children. It covers keyboard skills as well as singing and general musical awareness. At four or five 'though tiny hands and fingers find it hard to cope. By the age of six, however, most children will progress with leaning keyboard skills faster and enjoy the experience more.

It may appear obvious, but there is a marked difference between a five and six year old learning to play piano. It's not just hand size to reach the piano notes but ability to concentrate too. Basic knowledge in other ways of the world makes a big difference too. For example, knowing the first seven letters of the alphabet.

A lot depends 'though on the course offered and the skill of the teacher. When I teach the very little ones I encourage their parents to sit in on the lessons and help to guide their child. I can then lead from the front of the class whilst parents can help to guide their childs hands in to place on the keyboards whilst I move around the class to check that all is well.

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.

To summarise, therefore, I would say that, on average, seven would be the ideal time to start to play the piano. The child is old enough and physically big enough to cope with the academic work and the size of the keys on the instrument but a keen, musical six year old from a supportive family would probably be far more successful than a sullen eleven year old who is being pushed into learning by eager parents.

Every child is different and every teacher is different. Don't despair if things don't turn out right on the first attempt. Once you achieve the right formula, you and your child will experience the joy and overall benefits that good musical tuition will give.

About the Author

Rachel Branston has created an effective multi media course to teach piano to both young and older. Pick up her free piano lessons for beginners and find everything you need to know about learning to play piano at http://www.playyourpiano.com .

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