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How old should my child be to start piano lessons?
The best time to start piano lessons for a young child is between the ages of 3 and 5, with 3 to 4 being the prime window of opportunity. That window extends to about 9 1/2, so all is not lost if children do not begin study until the third or fourth grade. However, the earlier start is better. Music can become the focus of their lives before other activities compete for their time.
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What are the benefits of starting lessons at a young age?
Recent studies indicate that the benefits of early music study are substantial. A University of California study indicated that early music study improved spatial reasoning and strengthened the mathematics circuits of the brain. Small muscle dexterity and control was also enhanced through music study.
Science has recently revealed that children are born with perfect pitch, an ability that will diminish if not practiced and used.
Additionally, the young child also experiences social growth from a family-centered world to a society-centered world. Music study may be one of the first experiences for a child where the parent is not the authority figure. Learning in a calm, welcoming atmosphere,with one-on-one attention from the teacher creates a positive environment for self expression and trust.
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Isn't piano just for girls (from a 5 year old, prospective male student)?
No, not at all. Mozart began his music study at age 3 1/2, composed at age 6 and began a concert career at 7! Most concert pianist are men. Of course, not every young student is a budding Mozart or concert pianist, but you get the idea. Girls and boys excel equally well at the piano.
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Do you give group lessons?
The short answer to that question is No. I firmly believe that students benefit from private, individually tailored lessons. Students, especially young children, thrive on individual attention and encouragement. Everyone learns at different rates and for some, competition in a group setting can be devastating. Individual lessons enable students to learn as quickly or as slowly as necessary. Individual lessons also allow students to make mistakes and ask questions without embarrassment
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