One of the most common instruments to learn worldwide is the piano. It is an amazing instrument that can harness the range of an orchestra – right at your fingertips. Whether you want to play Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, or more, you can play it on a piano.
So, if you have a child, and you want him or her to learn music, you may have heard that piano lessons can be a great place to start – and that is definitely true! However, you may have wondered what age is the best age to start on piano. The answer to that question is generally 5-9 years old, but it ultimately depends on the student developmental level and their needs. Here are 6 things that are good indicators that your child is ready to start piano lessons.
1. Your child should be able to focus for 30 minutes. If your child can listen, follow instructions, answer questions, and engage for a basic 30 minute lesson, then they could be ready for piano lessons, and all music lessons! Woohoo!
2. Your child has basic hand coordination. If your child can tell their left from their right hand, move their fingers independently of each other, and follow through on your instructions for their fingers, then they should be ready to go!
3. Your child will need to be able to practice daily – with your help and involvement. Every child who takes piano lessons will need to practice. However, younger children need the help of their parents to follow through on assignments and understand what to practice, and how long to practice it. So, you must be involved or your child won’t be able to fully succeed with piano lessons at an early age.
4. If your child is interested in music, sings around the house, taps things at home as if it were a drumset, or really likes to listen to music, you probably want to get them into music lessons like piano lessons.
5. Your child should be interested in learning the piano from the start. If your child is not interested in piano lessons at least at the very beginning, and they don’t like it at all, then it is probably not a good idea to start them on piano lessons, but maybe look at guitar lessons or drum lessons. Make sure they are interested when they begin.
6. Take 4 trial lessons! Sometimes you won’t know for sure if your child is ready until they take a 4 week trial of lessons. Through a 4 week trial, a qualified teacher can give you expert advice on the readiness of your child for lessons!
In the end, while 5-9 years old is the general range of when to start piano lessons, pay attention to your child’s needs to find the best time. It may be that they are somehow ready at the age of 4 (or the age of 3 like the famous composer Mozart). Or, you may find that 8, 9, or 10 is the best time to get going. However, when the time is right, the educational and behavioral benefits of piano lessons for a child’s life are absolutely incredible – and it will definitely be worth it!
-The Jerry Evans School of Music
