Is my child ready for piano?

Parents often come to me and express interest in piano lessons for their 3 or 4 year old. They explain that their child sings all the time and loves to play on grandma's piano whenever they are over there. While some children are ready to begin piano at a young age, many are not. Beginning too early only creates frustration for the child rather than a head start at an instrument.

Before starting any kind of music lessons with your child, ask the following questions:
1. How are his fine motor skills? Can your child write his name clearly? Can he string beads or do crafts using fine motor skills? Fine motor skills are essential to success at an instrument. Your child may enjoying banging on the neighbor's piano, but can he play a single note at one time with each finger?
2. Comprehension of symbols. I prefer that beginning piano students know their alphabet, numbers and that they have at least begun to read. Music is composed by symbols. We start learning these symbols from the very beginning. If your child is already familiar with this concept, they will progress with a little more ease.
3. Attention span and maturity. Can your child sit through story time at the library without running around the room or trying to escape? Does your child complete a puzzle or color page that they begin? Can they follow multi-step directions? In piano, your child will have assignments to complete at home each week. Will it be a struggle to encourage your child to complete his assignments?

Some children are capable of beginning piano or another instrument at a young age. If you are uncertain as to if your child is ready, it may be a good idea to participate in our ABC Music and Me class which is an award winning music enrichment course created by Kindermusik International. ABC Music and me features instrument exploration that promotes fine motor development, beginning music notation, music history, singing, movement, exposure to music from different cultures and an introduction to piano. Click here for more information about ABC Music and Me

If you feel that you and your child are ready for piano, we have group piano classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse that are a great way for kids to begin the instrument! Please visit my studio blog for the latest article on group piano classes. Click here to learn more about our piano classes!