Q: ” What age is good to start taking piano? ”
A: Most children are ready to begin lessons when they reach first grade. However, if you would like for your child to learn to play by ear, start him as young as two or three because he does not have to read. In fact, the Montessori method of teaching music requires preschoolers not to read music and to play exclusively by ear. Some piano instructors are willing to teach Kindergarteners and preschoolers to read music. It is helpful that your child have an understanding of the first seven letters of the alphabet, which are used as the musical alphabet. Knowing left from right is crucial, too. Are you worried that your child may be too old to learn piano? Many accomplished pianists began lessons in high school. Their understanding of reading and mathematics helped them advance more quickly. A teenager who has been playing for a month will show more progress than his preschool counterpart. Do not put off piano lessons too long. A teenager’s fine motor skills are less easily trained than a young child’s. Typically, beginning piano students start taking lessons between ages 6 and 10. Bear in mind the maturity and disposition of your child. A very calm, mature 4 year old may do very well sitting for a 40 minute lesson while his hyper, distracted 7 year old brother may sit for only 20 minutes. Some piano teachers will divide an hour’s lesson to teach two students in one family. Marie Sleppy, professional piano instructor Mrs. Marie has been teaching piano for 15 years and plays the piano weekly for a parish.