How does one know when a child is ready or is there an age where are you are too old to begin? These are great questions and beginning at the right age is important. An ideal time to begin lessons is after first grade (age 7). While some feel that this is too late, many experts advise this as an optimum time for several reasons:
Physical development – hand size and muscle development is more mature
The child is able to read for himself and can understand musical concepts.
Your child can sit by himself at the piano and practice without an adult present. While I strongly encourage parental involvement with music studies, it is always the goal that the students become independent in their practicing. Parents make a great audience, and “recitals” during the week are good motivation for your child.
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Is it too late to start after 7? No, if your child is older, his progress in learning will be faster. There is wonderful music for the advanced beginner, so don’t feel that you’ve waited too long. Your older beginner will grasp concepts quickly, and will develop his musical style in time to enjoy it, and you as his parent will, too!
How else can you tell if your child is ready for lessons? Does your child spend time playing around the piano or keyboard when others are present? Does they enjoy making up their own songs? Of course the best indication that a child is ready for lessons is if they ask for piano lessons. If he/she is repeatedly asking for music lessons over a period of time, you will have some assurance that they will commit to music study.
Please visit piano lesson FAQs to find answers to other common questions. Interested in starting piano lessons? Learn more about the next steps.