This is a tricky question.  There is no perfect age for a child to begin learning the piano.  Generally, I tell parents that if their child:

•  seems interested in the piano
•  understands the alphabet
•  is learning to read words
•  can sit relatively still for fifteen to twenty minutes
•  has enough motor skill to press the keys and keep their fingers curved

then they are probably ready.  The younger the child is, the more the parent needs to be prepared to help everyday and read instructions to them. 

*Here are a few links leading to articles that may also help you decide if your child is ready for piano lessons.

Is my child ready for lessons?

How do I know my child is ready to start piano lessons?

Piano Lesson FAQ's

Most students like to be able to earn something for all their hard work of practicing and passing off pieces.  My incentive program for my students works like this:

Each student will be able to earn points in various ways, and after reaching 25 points, will be able to choose something from my piano store.  I keep an index card for each student and record their points earned on the card.

Instead of focusing on practice time, I plan on awarding points for passing off pieces.  One page passed off equals one point.  This way, students won't be trying to log in certain amounts of time, but hopefully trying to practice in a way that allows them to pass of their music.

I will also award points for extras such as:

• memorizing pieces
• writing in rhythms
• successfully learning a new music concept
• having an exemplary good attitude
• accomplishing a goal
• music theory

I hope this will help my students find more rewards in studying the piano than just showing up for lessons and practicing each week.

Learning to play the piano can be very exciting to a student and yet very challenging at the same time.  It is, for most students, their first exposure to reading music, playing an instrument, and learning any kind of music theory.  It can pose new dilemmas such as, remembering to practice, being able to stay focused during a lesson, or getting to know a new adult.

What is wonderful about this instrument is that students can make beautiful music right from the get-go.  For many, this is enough to keep them interested and practicing.  Often however, children need extra encouragement, particularly from their parents.  Even if you don't play the piano, or any musical instrument, you need to be involved. 

You can help your student by:

• helping them practice daily
• listening to the songs they play (often you can tell when something isn't correct)
• making sure they play the songs they are assigned first, then extras later
• reminding them that learning can be challenging sometimes
• asking me questions about assignments or music
• encouraging them to find music they are interested in

One of the most important things you can do is to stay on top of daily practicing.  It's amazing how much progress comes from short bursts of healthy practice each day.  This can also be the hardest part of learning an instrument.

Since I am partially dependent on upon what happens at home in order to make the most of lessons, I consider parental involvement as important as a student's practice time.  Even with supplemental games, ear training, and improvisational lessons,  it is very challenging for a student to progress if solid practicing doesn't occur and if parents aren't aware of it.

Please feel free at any time to ask questions about your student, music assignments, or my teaching philosophy.  You can attend lessons as often as you would like (and may even learn a thing or two!)

Also, if anything has changed at home that may affect your student please let me know so that I can be sensitive to their needs.

Teaching the piano to students is so satisfying to me.  I love passing on an invaluable skill and love of music to others.  I am excited to challenge and stimulate the minds of my students.  I feel that, as a partner with parents, a student can have a very fulfilling experience when they are learning to play the piano.  Yes, it is hard.  But I am discovering that almost everything of worth to us most in life makes us stretch and sacrifice and grow.





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