Five ways to determine if your child is ready

Written by Gabriella Serruya

A question we get asked often from prospective families is how old a child should be to start piano lessons. There are different schools of thought on the right age to start piano lessons. Some methods start with children at quite a young age (3), while others think that waiting until a child is 10+ years old to start with formal lessons.

I think that somewhere in the middle is the right time (around 4-8 years of age), but this will all depend on the individual child.

Here are 5 ways to help determine readiness for piano lessons:

1. A child should be able to sit during their lesson for 30 minutes (at least) in duration. The lesson is usually broken down into small segments with frequent movement breaks and other “off the bench” musical activities for younger students, but being able to concentrate for 5-10 minutes at a time is important.




2. Being able to read is helpful. It’s not a deal breaker, but it makes learning this new language called music easier since English and music share an alphabet. It also makes things easier for independent practicing. They can read the practice notes their teacher gives them and know which songs to practice and how to practice them. Parents are always welcome to help out with practicing but it can make things easier if the child can do it on their own, especially if they are older.




3. Children need to be able to practice at home at least 4-5 days per week (which can be a challenge!). This takes a lot of work on both the child’s and the parent’s part. How does your child do with homework completion? If it’s a struggle, then it might not be the right time to add something else to their schedule that is similar to homework. If the child has a love of music or has expressed interest in playing the piano, practicing will likely be easier to accomplish.




4. Being able to differentiate between the left hand and right hand is very helpful! However, even under pressure even adults make mistakes on which hand is which! We do a lot of work one hand at a time at the beginning to make things easier.




5. Having a piano or electronic keyboard at home is extremely important when you start lessons. If you have one at home and your child is playing it without prompting, they may be ready for lessons. Trying to pick out a song by ear is a good sign, but even singing a song and playing random notes is good. This shows their interest and possible readiness to start lessons.

Although 4-8 years old might be the “right” time to start piano lessons, it’s definitely not a hard and fast rule. I’ve had students start as early as 3 and as late as 78, so it’s never too late! Just remember that while they are getting all the benefits of a music education, the goal at all times should be fun and enjoyment.
 

Resources:

What Is the Best Age to Begin Piano Lessons? (by the Hoffman Academy)

Should Adults (and Teens) Take Music Lessons? (from the TPSMTS blog)