Is your child asking to learn piano? Would you like to enhance your child's life by adding music to it? That’s wonderful!
But especially for younger children, being interested in music and being ready for individual instrument instruction are two different things.
Instrument lessons are a one-on-one learning experience. Your child doesn’t need to know how to read music or play an instrument before starting, but they do need to have some basic readiness skills that will allow them to participate in and enjoy the lesson.
☐ Listen and participate in a one-on-one conversation with an adult
Your child should be able to listen when the teacher speaks directly to them and respond independently, rather than relying on a parent to answer every question.
☐ Follow simple directions from an adult other than a parent
For example: “Put your right hand here,” “Show me your thumb,” or “Let's try that again.” They should generally be able to listen, process, and attempt a simple instruction.
☐ Stay engaged in an activity for a reasonable amount of time
Piano lessons involve sitting at the instrument, listening, taking turns, and trying things more than once. The same goes for violin lessons. Your child does not need a long attention span, but they should be able to focus on a teacher-led activity for several minutes at a time.
☐ Count to 10
Basic counting skills are helpful when we begin working with rhythm, beats, and musical patterns.
☐ Recognize and write their own name
Writing their name is a good indication that they have begun developing the fine-motor and cognitive skills needed for some of the early written activities we use in lessons.
☐ Understand basic concepts such as right/left, up/down, and same/different
These concepts come up frequently when learning about the keyboard, fingers, musical patterns, and movement.
☐ Take turns and accept gentle correction
Learning an instrument means trying something, making mistakes, and trying again. Your child should be developing the ability to listen to feedback without becoming completely discouraged.
☐ Be willing to participate without a parent answering or doing the work for them
Parents are an important part of a young student's success, but the lesson itself is between the teacher and the student. Your child should be ready to begin developing that independent relationship with the teacher.
That's completely okay!
A child can be very musical, love to sing and dance, and be fascinated by the piano while still needing more time before individual lessons are a good fit. For some preschoolers, a group music class is a wonderful stepping stone. Singing, dancing, rhythm games, musical movement, and playing simple instruments can help develop the skills and confidence they'll eventually bring to the piano.
There is no advantage to starting formal piano lessons before a child is ready to participate. In fact, waiting until a child can engage with the teacher and follow basic directions can make the eventual experience much more positive.
Ask yourself:
“If my child were in a 30-minute one-on-one lesson with a teacher, without me answering for them, would they be able to listen, participate, follow directions, and try the activities?”
If the answer is generally yes, your child may be ready to begin.
If the answer is not quite yet, that's okay too. Give them time to grow, keep music fun, and consider a preschool group music program in the meantime.
The goal isn't to start as early as possible. The goal is to start when your child is ready to succeed—and to develop a positive, lasting relationship with music.
--Sonja Streuber