Children learn very differently from adults. Because their span of attention tends to be shorter, I will introduce them to various short and interesting pieces. The development of an interest in music is especially important for children. Therefore, I will expose young students to famous musical pieces and help them progress through positive encouragement. I strongly advice parents to take on an active role in children's piano education. A common goal that is agreed by both parents and the teacher would be tremendously beneficial towards the success of young learners. Playing the piano should be something that children can enjoy and take pride of.
FAQ's:
1. When should my child start his/her piano education?
Normally, children start taking piano lessons at the age of 5. There are reasons to this. Playing the piano requires the student to focus on musical concepts (however simple they are) while sitting still. It is also preferred that the child knows the alphabet letters A through G and be able to count 1 to 4. Once your child can sit still for about 10-15 minutes with some focus, s/he will be able to have meaningful lessons.
My youngest student was a 3 year-old boy. The age to start depends on the child's personality and interest in music. If the child is too young to sit still and concentrate, I would recommend parents to start exposing him/her to a lot of classical, jazz, and other different forms of music.
2. What can I do as a parent to support my child's piano education?
There are a few things you can do. First, make learning a positive experience for your child through consistent encouragement. Second, look for performance opportunities for your child to reinforce confidence and gain recognition. Encourage your child to perform in front of family and friends in a relaxed setting. As a teacher, I will organize piano recitals in home and formal settings whenever possible. Third, make sure your child knows that you consider music as a commitment. Practice makes perfect. Playing the piano requires time and effort. Make sure your child has a quiet environment when practicing.