Piano lessons

[OrionGrad]

I have some questions for those of you who've had kids in musical lessons. DS1 loves playing my mom's piano with her whenever we visit, but he's your average squirrelly, active 4yo boy and I wonder if we'd be better off waiting until he's older to start actual lessons. I think he'd enjoy it, but I just question whether he has the attention span. Thoughts?

Also, would we need to buy a piano immediately if we did start lessons, or do people usually wait a little while to make sure their kids are really interested before they make the investment?

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Good Qs. I have the same ones. Only substitute a girl in there.

[MAPPLEBUM]

First thing is to look for a teacher who has experience / training in ages 3-5, they often specialize in that age. That way, depending on the child's attention span, maturity, etc. they're able to adapt. At that age some students start off playing the instrument quickly, others can have a semester or more before they actually get down to playing. That time is spent teaching basic musical concepts, singing, posture, attention, developing a practice schedule, etc.

If there's no one like that in your area the other option would be doing a general music class like Orff. That way in a semester or two he'll already know notes, rhythms, and have practiced coordination. Then it wouldn't be such a jump to starting piano. You can also look for a Suzuki piano teacher on the SAA website.

You both are welcome to PM me your city I can run a quick search to help you find the most qualified teacher.

[OrionGrad]

Thanks [MENTION=4422]MAPPLEBUM[/MENTION]! Just sent you a pm.

[MAPPLEBUM]

Weird, I haven't gotten one. Is it your location on Facebook?

Thanks @MAPPLEBUM! Just sent you a pm.

[OrionGrad]

.

[SuzySunshine]

We do Simply Music, I LOVE It. Our instructor doesn't start until 1st grade but there are others that do. You can find out about the method and find instructors on their website.


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[oceanchild]

My mom (music teacher) always recommends starting once the child can read a bit. Makes it easier to learn to read music.

If you don't have a piano, you at least want a keyboard with full size keys, and probably a minimum number of octaves, but I'd check with the teacher on that.

We are planning to do a Children's Music Academy course with DS, and they start at 4 (edit: I thought this was a national franchise, but it looks like it might just be here). This is mostly because they are literally across the alley from our house, and a friend teaches there. My mom taught me, and while I'm a competent piano player, I never got any of the ear training that some of the more structured programs provide.

[Thirteen]

First thing is to look for a teacher who has experience / training in ages 3-5, they often specialize in that age. That way, depending on the child's attention span, maturity, etc. they're able to adapt. At that age some students start off playing the instrument quickly, others can have a semester or more before they actually get down to playing. That time is spent teaching basic musical concepts, singing, posture, attention, developing a practice schedule, etc.

If there's no one like that in your area the other option would be doing a general music class like Orff. That way in a semester or two he'll already know notes, rhythms, and have practiced coordination. Then it wouldn't be such a jump to starting piano. You can also look for a Suzuki piano teacher on the SAA website.

You both are welcome to PM me your city I can run a quick search to help you find the most qualified teacher.

Love Orff! (my mom is certified)


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[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Can you do the same for me [MENTION=4422]MAPPLEBUM[/MENTION]

Pretty sure you know where I am/where I'll be moving to. To be honest, it likely won't start until TX anyway.

[alotofyarn]

I started piano lessons at 5 and took through college. I didn't practice enough, so I'm not as good as I maybe could have been, but I've always loved being able to play. I did Orff in middle school too! Not a super helpful comment, but at least sort of a success story of someone who started young.

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[OrionGrad]

My mom (music teacher) always recommends starting once the child can read a bit. Makes it easier to learn to read music.

This is what my mom said, too (she's not a music teacher or anything), but since then I've heard of a couple other young kids taking lessons so I figured it might be fun for DS1 to try. If I can find someone who frequently teaches kids in that 3-5 range, I'm hoping that might make it a better experience for everyone involved.

[metroguy]

both my kids started piano at 5 and we got the piano before they started.. this was due to dw being type A.. and she wanted a piano.. she was/is making the kids play no matter what.. (probably her childhood issues/dreams - where she always wanted to play but couldn't)
anyway, most teachers will offer a free trial lesson - this way you'll know if the kid are ready for piano or not. also make you sure are in the room, this way you know if the teacher's personality fits your kid personality or not. for oldest dd, she like everyone of her piano teachers.. for second dd, she went through 2 piano teacher before finding one she like..
as for piano - see if you can ask the teacher.. some music schools have posters(bb) with used digital/regular piano for like half the price.

[MAPPLEBUM]

This is very true. I had an intro lesson with an either 3 or 4 year old and after 15 minutes he started crying and saying how he didn't like the instrument!

As for sitting in the lesson, absolutely. Especially starting at such a young age you'll have to practice with them every day, most parents take notes during the lesson so they can remember what to do (I also write in an assignment notebook for them). I tell families they should sit in lessons / practice with the child until they start demonstrating the desire and ability to practice on their own. Usually the parent will first give up practicing with them, then eventually stop attending the lessons. For those types of parents they usually stop sitting in lessons around 6-7 grade.

Of course I have older elementary school students who practice / do lessons on their own. But if they're young, like 3rd grade, and the parent refuses to sit in the lesson that usually means the parent isn't invested enough. They pretty much all disappear after a couple months. I had 2 student this year who were over the moon for the instrument. I invited both sets of parents to sit in the lessons. One flat out refused, I got the mom of the second child to sit in her first lesson and she stared at her phone the entire time. Both families disappeared after 6-8 lessons. Which is sad because it was evident how much they students wanted to play.


@TulipsAndSunscreen where would you like me to look for teachers? In TX or ultimate destination?

both my kids started piano at 5 and we got the piano before they started.. this was due to dw being type A.. and she wanted a piano.. she was/is making the kids play no matter what.. (probably her childhood issues/dreams - where she always wanted to play but couldn't)
anyway, most teachers will offer a free trial lesson - this way you'll know if the kid are ready for piano or not. also make you sure are in the room, this way you know if the teacher's personality fits your kid personality or not. for oldest dd, she like everyone of her piano teachers.. for second dd, she went through 2 piano teacher before finding one she like..
as for piano - see if you can ask the teacher.. some music schools have posters(bb) with used digital/regular piano for like half the price.

[ides]

anyway, most teachers will offer a free trial lesson - this way you'll know if the kid are ready for piano or not. also make you sure are in the room, this way you know if the teacher's personality fits your kid personality or not. for oldest dd, she like everyone of her piano teachers.. for second dd, she went through 2 piano teacher before finding one she like..

Good advice. Honestly I think people start kids with musical instruments too early. We have done the same - well I would have waited until an age where there is more self desire to play - usually around 12 or 13 but dh insisted we started. We started at 6 with guitar. It's a hard instrument and with an instrument the parent is the driver to keep them doing it - practicing specifically. You need to be dedicated to them doing it or it won't last.


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