Piano Lessons for Children

Many parents wonder when to start piano lessons for children. Although adults can start any instrument at any time, their success is based on how willing they are to commit to practicing. However, starting a child at the right age is a key element to the success of their lessons.

At most dance and music schools, three is the youngest age that it is acceptable to start children in private piano lessons. At this age, they have begun to develop longer attention spans and can retain material with greater ease.

Benefits of Private Piano Lessons

While group classes work well for pre-school music programs and theory lesson, private lessons are far superior when a child is learning to play the piano, or any instrument for that matter. Private piano lessons allow each student to learn and grow in their craft at their own pace. Because the attention is focused and individualized, the teacher does not have to teach a class at a middle-of-the-road level, but has the time to work on the student’s specific, individual strengths and weaknesses. Teachers also enjoy private lessons because they do not have to divide their attention between too many students at one time.

Practice Makes Perfect

The old adage, practice makes perfect comes into play when talking about piano lessons. In order to improve this type of skill, it takes practice. One of the main problems with children and music lessons can be the drudgery of practicing. Many a parent has fought to get their child to practice the piano every day. To make practicing easier, here are a few tips:

1. Piano practice should be done at a set time every day so that, just like brushing their teeth or going to school, it becomes part of their routine.
2. The earlier in the day the child practices their piano lessons, the less reminding is required by parents.
3. Twenty to thirty minutes of piano practice can seem like an eternity to a child. Instead of setting this type of practice guideline, use the repetition method instead. For example, have your child practice one particular piece four or five times every day and this scale for or five times too.
4. Praise is a huge motivator. Parents who reward their children with praise following a piano lesson or practice often find that the music student is more willing to perform and to practice. There is no substitute for a part on the back for putting in the effort. The child benefits by enhancing their performance techniques and their piano playing skills.

About Wagner Dance and Music

Since 1989, Wagner Dance and Music, a performing arts school, has been teaching East Valley students. Our 3600 square foot Gilbert facility is conveniently located on the southeast corner of Gilbert and Guadalupe in the Big Lots plaza. We offer classes for ages two to adult in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Tumbling, Cheer, Musical Theater and Voice as well as adult classes. For more information about Wagner Dance and Music or to sign up for a class, visit http://wagnerdancearts.com or call 480-892-7179.