When Can Children Start Piano Lessons?

Do you think you have another piano prodigy like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or Herbie Hancock in your home? If you’re looking for piano lessons for kids in Brooklyn, here are a few things to consider before letting your little one tickle the ivories.

Is My Child Ready for Piano Lessons?

It’s never too early to expose your child to music, which is the most fundamental thing you can do to develop the enthusiasm of any budding musician. Some parents even start familiarizing children with a particular instrument during infancy. At that age, this exposure is not oriented to learning how to play, but simply in developing an interest in the way the instrument sounds and how it works.

At preschool age, your child may be ready to begin basic music classes designed to develop a child’s sense of rhythm and instill a feeling of fun about music. From about the ages of 5 to 8 years old, some children may be ready to start formalized lessons. For piano players, hand size and independent finger movement are prerequisites to beginning to learn the instrument.

How Will My Child Learn?

Very young children can be taught a musical instrument using a hearing-based system, such as the hugely popular Suzuki Method. Older children can learn from books and begin developing the ability to read music right from the start. But what is most important to the success of your child’s lessons is that he or she is excited about music and possesses a strong desire to learn. It may be that your child is simply not yet motivated to learn an instrument. Continuing to expose your child to music and sharing your love for it may soon spark your child’s eagerness to learn.

Is My Child Too Old to Learn the Piano?

No one is ever too old to learn how to play the piano! Lessons can begin at any age, and we encourage you to seek them out if your child expresses a keen interest in learning the instrument. There are a few advantages to starting piano lessons early, such as developing more agile hands. Learning to play the piano at a young age has even further benefits, such as increased language and mathematical skills.

As you can see, it’s never too soon to begin imparting a love of music and desire to play an instrument in your child. If you want to sign up your child for piano lessons in Brooklyn, or if you have any questions about your child’s budding musical life, we’re happy to help!