Preschool Piano Lessons
Children and music are a natural fit. Many studies have shown that exposing children to music at an early age can enhance their spatial and mathematical abilities, as well as build confidence and improve concentration. Not only do children enjoy listening to music, but providing them with the opportunity to create their own music can teach them to appreciate music more. The piano is an ideal first instrument for young children because as a percussion instrument it is easy to play and does not require the same strength or complex coordination as other instruments.
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Assessment
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Some children as young as 3 may be ready to learn the piano, whereas others may wait until 8 or 9 years old before beginning lessons. Every child develops at a different pace. To determine if your child is ready for piano lessons, you need to assess their physical and mental abilities and their maturity level. Your child is physically ready to play the piano if he possesses fine motor skills and is coordinated enough to move his fingers independently from each other. Mentally, your child should be able to recite his ABC's and count to 10 at a minimum. Regarding maturity level, a child needs an attention span of at least 15 minutes to derive any benefit from music lessons.
Considerations
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There is no right answer as to whether to provide group or private lessons for your preschooler's first foray into learning the piano. Every child is different and you need to consider your child's personality and what may work best for him. Group lessons are more affordable and offer a fun and social learning experience. However, students studying in group classes will have less time with the teacher and less time playing on the piano. Private lessons provide your child with one-on-one time with a teacher who can customize lessons to suit your child's strengths and weaknesses. However, this experience may be intimidating for some young children and there may be more pressure to learn. As the parent, you need to judge which method is best for your child.
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Find the Right Teacher
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As a basic requirement, piano teachers should have the right musical background and training and be knowledgeable about childhood learning and development. In addition, many parents like to consider pricing and location of teachers. Although these are all important considerations, selecting the right piano teacher for your child extends beyond this to encompass something even more important: Does the piano teacher have good rapport with your child? The right teacher not only teaches your child how to play the piano, but also understands how to make your child appreciate and enjoy the learning process. Before selecting a teacher, participate in a trial class and see how your child connects with the teacher before committing to further lessons. Asking for references can also help to ease your mind.
Measure Your Child's Interest
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Once your child has begun her lessons, continue to encourage her learning by ensuring she practices at home and by praising her progress. In addition, continue to assess her teacher or classes. She may require a different teacher or learning environment as she grows up. For example, children may outgrow a class environment and benefit from a move to private lessons. Most important, be patient with your child as learning to play the piano properly can take several years.
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References
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- Photo Credit piano practice image by Lisa Eastman from Fotolia.com
