How To Tell If Your Kid Is Ready For Piano Lessons

 

For success in piano lessons, a child must demonstrate some key qualities. Without a basic comprehension of what to look for, you may end up wasting a lot of your money. I classified all the signs that you should watch for into three categories:

Mental readiness
Emotional Readiness
Physical Readiness

Readiness for piano is not defined by the age of the child. I have found that some children can be ready to begin at three years while some may not be ready for lessons at six years. Ensure that you check for signs of readiness before you enroll the child for piano lessons.

 

Mental Readiness

 

The first sign of mental readiness is if the child can tell between their left hand and their right hand. The piano is played using both of the hands. The piano notes are different for the left and right hand. Thus, a child must distinguish which hands they will use.

Patience is also another important aspect to consider in terms of mental readiness. Typically, your child must be able to sit still for at least 15 minutes at a time. It is why some children can begin lessons at three years while some have to wait until they are six years. Besides being able to sit through a lesson, they will also need to sit at home and practice. Although each teacher is different, I recommend that a lesson takes about 20 minutes and increases from there.

Another important determinant is if the child can read. Although I have children who cannot read, learning the piano is usually much harder for them. Ensure that your child can identify the letters of the alphabet when they begin their lessons. The child does not have to know all the letters of the alphabet. Just the first seven, which are used as the musical alphabet.

You can tell that a child is ready for piano lessons if they can count. The note counts for beginner lesson go up to four. It is important that the child can count up to ten before they begin the piano lessons. Since music is based on a mathematical pattern, it will be easier on the child if they can count.

 

Physical Readiness

 

One of the most basic indicators that a child is physically ready is if they can place their hands parallel to the ground when seated. If they can do this, it indicates that they can reach out to the piano keys without having to strain.

You should also check the child finger strength. For instance, you will know a child is ready if their hands are strong enough to hold onto objects without dropping them. I have seen a child who was prepared in all other aspects except in finger strength. Her tiny fingers were not strong enough to press the piano keys effectively. If the child’s fingers are not strong enough, you may have to wait for at least a year and try again.

Fine motor skills are also important when playing the piano. At times, the piano needs to be hit with light first strokes. It is only possible if the child’s fine mortar skills are developed. A good indicator of this is if the child can color within the lines. Additionally, if the child can shape their letters perfectly, it could indicate they are ready for piano lessons.

Stamina is also another important physical trait. Playing piano will usually require the child to sit up straight for at least twenty minutes during each lesson. They will also require the physical strength to strike the piano keys for extended durations. Ensure that your child does not suffer from exhaustion before enrolling them for the piano lesson. I have seen cases of kids who could not physically handle the lesson for at least twenty minutes.

 

Emotional Readiness

 

 

One of the signs of emotional readiness is if the child shows an interest in playing the piano. For instance, if they have an electric keyboard, you should look to see if they enjoy playing with it. In my many years seeing kids learn the piano, the ones that succeed are those that like doing it.

Additionally, you should check to see if the child is accepting any instructions you give them. Even children who love playing piano may lack the emotional stamina to take criticism. Piano lessons are quite costly, and it is important that you understand if your child is receptive to criticism. If you find that criticism puts the child in a bad mood, I have found it better to wait at least a year until he or she is ready.

Another indicator that he or she is ready is if the child asks you for lessons. At times, I have found children can be quite eager to get started. These are usually the easiest to work with. They respond to instructions and do what they are advised.

 

Other Factors You Must Consider

 

Most parents look at the child’s readiness and not theirs. I would advise that you ensure you are ready to give the child support when they start their lessons. At times, it will require that you sit with the child until they get through the lessons. I find that even the least bit of interest by the parents can be quite helpful for the child to progress.

 

We Offer Piano Lessons

 

Cooper Music has established a partnership with the North Fulton School of Music. The piano lessons are available for people of all ages. The school, which began operating in 1988, is renowned for offering both private and group lessons. With a current enrollment of over 600 students in three different locations, it is among the fastest growing music schools in the southeast. The school has prepared its students for Broadway shows, scholarships, and even assisted its students to get record contracts and movie deals.

Besides lessons, there are various activities offered by this school. They include workshops, festivals, recitals, jam sessions, karaoke, art festivals, and much more. The school also provides an in-house recording studio to its students. They can use it to record auditions tapes, demos, or gifts to friends.

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