Parents of very young children often ask me if their offspring are old enough to start to learn piano. Well I've known some four year olds to start to learn to play piano successfully. Most, however, at that age find it too much of a challenge and I see them return later when they are closer to six years old.
Learn to Play Piano
I have a lot of experience with a piano lessons course that is specially designed for young children. Although it includes keyboard skills it also uses a lot of singing and all round musical activity. One big problem is the problem of tiny hands that just cannot cope with independent finger movement. Six year olds are just better physically equipped for the keyboard.
It may appear obvious, but there is a marked difference between a five and six year old learning to play piano. It's not just hand size to reach the piano notes but ability to concentrate too. Basic knowledge in other ways of the world makes a big difference too. For example, knowing the first seven letters of the alphabet.
The type of course offered too makes a big difference. My course for the very young is taught in a group of six or seven pupils. Parents are encouraged to sit in and help. I can demonstrate and encourage from the front whilst parents can guitde their own child's hands on the piano keyboard. I can move around the group and check each is coping. Piano Teacher
Lessons for the very young need to be fast and flexible. Singing, and perhaps even dancing help to develop children's musical skills. Even most adults will find it difficult to concentrate for long if the work is intense.
It is not just physical skill that is limited in the very young but piano lessons require more analysis and intake of information than most can cope with. Remember you are asking a child to think in two languages at the same time, use their hands independently and all with expression and feeling. Quite a task for anyone.
It is perhaps all the more amazing then that a six year old with limited skills in English can still make a success of learning the piano. There are lots of young children who manage it very well 'though. Seeing a small child looking at ease, sitting well and enjoying playing is a wonderful sight.
So to sum up, I would generally say that the age of seven would be the best time for the average child to begin to learn how to play piano. By this time they should be physically, intellectually and emotionally mature enough to cope. Still a keen and musical six year old from a supportive family will be far more successful than a reluctant eleven year old being pushed into lessons by eager parents.
Each child and each teacher is different. You have to make a realistic judgement and don't despair if things don't work out at the first attempt. Just be careful not to push too hard and risk putting off a child from music forever by going too far too young. Remember to learn piano should be a joy and a benefit to all.