​Is my student too young for piano?

Many people ask me this question, and inevitably, the answer is almost always no. It's usually the people that DON'T ask this question that aren't ready for their kiddo to be in a music lesson.

Many of my students begin or began lessons between the ages of 6 and 16. A few students have started later as adults, and only 1 of my students is under the age of 4.

The reason to not give a child a standard piano lesson and workload should seem obvious, but it often isn't to a parent, guardian, or well meaning benefactor.

1. If they don't know their alphabet, can't spell their name, and have no concrete grasp of writing, your child isn't ready. Students have to be able to read minimally and write/draw for their assignments and lessons.
   
   
2. If your child cannot communicate well verbally, your child isn't ready. Your student needs to understand concepts and ideas, and to verbally answer questions like "What is the volume of this song?" or "Do you understand?"
   
   
3. If your child cannot control their bathroom habits, your child isn't ready. You need to be able to get through a 30 minute lesson without wasting time being in another room not doing anything music related.
   
   
4. If your child cannot sit still and listen for up to 30 minutes, they are not ready. If they struggle in children's church, pre-school, daycare, in the car, at the doctor, or without toys and/or devices, your kiddo is not ready for lessons.
   
   
5. If your child has poor fine motor skills, they aren't ready. All students need to be able to move their fingers individually with relative ease. If they have difficulty eating or holding a crayon, steer clear of the piano as a serious subject.
   
   
6. If your child cannot follow instructions, they aren't ready. Lessons involve a lot of directions. Being able to mimic or repeat are good signs they follow instructions well. If your child spends a lot of time in time-out or crying because they can't get their way, then lessons aren't in the foreseeable picture.
   
   
7. If your child doesn't do well in a variety of settings and surroundings, they aren't ready. Lessons usually involve semi-stranger contact, being in the same room as other people such as a waiting student or parent, and different environments from loud and noisy, to quiet. Additionally, your child will be expected to complete practice and assignments at home. Pets, company, meal making, and cleaning are all things that can be distracting. Any student looking to begin serious study must be comfortable in a myriad of situations.
   
   

So, what is the IDEAL age to begin lessons?

Truthfully, I usually answer 5-6 years old. This is the point in life when kids are learning classroom habits and manners, and it is perfect timing to incorporate music. They are at their most fresh in learning skills.

Does that mean your student is ready? NO!

Does that mean every student is the same? NO!

I've had a few 5 year old students who are better than my teenagers/adults. In fact, I find that the WORST time to pick up an instrument is between the ages of 16 and 30. There is good intention, but zero commitment from about 85% of people walking into my studio at this age. The best times appear to be when kids are in elementary school, before they hit middle school and are asked to either join choir, band, or orchestra. Or conversely, when an adult has grown/growing children and are looking for an outlet, hobby, or stress reliever.

If you read this list above and don't see something you question with your student, great! I applaud your kidd-o for their desire to learn and love something.
​
If you read this list above and see some red flags, DON'T IGNORE THEM! Your kid might not be ready.... YET! Just give it some time, and soon they may have improved their skill set. Just, please PLEASE don't inflict the suffering through an unproductive lesson on any teacher knowingly.