Advice on Piano Lessons for a 4-Year-old

The concern about four year olds is that the average four year old is not able to grasp reading, nor willing to put in the practice time.

My daughter started at age 4, but I had to beg (YES, BEG) at least 10 different instructors before I could get her in. Then I finally got her in by asking one person to just give her a try for two weeks to see what would happen.

The reason so many people say no is they have all started with 4 year olds and then realized they are not disciplined enough to practice a half hour every day on their own. They cannot read written instructions or work in the work books. It's frustrating for the teacher.

Even though my daughter was a beginning reader, I still had to sit with her for every practice the first year and then read all the lessons to her so she CLEARLY understood them.

SO - if you think either you are committed enough and/or your daughter is committed and well read enough to read through weekly instructions written on a pad of paper. That she will practice every day for at least 30 minutes. That she will have the hand span to reach all the notes. That she will have enough understanding not to get confused when reading left to right. And that she will be able to perform in front of a crowd for the yearly or bi-yearly group performances. THEN you should go ahead.

We did - with my help it worked. Now she is 7 and is still playing.

GOOD LUCK!

S

I think most places start lessons at 4! Our son is almost 3 and i wondered about him, but he doesn't have the attention span. Call local music stores, they usually have someone that can do 1:1 : )

Hi S.!
I'm a piano teacher here in St. Charles. I teach privately out of our home and I begin children as early as 4yrs old. I know that many studios and teacher won't begin a child until they are 6 as they feel that being able to read is important. I'm the opposite. I think that the skills one acquires in any formal music lessons help in the classroom! I also feel that at 4yrs old that lessons in a private vs. a group setting is best. All children, especially young children, really need lessons to be individualized. A typical 30 minute weekly lessons for my students consists of time at the piano working on pieces, time at the table working on theory with me, and time on the floor working on ear training and playing musical games. As long as you find an individualized and fun program I don't think that your child is too young. As a parent though, you'll have to spend time daily (not for a long period of time) helping her practice what she'd learned. I'd also recommend that you attend at least one lesson a month with her so you can see how she is progressing with the teacher, and so you can reinforce what she's being taught using a similar style. Finally, don't expect to hear the classics just yet! Good luck with your search!

I'm not sure how far this would be for you, but the Huntley outlet mall just opened up a music store across from K-B Toys. We went in because my kids LOVE anything having to do with music and they start lessons at age 4. I know I will be signing up my son on his 4th birthday!
Good Luck!!

If your husband is a skilled player, HE could give her lessons. The beginning books are self explanatory and I know people who have done that (who have a music background).

I have a friend who had private lessons given to her daughter the first time to see if the 3 1/2 year old was really interested. She's had lessons for 2 1/2 years now and is an incredible little lady. They're so smart at those young ages; little sponges. Take the chance, she'll probably love to make her daddy happy and you so proud.

my children get piano lessons through the park district. My sons just started and are 5 and 7. I wish I had done it sooner. 4 is not to young.

Hi-

My 6 1/2 year old daughter just started piano lessons. She's also been in dance, gymnastics, swimming, etc. as well as Kindermusik for years and she reads. It still is difficult for her. Some of it is her; some of it is the fine motor coordination and hand size. Even though she comes from families with gifted musicians on both sides and bugged us for 6 months, it still is not easy. I don't know that I'd start a 4 year old with lessons just yet; it is very structured, and she may get frustrated and turn away from it. I believe most places recommend children be at least 6, preferably 7 before piano lessons. I think physical size and reading may have something to do with it, but I'm not sure. Call around and ask about age and the reasons for the age recommendations; then decide if it applies to your daughter...

Good luck.