The Beginner's Guide to Starting Piano Lessons
What's the Best Age to Learn Piano?
Rose Park
5/13/23 • updated 3/8/24 • 4 min read
The best age to learn piano:
Before looking for a piano teacher, it’s important for students and parents to know the right age to start piano lessons. The best age to start playing the piano is between the ages of 6 and 10 years old. Most piano teachers agree that students can start piano lessons as early as 6 years old. Parents can help their child’s musical growth by participating in their lessons, especially when they’re under 9 years old.
Many people start playing the piano later in life, and it’s never too late to begin your musical journey! No matter how old you are, playing the piano gives you happiness in all aspects of life. Ready to grow your passion for piano?
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4 things to consider when starting piano
Is the student motivated to learn a new instrument?
Learning the piano needs time, dedication, and a little financial investment, especially for beginners. If your child doesn’t show any interest in playing the piano, forcing them to take lessons can do more harm than good. Besides, they won’t be motivated enough to practice or improve, which will frustrate both the child and the teacher.
Instead of pushing piano lessons, try to encourage your child’s interests. There are plenty of other activities that your child might actually love to try and learn. And if they do express an interest in music, consider other instruments besides the piano.
Does the student actually like musical activities?
If your child loves listening to music, especially piano music, or if they enjoy playing around on a piano at home, it might be a great sign they’re ready to start piano lessons! But before you sign them up for lessons, make sure to have a chat with your child about it. When they’re involved in the decision-making process, they’ll be more likely to stick with piano and commit to practicing.
You can help your child’s musical passion grow by taking them to live performances like local symphonies, musicals, or school choir concerts.
Will the student be able to practice regularly?
“Practice makes perfect” – no matter how old you are or what level you’re at, having a consistent practice routine is the key to making progress on the piano. If your child is under 9 years old, it’s a good idea to encourage them to play the piano regularly – around 4 times a week for about 15 to 20 minutes each time. You don’t need to be monitoring them the whole time, but helping them find the right amount of consistent practice can really make a difference.
For adult learners, try to practice at least twice a week, with an average of 20 minutes per session. If you have more flexibility, aim for daily practice sessions lasting 10 to 15 minutes each.
What is the pricing for piano lessons? Are they affordable?
Based on our recent article on piano lesson costs, the average price for a half-hour piano lesson is $40 USD. That being said, it’s important to find a qualified teacher who charges a reasonable cost and provides your child a great learning curriculum. To find an exceptional piano teacher, check out our recent article “How to Find an Exceptional Piano Teacher.“
However, you can find qualified piano instructors with reasonable pricing. At Lesson With You, we offer half-hour piano lessons for $35 with exceptional teachers who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from top music schools.
When is my child ready to begin piano?
1. Your child has basic physical and cognitive development
2. Your child likes piano
3. Your child can follow instructions
Playing the piano is a special experience that involves paying attention to details and listening to sounds. During piano lessons, your child will learn how to read and play melodies. The teacher will guide them on everything from sitting correctly to controlling the sound they produce, and they’ll also give feedback to help improve any difficulties your child might face.
If your child is able to follow these instructions, it’s a great sign that they are ready to learn piano. If your child is under 7 years old, we recommend parents to join in on the lessons to provide extra support.
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4. Your child can stay focused for at least 15 minutes
5. Your child can practice piano regularly
If your child can take some time each day to practice piano, that’s all they need to begin. We suggest at least 10 minutes of practice a few days a week for kids under 9, and at least 15 minutes, three times a week for children over 10. But remember, it’s not just about the amount of time spent – it’s about using effective strategies and staying committed to learning goals. Our professional teachers will guide your child through every step of the way.
Benefits of learning piano at a young age
Learning piano at a young age has many benefits! It gives children a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence, but it also teaches them problem-solving skills. By figuring out how to fix mistakes and consistently improve their playing, they learn to think critically and creatively.
For example, when learning how to calculate rhythms and translate that to the correct fingering and sounds on the piano keys, children have to think and get creative. They need to break the rhythm down into smaller chunks, review time signatures and note values, and then match those rhythmic patterns to the right keys on the piano. This process gets them analyzing the problem step-by-step, brainstorming possible solutions, and trying out different techniques until they can play the rhythm properly.
Regular piano practice also helps children develop self-discipline and patience, which are great skills that can be applied to all areas of life. Overall, learning piano at a young age helps your child develop a unique musical skill that they can continue to improve throughout their life, and brings them happiness from learning and playing music!
How to find and choose the best piano teacher
One of the challenges when starting piano lessons is finding the right teacher. In our article “How to Find an Exceptional Piano Teacher,” we discuss the mistakes many students and parents make during the first stage of piano learning journey. Typical mistakes include:
- Starting with an ordinary teacher and then switching to a better one later
- Failing to thoroughly review the teacher’s educational background
- Learning piano from a teacher who also teaches other instruments
- Taking piano lessons that charge significantly less than the average rate
A few things to note: To make a solid progress, it’s important to find a piano teacher with at least a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance with two years of teaching experience. Piano teachers with a background in music education are acceptable for younger children. Make sure to check the teacher’s performance recordings and teaching background, and actively ask questions about their policies and lesson curriculum.
6 tips to make most out of your piano lessons
1. Maintain piano in good conditions
Whether you’re buying a new digital keyboard or keeping your piano, it’s important to make sure the instrument is in good condition. If you’re buying a keyboard or piano for the first time, make sure it has 88 keys and a proper piano chair. If you have a piano already, try to tune it every two to three years. This way, your child can experience the best quality of learning possible.
2. Place the piano where you or your child can easily access
The more accessible your piano is, the more likely you will play and practice regularly. Instead of hiding the piano away in a small bedroom or attic, try placing it in the child’s bedroom or living room. That way, they can easily sit down and play a few tunes whenever they have time.
3. Listen to more recordings
4. Help your child balance between practice and play
When it comes to learning piano, balancing practice and play is important, and as a parent, you can help your child balance between practice and play! For children under 8, try setting a realistic practice schedule that works around their school days. Don’t forget to schedule some time for them to just play the piano without any pressure, letting them to simply explore and enjoy the music. Some teachers suggest using a timer during practice sessions to keep things on track.
5. Ask about lesson experience
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Common questions about piano lessons
Q. How long does it take to learn to play piano?
Q. Are group piano lessons a good option?
Q. What kind of piano or keyboard should I buy?
Q. Is it better to have a teacher or use online resources like pre-recorded lessons or app?
While these self-learning online resources may be more affordable than private lessons, it’s still highly recommended to learn piano with professional teachers.
In 1-on-1 piano lessons, teachers can guide your child with the most effective methods and tips customized for your child’s learning style and preferences. Instructors can also show your child the right techniques and music theory that they have learned through degrees and years of teaching. Another advantage of having a piano teacher is that they can give your child personalized feedback, which pre-recorded videos and software programs can’t do.
Begin a piano journey at Lesson With You
At Lesson With You, our expert piano instructors create customized lesson plans suited to the musical needs and lifestyles of any learners. With their professional tips, anyone can elevate their skills and expand their piano repertoire at competitive prices.
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Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.