What is the right age to start music and how do I know if my child is ready to begin piano lessons?

This is a very common question asked by parents when they want to enrol their children in music class. 
I explain to them that there is no clear cut answer to this question. However, by asking parents a few key questions, I feel it helps make the decision-making process easier. 

• Has your child shown an interest in music?

Does your child love to sing, dance, and listen to music? Has he/she requested to join music classes?    

• Does your child have an attention span to sit through and listen to instruction?

The MYC program is designed with lots of off-bench activities during lessons to make it more fun and engaging.  However, the fact remains that your child will need to sit at the piano for some periods of time during the lesson.  It is important that he/she has the attention span to do this.

• Can your child see patterns and recognize “up” and “down”?

The first lesson in MYC involves recognizing groups of two and three black keys and patterns within these groups, as well as up and down patterns on the piano, and later on the music staff.  If recognizing patterns is challenging for your child, it may be a good idea to wait a year or two before beginning piano lessons.

• Can your child recognize the alphabet from A to G?

In my MYC classes, I have had many non-reading students begin lessons successfully.  But, if your child can recognize the letters A to G, it makes piano study much easier.   

• Is your child’s fingers physically developed enough?

Does your child’s finger possess basic strength and coordination to play the piano keys? This will of course improve over time.

• Will your child agree to practice daily?

Before starting lessons, you should explain to your child the commitment that is needed and make sure he/she will be agreeable to this.

• What other activities and commitments does your child have?

Learning to play the piano requires a time commitment for practicing. It will feel overwhelming if your child’s extra-curricular schedule does not provide enough time to dedicate to adequate piano practice.

• Are you, as a parent, ready to give some assistance to piano practice at home?

In MYC, we expect parents to be involved and encouraging during home practicing. This way, parents will also be an active part of their child’s journey in learning music.
The Music for Young Children program is an ideal program for students who wish to begin piano at a young age. It is a group program designed for different age groups. MYC was developed by Frances Balodis. She has taken into consideration different learning styles when developing this dynamic music curriculum – visual, auditory, Kinaesthetic, etc.  

Ms. Chandrika
http://www.myc.com/Teacher/cdealmeida