Getting the Most out of Piano Lessons
According to the National Piano Foundation, a few simple guidelines will heighten the fun of piano instruction and help you make sure your child gets the most out of it.
Learning to play the piano is one of the most rewarding things a child can accomplish. A child can have as much fun during the learning process as an accomplished pianist has in performance.
When to start a child’s piano instruction? Seven or eight is an average age, but kids can start earlier or later – and, as millions of adult piano students can attest, it’s never to late to begin. Pay attention to your child’s interest in music, attention span and eagerness to learn for indications of when the time is right.
Whether or not you play the piano, there’s a lot you can contribute to your child’s enjoyment and success. Show enthusiasm for the process, and sit in on a lesson if the teacher feels it’s appropriate. Be available, whether it’s giving pointers, listening appreciatively to what your child has learned, or even just for driving to lessons. Finally, be the grown-up and provide structure. Young children shouldn’t decide whether or when to practice the piano, any more than they should decide their own bedtimes. And never let children practice when they’re tired; practicing well requires the ability to concentrate. If you make it clear what you expect from your child, then contribute your own cheerful, patient involvement, the results will amaze you.
Provide a good environment for your child’s lessons. Make sure to have a well-tuned piano with a properly sized bench, and a quiet room, good lighting and freedom from distractions such as television, radio, and other people’s activities. Make sure other family members know and respect how important your child’s piano time is.
Every child is an individual, so create expectations that conform to your child’s abilities and interests. Not every id in the schoolyard is going to be a professional athlete, and not every kid taking piano lessons is going to play Carnegie Hall. It’s okay for the pure enjoyment of the piano to be your only reason for learning. Remember, music lasts a lifetime.