WHEN TO START PIANO LESSONS
by Suzanne Karpinski

This is always the trickiest qestion every parent asks me, and to which there are many answers. Some parents have read about the "Mozart Effect" on babies and small children, or have read the statistics that point to higher grades and test scores with music instruction. Here are some ways to begin answering this question for your child when considering piano lessons. I personally believe there are many ways of enriching a young child's environment, with private instruction being one of several means. Starting your child at the right time with ensure lifelong benefits, including creativity and self discipline. When they are older, they may even consider a career in music! When they are young, however, it is best to introduce music without putting too much pressure on the child too soon. Piano is an excellent first choice for an instrument, because the child can sit comfortably, there is a color pattern to the order of the keys, and they can get the instant gratification of pressing a key and it sounds good! In my years of teaching, here's what I have learned:

1. Babies and Toddlers: It is very rare for a child under the age of four to be ready for private instruction. There are better ways to get the little ones involved. Playing recorded music or exposing them to live playing, either in the form of friends and relatives who play an instrument or even public performances such as Family Sing-Alongs at the Philiaharmonic are great ways to get them excited. Also consider musical toys, like keyboards to make them feel more involved.

2. Attention Span: Most of my younger students started at 4 or 5 years of age. This is typically the time that they can begin to sit still and concentrate for extended periods of time. Can your child sit still for 20 minutes or more? If not, don't worry - may kids after spending just a year in a school setting are ready for more focused, concentrated tasks, and are used to someone other than Mom and Dad giving them things to do!

3. Consider Group Classes: Kids love to play in groups. If its not quite time for one-on-one instruction, consider programs like KinderMusic (R) which are musical playgroups designed for pre-schoolers.

4. Find the Right Teacher: Look for a teacher with experience teaching preschoolers, and don't be afraid to ask for referrals from friends. Even at an early age, your child's personality may be better suited to some teacher's approach than others.

5. What Is Your Commitment? Many parents do not always realize what a vital role they play in the musical development of their child. If your child is under the age of seven, you should be asking yourself: Can you handle the investment of time and energy needed to keep your child on course? They will need lots of love and encouragement, especially during the hard times when they meet a new challenge, and there will be some hard times! Many of my parents have found piano to be an excellent opportunity for bonding time, special time just between parent and child where the child can play for the parent, and the parent can help the child along.

Playing music without a doubt enriches the mind and soul. With a happy and healthy relationship to music, your child will benefit for a lifetime.