Starting Out

One of the best things about beginning piano lessons is that anyone can do it! For children, the average age is six or seven, but some begin even earlier. For adults, any age is a great time to start. As baby-boomers are moving into retirement years, record numbers of them are either starting or returning to music lessons and the piano.

Getting started is easier than you think. Finding a teacher can be as simple as checking the yellow pages or getting a referral from a school music classroom teacher or your local music retailer. Many state and local teacher associations now have an Internet presence to help students find a teacher. The Music Teachers National Association (www.mtna.org) website is a great resource.

For Children

How do you know if your child is ready to take piano lessons?

1. Has your child expressed an interest or desire to play the piano? Developing minds pick up new skills and patterns quickly.
2. Pay attention to your child’s interest in music, attention span and eagerness to learn new things.
3. Look for signs such as a tendency to sing often during the day. If you have a piano, is he or she trying to play melodies by ear? Does your child gravitate toward people who are making music, or focus on music on radio or TV?
4. The best way to know if children are ready for piano lessons is to give them the opportunity. The important thing is to introduce them to the piano in a way that is age appropriate, and built around fun and exploration.

For Adults

It’s never too late to start!

This is a great philosophy for life in general, but applies especially well to learning to play the piano. Adults have the life experience to appreciate the beauty and benefits of this new pursuit, and the discipline to approach it in a structured way.

More adults are taking piano lessons all the time, and there’s probably a teacher in your area who welcomes not only welcomes adult beginners, but also offers group lessons.