Do not be lead astray by anyone who says that children must start piano by age 5 to play well. While beginning at this young age was the traditional time for generations ago, early childhood development studies have shown differently. In fact, kids are never too old to learn to play the piano, and neither are their parents or grandparents.
Why would any expert piano teacher tell you to wait a while before starting lessons with your child? The teacher will certainly not make more money that way. But excellent teachers know that good average starting ages are disagreed upon often in musical circles. In fact, age is less of an indicator for music readiness than other things.
Since the time around 1960, however, music teachers began to study early childhood development as it related to musical development. It has been discovered that most anyone has the ability to play piano, or be musical in some way. The reality is that children develop certain skills at certain times. Their physical development depends on many things, such as how well their nervous system is developed. Now it is known that it may be better to start formal private piano lessons beginning anywhere between the ages of 7 to 11. And, there are special music training programs that focus on younger children ages 2 to 6. When you add adult beginner programs to the mix, it becomes pretty clear that you can be very young and very old to learn piano skills.
Experienced teachers will actually plan a piano learning program that is tailored to the age and maturity of the student. There are many, many well written course books that are available now. You do not need to begin at 5, nor is it a problem if life made you wait until 75. Find a good teacher that has taught many ages and used many course books, and you have a great chance to succeed regardless of your age.
There are a few main issues to consider when starting late, though. Adults often encounter frustration with their eye to hand coordination. The learning process they must go through is the same as a young child. Adults do understand musical concepts more quickly than children, but understanding is not the same as doing. It will also be difficult to maintain regular practice times when work demands come first. Sometimes, the weekly family routine will not allow for uninterrupted practice. Dedication and organization will go a long way to over coming these things.
Once you have made the decision to become a pianist, you will want to devote enough time to yourself to be able to do it. Just as with any other exercise plan, you should schedule time for it, and not allow other appointments to undo your practice time. Retired adults often find extra time to practice piano much more easily than working adults. So this is a plus for a very late start.
Scheduling practice time is essential. Many older students actually block out regular times in their appointment calendars to make certain that nothing else interferes. Develop a routine that works and stick to it.
Desiring to take up lessons can surface when your children or grandchildren start their studies. This can be a springboard to creating shared learning experiences that last a lifetime. It really is true that you are never too old to learn to play the piano. - 40729
Why would any expert piano teacher tell you to wait a while before starting lessons with your child? The teacher will certainly not make more money that way. But excellent teachers know that good average starting ages are disagreed upon often in musical circles. In fact, age is less of an indicator for music readiness than other things.
Since the time around 1960, however, music teachers began to study early childhood development as it related to musical development. It has been discovered that most anyone has the ability to play piano, or be musical in some way. The reality is that children develop certain skills at certain times. Their physical development depends on many things, such as how well their nervous system is developed. Now it is known that it may be better to start formal private piano lessons beginning anywhere between the ages of 7 to 11. And, there are special music training programs that focus on younger children ages 2 to 6. When you add adult beginner programs to the mix, it becomes pretty clear that you can be very young and very old to learn piano skills.
Experienced teachers will actually plan a piano learning program that is tailored to the age and maturity of the student. There are many, many well written course books that are available now. You do not need to begin at 5, nor is it a problem if life made you wait until 75. Find a good teacher that has taught many ages and used many course books, and you have a great chance to succeed regardless of your age.
There are a few main issues to consider when starting late, though. Adults often encounter frustration with their eye to hand coordination. The learning process they must go through is the same as a young child. Adults do understand musical concepts more quickly than children, but understanding is not the same as doing. It will also be difficult to maintain regular practice times when work demands come first. Sometimes, the weekly family routine will not allow for uninterrupted practice. Dedication and organization will go a long way to over coming these things.
Once you have made the decision to become a pianist, you will want to devote enough time to yourself to be able to do it. Just as with any other exercise plan, you should schedule time for it, and not allow other appointments to undo your practice time. Retired adults often find extra time to practice piano much more easily than working adults. So this is a plus for a very late start.
Scheduling practice time is essential. Many older students actually block out regular times in their appointment calendars to make certain that nothing else interferes. Develop a routine that works and stick to it.
Desiring to take up lessons can surface when your children or grandchildren start their studies. This can be a springboard to creating shared learning experiences that last a lifetime. It really is true that you are never too old to learn to play the piano. - 40729
About the Author:
Merriam School Of Music 75-3175 Rutherford Rd, Vaughan, ON L4K 5Y6 (905) 829-4489 http://www.merriammusic.com/ Music school and piano store in the Greater Toronto Area. Offers piano lessons for children and adults. Also sells instruments, music and related products. Visit our Vaughan location!
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