right age to learn

[pianistimo]

of course, i know everyone is different  - but i'm noting more what activities my 4 1/2 year old is 'into' right now.  people usually say 'don't teach a child piano until they start to read (and know all their letters) - but, at four and half, my daughter is starting to recognize patterns.  we sat at the piano today and did a little bit of the primer of 'dozen a day' and she LOVED it.  they make little exercises that mimic bodily exercises and the combo intruiged her.  she handles 2-3 notes at a time - and is reading middle c, d and e.

also, she's taking flashcards and matching first letters (and asking does baby and bee have the same 'sound' - she means first sound).  wondering how this would translate to teaching first piano lessons - accenting similarities and differences.

any more ideas on what to do with her as far as piano lessons?  is it insulting to want her to take lessons from my teacher?  she is the only one of my three children that wants to play the piano and i don't want to wait as long as i did with the other ones.  (until 5 or 6 with the others, and they didn't practice much).

[abell88]

I teach children as young as not-quite-four in Music for Young Children classes. 
www.myc.com

If it's not in your area, maybe you could start teaching it.

I think Pianimals is also a good method for young children (haven't used it, but it looks good.)

[pianistimo]

wow.  thank you!  i'll look into myc some more.  maybe having another teacher for my own children is a better idea than me teaching everything.  she requires a high five after everything.

[ashcatty]

I have had luck using the "Music For Little Mozarts" series of books for children about four-ish.  They are very self explanatory and even a parent could use them with their child.

[caperflutist]

I teach music for young children too:)

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

I think that every child is different(of course). Some may responce well to the ideal of their parent teaching them, some will not. Matter of taste and character.

[semiquaver]

Hi
My general rule of thumb is not to take a pupil until their 6th birthday. Generally I only take them on at this young age if they have a parent or someone who will supervise their practice and provide ongoing support. If not I advise that they wait a year or so.I have been teaching for over 20 years and formulated this rule gradually. There are lots of musical things that you can do which will help your child succeed brilliantly when she does start formal piano lessons. Any rhythm games, singing games, clapping, listening to all sorts of music and dancing around et etc. If she wants to explore at the piano, great. If she is musical and bright there is no harm in waiting a couple of years.  Of course it is not insulting for you to want her to have lessons with your teacher but I would advise waiting. 6 year olds that I have taught who were more than ready to learn, just take off and fly. On the other hand several children I have 'inherited' who started lessons at 4 had all developed bad habits and really were no more advanced than children who started at 7 or even 8.

However if you are very keen to get her started make sure you find an experienced teacher. The early stages are vital and at 4 habits, good and bad, will become very ingrained. Good luck

[pianistimo]

thank you for all the replies.  consistency is hard for me - for some reason - but i agree that age 5-6 would be much more 'manageable.'  she doesn't concentrate at the piano for more than 10 minutes right now.  and, she'll push my hand away and tell me she's going to do it herself.  so, of course, when she doesn't hit middle C - it doesn't bother her in the least.  i am beginning to think at that age - particular notes don't matter as much as rhythm, singing, just having fun.  but, she sings on pitch! so maybe i should gather pitch from singing and not repeating where middle C is.  just let her play wherever and exercise her fingers?  maybe 3 minutes showing where notes really are - or putting stickers of letter names there?

[abell88]

Do you remember Bernhard's post on teaching very young children? Probably worth taking a look.

[alwaystheangel]

I teach two 6 year olds. It can be frusterating at times because they are so young.  I think you just showing her thinkgs when she asks is fine.  I've been plunking on the piano since I was able to sit up.  I started official lessons at age 5 or six... I don't reacall. Kindergarten at any rate.  I think just a few things here and there when she wants to know is more than enought for a 4 year old.  You don't want her to hate before she even starts!

[CC]

Go to link below and read section III.18.c.

[pianistimo]

great information there!  agreed about 10-15 minutes lessons, possibly doing more ear training than reading at first (and singing and clapping rhythms aloud), she will probably be able to pick up simple tunes pretty fast if i don't try to teach reading the notes at the same time (as you say).  i had been against suzuki for a long time, but i see the analogy of speaking first and then reading - so maybe there's something to it.

she's really 'open' to new ideas and more flexible than my other two kids when it comes to music.  she asks for piano lessons.?!

[kelly_kelly]

It might be a good idea to teach her to read.