Is your child ready for lessons?

[Bob]

Stolen question.... 


Is your child ready for lessons?

Does anyone have anything like this in their policies etc that they
hand out to parents?

[overscore]

Stolen question.... 


Is your child ready for lessons?

Does anyone have anything like this in their policies etc that they
hand out to parents?

Maybe you should be asking, 'Am I ready for children?'

[a-sharp]

I think it depends on the teacher ... some teachers are really good with group lessons [or even individual] to really little ones ... others really only want to teach kids who are at reading level and can sit still [like, at least age 5] ... Some of the fun-type stuff in My First Piano Adventure really works with my own 4.5 year-old ... but, as for other kids, I prefer at least 5 or 5.5 ... it also really just depends on the kid too - certain kids are really focused at a younger age than others ... it's so hard to tell. sorry - I guess I'm not much help. I don't personally have it in my policy as I like to take it on a case-by-case basis....

[becca91]

I have definitely noticed that children who can read, or at least sound out words can learn their lesson much more effectively. However, it does depend on the child. I have given one lesson before and then the parent realized that their child is not ready. Maybe give the first one or two lessons within the parent's hearing range so they can witness their child's focusing capabilities.

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

I think the answer should be not what YOU think about the child being ready, but what the CHILD thinks about being ready. As mentioned before, observe the lesson and see the child's reaction. If he absolutely detests it, then forcing the lessons down on him would only damage him in the future. If the child seems to enjoy it or certain parts of it, but can only manage sitting in for around a minute or less, then focus on those parts that he likes and as he grows older he may appreciate the other agenda of lessons. They are children, and only respond with their most innate and simple emotions.

[a-sharp]

*points up*

yes - even better answers - I totally agree.

Even with  my own child, I want him to be showing an interest before I try to teach him - though, I will try to sneak stuff in when I can - it just works so much better when the child has a really strong desier to learn....

[dmk]

I guess most people have a policy of meeting with prospective students before they start teaching them.  I think after you meet with a child you can usually tell wether they are ready or not.  What do others think?

I had the rather annoying situation where I had twins brought to me.  The boy was very clearly ready and keen to learn but the girl just wasn't quite there yet.  Their mum insisted that they both start together so I said no to both.

I guess in answer to Bob's question, I don't hand out a policy, but I do have a policy of not starting a child until I think they are ready.

cheers

dmk

[gyzzzmo]

A child is ready when he shows interest in the piano.