One of the greatest gifts you can give to a child is teaching them to play the piano. Besides being a fun activity, playing the piano improves memory and enhances cognitive abilities. Also, it makes kids more creative and improves physical coordination.
As a parent, especially if you don’t know much about music, it is normal to wonder which is the right age to start training your youngster on playing the piano. Read on to discover the right time to start the training and the tips to help make the procedure successful.
What Is The Right Age?
If you own a piano, chances are that your kid will start showing interest while they are still a toddler. This is because pianos produce a lovely sound that children find harmonic and attractive.
However, this slight interest should never be mistaken for readiness to start formal lessons. If your kid is yet to celebrate their fifth birthday, it is not advisable to start training.
For starters, kids have a short attention span, meaning that you’ll have to spend most of your time trying to improve their focus. Instead, leave them to train on their own, as this fosters a sense of discovery and fun.
Size of the Hand
Nothing is frustrating as having small hands when playing a musical instrument. This applies to both adults and children, but it is more pronounced among the latter.
The best time to start is when your kid can place all their fingers on five adjacent white keys, which means they can play basic melodies. If not, it would be best if you wait for their hands to grow bigger.
Interest in Music
There’s no need for training a kid who isn’t interested in music; you’ll be wasting your precious time. Motivation and interest are crucial to making your child an expert piano player.
Luckily, most youngsters prefer the piano over the saxophone and guitars because it is easier to play. When your child starts nagging you about playing the piano, that’s the right time to sign them up for lessons.
Fine Motor Skills
Your child should be able to move fingers freely before you enrol them on piano lessons. The best way to assess this skill is by asking your child to play a simple note so that you can see if they use different fingers for each note.
If they cannot use multiple fingers while playing, they might ni be ready for training sessions.
Numeracy Skills
Another essential requirement before you start training your kid is numeracy skills. Ideally, they should be able to count to four by the time they are five years old. Having these skills makes it easier for kids to understand the basics of musical rhythms.
Alphabet Basics
Music has its alphabet that all aspiring players must know before they start training. Ensure that your child knows the alphabet, particularly the first seven letters (from A to G). Doing this before they start their lessons enables them to train faster.
Conclusion
These are only a few useful tips for parents looking to teach their kids how to play the piano. The most vital aspect of training is motivation – it is wise to complement your young person frequently, especially when they show some progress. In case they make a mistake, encourage them without being too harsh.