Holli,
It looks like you got a lot of good advice, but I'll add my two cents anyway. I have a 7 year old and a 5 year. They have both been playing piano for over a year. They both read music now, even though the younger one is just starting to read words. I saw some people had issues with finger and hand size. My younger one has small hands and still does fine. They are not taking any special theories like Yamaha. We just found a great teacher who had taught her own kids, as well as others, from a young age. If you think your daughter is ready, look for the right teacher and give it a try. It has been wonderful for us, and both boys love it. My 16 month old loves to dance and push a few keys while they play. Good luck.
i started at 4.
Age to start depends a lot on the teacher. I found a teacher who would start them at 3 (Suzuki Method) and started several neices and nephews with this teacher and they loved her. I had my daughter start with her when she was 2 1/2 because the teacher was familiar and comfortable with my daughter. I would recommend the Suzuki Method for Piano or the Little Mozarts Method Books.
They do not have to read music for them to start learning. There are specific books that do not include staff lines at the beginning just so that the children can get used to playing before teaching the staff lines and note names. I would say if you can find a teacher to start her....GO FOR IT! Music makes such a difference!
My 7 year old son takes piano lessons and his teacher had him start at 6 but with a girl maybe at 5 you could start. I think it mostly depends on the teacher.
Before you pay for formal lessons, be sure you and she have exhausted all of her OWN resources for exploring and delighting in music.Notice the "music " in everyday things such as different pitches of the shower,the fridge humming,the clickety clack of dogs nails on the floor, a straw going in and out of a plastic drink lid. Notice and create rhythm by making drums of everything and play copycat games repeating each others patterns.Notice patterns in everything from wallpaper to poems that you read aloud. Get really really good at counting. Music is understanding pattern, rhythm, sound. Those things are found everywhere to delight in: nature, books, the syllables in her name!
She can make instruments out of many things, or get used from Goodwill , garage sales, (drums, little keyboards, guitars).
Unless you have a personality conflict with her,or she is pushing you to find someone to teach her something specific, there are still a couple years of music making that you can do with her her and she can do on her own before you need to pay someone.
The key is that she delight and OWN her music and music making.Lessons require practice.Suddenly the notes and the music is judged "right" or WRONG. The work required when someone else has taken charge of your music can spoil the natural delight.Unless she is insisting, just let her make music her own way and applaud each and every sound!
I started my daughter in fourth grade. You might want to check with the teacher on how young they take them. Dance is something she can do now.
Marcia C.
Most piano teachers will start taking a student when they have the patience to sit still and listen for a short amount of time (30-45 minutes), can count (to at least 10), and know their ABCs... I've just recently started teaching and prefer that a child is in kindergarten... But, if I were you, i would contact teachers in your area since each teacher is going to have different rules for starting. Good luck... Piano lessons are something you and your daughter will really appreciate in the end!
Hi there-
I teach piano lessons and recommend to all my parents that they start when their child is reading proficiently and knows the difference between their right and left hand pretty solidly. Otherwise when they are trying to learn the music theory they get slowed down and behind with figuring out the reading and which hand should be playing what. Usually around 1st grade is the earliest I will take for students. However there is a series that starts kids as early as 2 and uses a picture technique instead of reading. I can't remember the name of it off hand. Hope this helps!
Kristin
I am a piano teacher, and have had great success teaching students that are 4. At this age, I prefer to teach with the parent as a "partner." This is because it is harder for a 4 year old to organize a practice session and the parent is expected to play along during the lesson and at home. It really increases the fun for both parent and child, though! What I have noticed is that even though sometimes a 4 year old cannot demonstrate absolutely everything that they understand, as coordination develops all of the sudden these young students take a leap forward...like their hands catch up. Often a 4 year old is able to do everything right away, including the note reading.
The right teacher is important. I think it takes special training in working with young students. The approach is very different.
There were other ideas posted that are terrific. Dance, clap to music, enjoy!
Holli.. Hi, I don't know where you live..but if you live near Hartland there is a great program for kids.. called "Kids on Keys".. during the summer there are other programs available also.. the program explores various aspects of music including the piano. The programs are taught at Hartland Music.
Thanks for all the ideas everyone! I have decided to look into some programs such as KinderMusic. I am also going to call around and see if there are any teachers who work with young children. I appreciate all the input. Thanks again!