If you want to start young, the Suzuki method is the way to go. I teach Suzuki violin and I start students as young as 3 with 15 minute lessons, filled with games and fun little activities. I think with piano, though, their little hands need to be a bit bigger. I think most Suzuki piano teachers won't go much younger than 5, but check into it. www.suzukiassociation.org has a teacher search and some info on the method itself.
Dear Monique, Young children are very receptive to learning of any kind. Try him with an instructor. His hands may be small but if he really wants to he may stick with it. There is also the practicing factor to consider and while he does not have regular school this could be a good time. Follow his lead. Grandma Mary
Monique,
Awesome, go for it!
Be selective if you can about his teacher though. You want someone who will work with his short attention span, and encourage him, rather than having him set down to rote pieces.
That being said, having two teachers might be good also - one that encourages musical play and another that encourages learning more about notes, sounds, locations on the piano, etc.
My aunt learned to play by ear. No lessons. I don't know what age she was, but I know there was a piano in the house.
Good luck!
Michele
Hi Monique,
I know a girl who started violin at age 3 (she's 12 now and still plays). So to answer your question, yes you can start him now, however, you know your child best and whether or not he has the attention span and he'll practice between lessons.
Good luck.
I was in a similar situtaion with my son and was told that he might be too young (mostly b/c of physical development) so we were suggested he try glockenspiel (it is German similar to the xylophone)He will get the understanding of how to read and use music then when he can physically have the dexterity for the piano, he will already have the basic idea of music understood...
I started my daughter with piano lessons at age 5 and it was the best age (per her instructor) they have the attention span and are good listeners. I am proud to say she is now 13 and still taking lessons and loving every minute of it. Best of Luck!
Never too young. Encourage the interest. Start out slow and see where it goes.
My kids started at age 5. That was a good age for them to sit for a half-hour lesson. One of them still loves to play. The other one stopped playing the piano and switched to voice lessons.
Funny, just posted something similar. See www.thehappypiano.com
If you're interested in joining a small group of 3 year olds on Wed @ 1:30, please let me know. Oakland, NJ.
Hey Mama’s!
Thanks for the input. Interestingly enough we signed him up for head start and they have a music room and encourage a lot of experimentation and music play. He starts in September. He also has an electronic keyboard at his grandmothers and he plays that everyday. So I feel that he is off to a great start. I will keep an eye on his progress and stay intouch with his teachers at school. I’ll see how he’s doing over the next year and decide then what to do about the lessons.