As a music specialist back in Dubai, I have been asked by many parents to teach piano to their nursery school-aged children. Today, I still get asked the same question every now and then, and my answer remains the same: ‘ I can’t.’
Let’s put it this way. A piano lesson or any private instrumental lesson requires at least 30minutes of full concentration from a child. A child under 3 years old would most likely not be able to listen consistently to a piano teacher explaining note values, let alone sit still on a piano bench for half an hour. If so, what is the earliest age to start piano lessons?
Before I answer that, let me mention some facts. I’ve taught my son piano at the age of 3. I’ve also taught a handful of children nearing 4 years of age. There are common denominator present here: all these children have either music exposure already at a very young age (ie. structured music & movement classes for toddlers) or they have parents that have learnt piano in their younger days and able to teach their children. They also have a piano and other musical instruments at home where playing music is a normal activity within the household.
Going back to the question, with an early exposure to structured early childhood music classes and with the right teacher, teaching piano is possible as early as 3 years old .
Check out these links to piano playing by 3 and 4 year old students of Jumeirah Music Centre Perth.
Written by:
Marian Nelson, MM, BM, LTCL, LRSM
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