What is the earliest age to start piano lessons?

I was a Kindermusik educator for early childhood music learning back when I was living in Dubai. As an early childhood music educator, 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 …. not unless the child has prior experience to music & movement classes and has learnt basic rhythm in a fun group setting.

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 or reading notes, 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 and guide their children into learning and practicing at home. They also have a piano and other musical instruments readily available at home where playing music is a normal activity within the household.

Going back to the question, with broad 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.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/EmbuQ6SMvP9VbY9U/?mibextid=hBBs4f

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/2CYqafGJ19Tm87Hh/?mibextid=WC7FNe

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/TyiJkoyQm7Dw6esV/?mibextid=hBBs4f

Written by:

Marian Nelson, MM, BM, LTCL, LRSM