Music Lesson FAQs

I’m about to post this series of FAQs on the studio portion of my website.  I thought I would post it here for feedback.  Feel free to make suggestions for improvement or suggest a topic that I haven’t covered.  For instance, what questions would a potential music student or a parent have?

 

What age should I start my child in lessons?

 

            Immediately!  OK, so a 3-month old may have difficulty reaching an octave on a piano.   But there are options such as Kindermusik for teaching rhythm, musicality, and expression for toddlers.  Participating in a pre-school program can contribute to the development of motor skills, listening skills, and social interaction.

            For private piano lessons, I usually recommend age 5 as a good starting point.  Children’s motor skills are usually ready for the keyboard at that point, and the excitement of producing music is high.  While progress may not be rapid until ages 8-10, an early start is beneficial for a child’s musical development.

            Interested in strings?  You don’t have to wait till age 5.  Programs like Suzuki are designed for children as young as 3.  Be prepared, however, for the expense of a series of growing instruments that grow with your child.  More than in any other musical discipline, the size of the instrument is vital to the student’s success.

            Brass and woodwind instruments are difficult to start before age 8.  They require the coordination and strength of facial muscles and breath support that younger students lack.  But that doesn’t mean that students should wait till age 8 to study music.  Students who approach an instrument having a background in piano and basic theory have a great advantage.  Pre-band instruments such as recorder, fife, and Orff instruments are also beneficial.

            Drummers be patient!  The serious study of percussion needs to prefaced with the development of keyboard skills.  The basics of rhythm are best learned at a piano.  Mallet percussion demands a knowledge of the keyboard.  This is so important that percussion classes that I’m familiar with are open only to those who have completed a minimum of two years of piano lessons.

 

How much does my child need to practice?

 

            There are three factors that influence the amount of practice necessary.  The first is the standard of progress expected.  As a general rule, increased practice = greater progress.  Funny how that works, isn’t it?  This principle is similar to the ratio between study time and test grades.

            Secondly, the student himself is a factor.  Some students catch on more naturally than others, but diligence and hard work can trump natural talent.

            The third factor is somewhat related.  How does the student practice?  What does he spend his time doing?  Is he watching the clock?  Listening for the kitchen timer?  Is he playing his favourite pieces from 3 weeks ago?  Or is he focused on the task at hand, committed to overcoming the hurdles before him?

            Your teacher will likely suggest (or demand) a particular time for your child to spend at the piano.  This may range from 15 minutes a day to 2 hours a day.  But keep in mind that success is not measured by a clock, but by musical accomplishment.

 

Do we need to own a piano to take piano lessons?

 

            Ownership is not the required part, but regular access to a piano is a must.  But before you decide to borrow someone else's, do your homework.  Scheduling your practice time around someone else's practice time, nap time, or dinner time may be a bit more complicated than you think.

            I would suggest watching classified ads for a used piano or visit your local music store for an acoustic or digital piano.   See the FAQ pertaining to piano selection for more information.

 

My child wants to play the guitar (or saxophone, violin, drums, etc.)  Do they really need to learn piano?

 

The piano keyboard is fundamental to an understanding of music theory.  While piano lessons aren't mandatory for success, they will aid the student in achieving that success.  No successful instrumentalist will look back on piano lessons as a waste.

 

Is it possible to learn the piano by ear?  If so, why bother learning to read all those complicated notes?

 

Yes, you can.  But why would you want to?  Playing by ear means you are limited to playing music that you have heard.  Why limit yourself to music you already know?  That’s like sitting in a library reading only books that have been read to you.  Think of the thousands of books that you could experience if you knew how to read!  Note-reading opens up the world of music for your personal exploration.

 

I’m an adult who wishes I had taken piano as a child (or did take piano and now wish I hadn’t quit).  Is it too late?

 

That depends on your determination.  It’s never too late if you care enough about it.  Unfortunately, adulthood brings responsibilities that affect our priorities (like paying the bills!).  But don’t let the joy of music slip by in the rush of life.  If you’re resolved to learn music and can afford some time (even a little bit) regularly practicing, you can fulfill your dream.