Piano is an excellent starting instrument for kids in all age groups—whether they are young beginners (ages four through six), average age (seven to twelve) or older beginners (twelve and up). With the wealth of curriculum resources and the approachability of the instrument, starting beginner piano lessons for kids can be a very successful experience.
Benefits of Piano Lessons
As a Washington, D.C. area piano teacher, I am always amazed by the capacity of younger students to learn an instrument and discover the benefits that even beginner piano lessons for kids have in their intellectual and artistic growth. Simple occurrences, like a student writing a melody, changing the ending to a song purposefully, or singing while playing are all indicators of creative growth and expression. It is so important for children to have an opportunity to express themselves with means other than words, as this leads to strengthening thought processes in other academic areas.
The ability to focus and concentrate for longer periods of time is another wonderful benefit of both beginner piano lessons for kids and any musical instrument study. I tell many students that a musical piece is simply a puzzle that we will figure out together. Learning to read music and respond with a physical movement is a process that requires active mental engagement, and the longer the piece, the longer a student will need to concentrate. The length of exercises and pieces naturally extends as the student continues learning, so this is an organic progression that is built in to music study.
Young Beginners: Age Four to Six
Age four is typically on the younger side to begin most instruments that require refined coordination and hand strength, such as guitar or instruments that may be too heavy for a younger student to hold. However, four years old is an age where beginner piano lessons for kids can be started easily. There are several options for an age-appropriate curriculum to use with young beginners that are engaging and offer options for games and interaction between teacher and student. Also, learning to read music along with learning to read words in school is a great academic combination that is mutually beneficial, as the same reasoning skills are used in both studies.
The only special considerations that need to be made with young beginners involve sitting position at the piano and parental involvement. Using an adjustable piano bench or a heavy cushion to increase the student’s sitting height may be necessary so he or she can have the correct hand positioning and distance above the piano. Also, because feet can be restless and uncomfortable when they don’t reach the floor, a stool can be used under the student’s feet so they have a resting place. Parents can help in making beginner piano lessons for kids a success in just checking in with the teacher about any practice assignments in much the same way that homework for school is monitored at this age. Of course, students also need an audience at any age, so parents can be involved in piano lessons just by listening and encouraging the student.
Average Age Beginners: Age Seven to Twelve 
Piano lessons can be initiated at any age, but the most common that piano teachers see in beginner piano lessons for kids is age seven to twelve. Curriculums and music materials are abundantly available for this group, and a lot of pop and familiar songs are arranged for many different levels. Faber and Faber wrote a popular curriculum with many different categories of “fun songs” that go along with every different level of study. Just having pieces that the students at this age recognize can encourage practice and give them a sense of individuality.
Performance opportunities also present themselves frequently in the form of talent and variety shows for this age, often times held at school. Many of my own students enjoy having the ability to showcase their musical talents, and as a teacher, I am thrilled to help in preparing them for a performance.
Older Beginners: Age Twelve and Up
There is no correct age to start beginner piano lessons for kids, and I have had many students start when they are teenagers and experience great success. Adult and accelerated piano methods work well for this age group, and pop piano is also great area of study for older beginners. The pace of lessons for a student twelve and over is much faster than the younger age groups, as many musical ideas can be comprehended with ease, and students of this age can be independent in regulating their practice. However, this doesn’t mean the advantages of music lessons in academic growth are lost on older beginners—they still can experience the concentration and creative benefits of piano study in the same way.
In Summary
Beginner piano lessons for kids are a great addition to their academic growth at any age. Methods are available for any age group and can give each student a customized lesson experience that fits their level and pace of learning piano. Private in home lessons for kids are a great way to bring the musical experience into their environment; find out how to start piano lessons now with Lessons In Your Home!
Image #1 sourced from (pianolessonsinyourhome.net)
Image #2 sourced from (allthingsmusik.com)
