Why and When Piano for Children

[Dawn Carrera]

Learning music is an enriching experience. It is said to not only
broaden a child's imagination, but also stimulates the child's mind,
developing the child's IQ.
Most parents choose the piano as the instrument for their child to
begin their serious music education on. Why the popular view that the
piano is a more accessible beginner instrument, as compared to other
musical instruments?
Firstly, the sitting position while playing the piano is very
comfortable. The player does not need to support the instrument, as
compared to the neck-position one has to assume in order to clutch the
violin securely while playing.
Secondly, visually, the pitches in music are clearly and
systematically laid out on the keyboard, as compared to the violin or
voice where it is not immediately clear where exact pitches are.
Thirdly, the production of sound on the piano is also easy with the
depression of keys. It takes more skill to produce more than out-of-
tune "squawks" from the violin.
Furthermore, being able to navigate on the piano is a basic skill that
most professional musicians have, due to the piano's usefulness in
aiding the reading of orchestral scores and the ability of the piano
to play harmonies easily.
All the above mentioned qualities of the piano make the piano a
popular instrument to begin a child's music education with. A piano
education is definitely a sound and safe investment.
A next common question a parent would ask is, "At what age then is it
best for a child to begin piano lessons?"
Exposing children to music at the youngest possible age is a positive,
unforgettable learning experience for children. However, as to when it
is appropriate to start a child on piano lessons depends on the child.
Nowadays in Singapore, due to good foundational education at
progressively younger ages, a child may know his or her alphabets,
numbers, as well as a sizeable collection of nouns, when he or she is
merely four years old. Alphabets are useful in note-naming in music.
Also, counting in order to keep a steady pulse is very important in
music.
Therefore, today, children may start piano lessons seriously and
successfully when they are as young as four years old, or even three
and a half years old. However, the success of starting piano early
also depends on the temperament of the child, as some discipline is
required in order to sit and concentrate at the piano for a period of
time.
Thus, sometimes schools such as Yamaha and Kawai put the eligible age
for starting individual piano lessons at five. This is to ensure that
teachers are able to deal with a child who is most probably matured
enough at five years old to communicate clearly, as well as understand
the concept of discipline. The above given ages are guidelines.
Furthermore, to conclude, it is never too late to begin a child on
piano lessons, and to let the child explore the exciting world of
music-making!

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