Everything You Need To Know For Your Child To Start Private Piano Lessons
Learning to play the piano is an ideal introduction to classical music for a child.
Whether your child is starting their musical journey or is seeking to develop their wider musical knowledge, beginning private piano lessons can help them reach their goals.
This article will identify if the piano is right for your child and explore factors you should consider before starting private piano lessons.
Why The Piano?
Some of the most renowned music composers started by learning the piano.
The piano is a versatile instrument for players of all ages and musical backgrounds. While wind and string instruments involve some tricky breathwork and various moving parts, producing a note on the piano is as easy as pressing a button. Once you nail the basics, the learning curve can be steep.
The piano also serves as a gateway into other essential aspects of music. Many singers find the piano helpful as a visual layout of their voice to accompany them in singing, whether in melodies or scales.
Experienced musicians also choose to learn the piano to improve their music theory. For parents who think their child may pursue music theory exams or music scholarships later in life, taking piano lessons in London is a great stepping stone to developing a sound understanding of fundamental musical concepts.
When Should My Child Start Learning The Piano?
While Mozart and Beethoven began playing the piano at ages 3 and 5, there is always time to begin lessons however old your child. Some children begin between the ages of 4 and 8 years old, others in their early teens. Many people also have piano lessons as adults, even as complete beginners.
As with any instrument, learning the piano takes patience and plenty of practice. For children interested in beginning lessons, here are a few helpful indicators to determine whether they are in a position to do so:
Hand Size and Finger Independence
The basics of playing the piano require hands large enough to place on five adjacent keys. Once children can easily stretch and move their fingers independently, they are ready to start their musical journey on the piano.
Attention Span
Learning the piano requires diligence and concentration. If a child can concentrate on specific tasks and listen carefully to instructions, they will also be prepared to begin private piano lessons.
For the youngest of learners who struggle with concentration, having 30 minute lessons with an engaging piano teacher is advisable.
Interest in Music
The motivation to learn the piano should come from within. This doesn’t mean a child needs to be in love with classical music at 4 years old! It could just mean they love dancing, enjoy keeping a beat or that they have a good sense of rhythm.
Piano lessons can then be used as a mechanism to explore that interest further. In time, this will develop into a personal commitment to piano.
Buying or Renting A Piano for A Child
Whether your child is a beginner or has some piano experience, choosing a suitable piano model is essential.
Unlike guitar or even violin for beginners, the cost of entry for purchasing a piano can be significant.
Unless you are comfortable investing in an acoustic piano, we recommend beginners either have lessons in a private piano studio or buy a weighted keyboard.
Fortunately, there are a host of music studios, like Schott Music or The Music Studios, that are readily available for private piano lessons and are in convenient central London locations. Prices for renting a piano studio usually start from £12 per hour, and increase depending on the quality of the piano.
The great thing about piano studios is that you can access high-quality instruments at a fraction of the price. Playing at the studio also gives your child time to really consider if playing the piano is something they enjoy.
If you’d like to jump in with a weighted keyboard, however, we’d recommend the following:
If you are looking to invest in an acoustic piano, Yamaha, Steinway & Sons, and Bösendorfer are some of our favourite brands. We’d advise you to visit a piano shop to try them out and take one of our teachers with you! Having someone give you honest advice is invaluable.
Benefits of 1-1 Lessons
Unlike lessons in other instruments, piano lessons are generally one-to-one. The benefits of this personalised study are plentiful.
Tailored and Personalised Learning
Private piano lessons are carefully designed to suit an individual’s background and goals. They offer an excellent opportunity to customise a curriculum adapted to your child’s unique learning style.
Focused Feedback and Attention
The intimate setting of private lessons allows an instructor to offer immediate feedback, quickly identifying your child’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring efficient and meaningful development.
Arranging private lessons through a music tutoring agency in London, like Prelude Education, also guarantees a commitment charting your child’s music development. Our piano instructors prepare monthly personalised reports detailing each student’s progress to track their improvement.
Flexibility
Private lessons are arranged and conveniently incorporated into your schedule. You don't have to stick to a set plan and can select the most suitable times to fit around a busy schedule.
What Should I Expect From My Child’s First Private Piano Lessons
Your child’s first private piano lesson will be a chance for them to become familiar with their teacher, who will assess areas of strengths and weaknesses, along with your child’s unique learning style.
It is also important that you as the parent explain your goals and objectives for your child taking piano lessons, or, even better, get your child to join in on those conversations.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Establishing realistic and shared expectations from the beginning is vital. Mastering the piano takes time and consistent work.
Your child will need to treat the challenges and setbacks as potential for development, and enjoy the process. Regular feedback from their teacher’s will help with this and help them to see progress.
Decide On A Practice Routine
Children should focus on consistency rather than practising for hours on end. For the youngest of learners it may be 10 minutes a day.
Children should start with a manageable practice duration, and aim to extend these sessions when they’re able. Dedicating time to regular practice sessions is essential in strengthening what a child learns during lessons and will expedite their development on the piano.
Conclusions
Private piano lessons are a fantastic entry point into the world of music. Whether your child is starting for personal enjoyment, an exam or working towards a music scholarship, learning to play the piano is a great step toward uncovering a wealth of opportunities.
Prelude Education's carefully vetted piano teachers are dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities, so why not start your child’s private piano lessons today with London's most sought-after music teachers?
Contact us via email, phone or WhatsApp, and we’ll get back to your with a piano teacher specifically chosen for your child.
