There are many things to think about before starting to play any instrument. You want to first know what instrument you want to play, and you also want to know if you’ll stay committed to learning and to playing. The great thing about an instrument is that it is appropriate for all, not singling out anyone based on their age, gender, or level of skill.
With the right teacher and resources, anyone can learn to play. What is also great is that these skills can be learned online.
Many teachers provide online services for a set price if you are wanting to learn to play from the comfort of your home. There are also many services on YouTube where people create helpful tutorials in the art of playing a musical instrument.
This article will be looking at the piano and covering multiple areas. The big question which we will be answering is, “what is the best age to start piano lessons?”
What Age To Start Playing The Piano
There is no set age, for instruments are made for all. You may see people learning at the age of 4 or at the age of 44. As long as you are able to show concentration, perseverance, and dedication then you are fit to play the instrument. At any age, the study of music is brilliant for the development of the mind, body, and soul.
You are never too young or too old to start learning – there is so much you as a person can gain out of learning to play the piano.
It is perfectly acceptable for a parent to want their child to delve into the world of music from a young age. It is also okay for a person in their 50s to tackle the challenge as it is such a beneficial talent.
Benefits Of Playing The Piano
Playing the piano is a brilliant way of developing the brain. You are challenging the mind to take in foreign directions, exercising the brain as you learn to read sheet music, and maximizing your levels of concentration.
It is especially beneficial for a child’s development too, teaching them early the importance of self-discipline and hard work. Playing the piano can also improve a person’s aural awareness, and this can have long-term effects even outside of playing music.
Good aural awareness means a person has a better ear for detail – for example, a person would be better at understanding the patterns of a foreign language as the piano trains the ear to recognize specific tones and intervals.
A Child’s Development
Although it is true that you may find some toddlers with a flawless talent for playing the piano, that is not to say that this is possible for everyone. It is important to remember to take the child’s development into consideration. Playing the piano uses fine motor skills which not all children of a certain age will have fully developed yet.
To play the piano uses hand-eye coordination, the use of hand and finger movement, and this may seem daunting to a young child. But this doesn’t mean that you and your child can’t have an interest in the instrument. Many places have set up programs that involve young children in the art of music.
By doing so, they are training the child’s motor skills and ability to understand rhythm, tone, and sound. This is a great first step to take before settling your child into playing the piano, especially if you are concerned about their level of development.
The Requirements
To play the piano there are some requirements. If you know that you or your child is able to meet these requirements, then there will be no issues in going forward with the piano playing process.
Hand Size
Is your hand big enough? This is a requirement that is particularly looked at when training a child. It is necessary for the hand to be big and long enough to extend to various different keys on the piano. As well as this, you want to be comfortable too. The last thing a person wants is to get continuous cramps because they are stretching their fingers too far. The piano should be both a fun and a comfortable experience.
Focus
Playing the piano, as well as many other instruments, takes focus. You have to be prepared to sit through lessons that may seem grueling and keep that concentration. If you are able to keep that focus for at least 30 minutes then learning to play the piano will run smoothly.
Counting To Four
This point may seem patronizing, but can you count to four? In playing the piano, the concept of four is used often and is important to the development of the piano learning experience. If your child can’t count to four confidently or at all then this probably isn’t the most appropriate age to start learning. Wait a few more years then see if they are ready.
Happiness
The most important requirement of all is your happiness. Are you happy to play the piano and take on this commitment? You don’t want to force yourself to take on a challenge and you don’t want to make decisions for your child either.
Learning to play the piano takes time, dedication, and can be hard work. You don’t want your child sulking to their lessons with a frown on their face, learning an instrument they don’t care for just to fulfill their parents’ wishes. Speak to your child first, introduce them to the world of music one step at a time, and don’t rush them.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can play an instrument, as long as you know what you’re getting into. The best-recommended age to start learning the piano is 6 years old at the minimum – this is because their motor skills will have developed by then and they have a better chance at concentrating and making their own decisions.
If you are older you can learn too, for developing new talent has no age limit. What matters most is the joy playing that piano gives you and the growth you gain as a person.