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. But Why Piano and When Should a Child Start Piano?

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 sizable 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!