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Is My Child Ready?

Readiness for piano lessons can vary widely among 3-5 year olds. If your child is in this age range, consider the following when assessing whether your child is ready to begin piano lessons. The curriculum I use is designed to help young children grow and learn and will create the most feelings of success when children begin lessons once they are able to do most of the tasks listed.

  • Does your child show interest in the piano?
  • Does he/she like listening and moving to music?
  • Is he/she excited about the prospect of piano lessons?
  • Is your child comfortable being away from you for short periods of time?
  • Does your child know the difference between “banging” on the piano keys vs playing “softly”?
  • Does your child respond well to questions asked by adults other than his parents?
  • Does your child sit and listen to stories with interest?
  • Is your child easily brought back to task when needed?
  • Can your child speak clearly and make himself understood in most situations?
  • Can your child wiggle only his thumbs or only his index fingers when asked?
  • Can your child hold a pencil or crayon?
  • Is your child toilet trained?
  • Can your child follow two-part directions when asked? (for example, “Use your right hand to pick up the toy and put it on the table”)
  • Can your child focus on a single task for 5-minute intervals?
  • Do you have a piano or adequate keyboard at home?
  • Will you be able to make the time to sit with your child regularly to assist with home piano time? Preschool piano students need their parents to help them at home every day.
  • Do you have the ability to bring your child to lessons regularly?

If you found yourself answering “no” or “not yet” to most of these questions, it is suggested that you wait a few months before beginning piano lessons. Remember, children grow and develop rapidly; there’s a good chance if your child isn’t ready right now, they will be very soon!

  • Does your child show interest in the piano?
  • Does he/she like listening and moving to music?
  • Is he/she excited about the prospect of piano lessons?
  • Is your child comfortable being away from you for short periods of time?
  • Does your child know the difference between “banging” on the piano keys vs playing “softly”?
  • Does your child respond well to questions asked by adults other than his parents?
  • Does your child sit and listen to stories with interest?
  • Is your child easily brought back to task when needed?
  • can your child speak clearly and make himself understood in most situations?
  • Can your child wiggle only his thumbs or only his index fingers when asked?
  • Can your child hold a pencil or crayon?
  • Is your child potty trained?
  • Can your child follow two-part directions when asked? (for example, “Use your right hand to pick up the toy and put it on the table”)
  • Can your child focus on a single task for 5-minute intervals?
  • Do you have a piano or adequate keyboard at home?
  • Will you be able to make the time to sit with your child regularly to assist with home piano time? Preschool piano students need their parents to help them at home every day.
  • Do you have the ability to bring your child to lessons regularly?