While most children pass through typical stages of growth development (physical, social, intellectual, emotional) the rate they acquire skills can vary enormously. A group of children of similar age may subtly differ in their ability to concentrate, co-ordinate their bodies, use media for cutting/writing/drawing, follow directions, converse with others and understand symbols.
Children who are ready for piano lessons have some of the following characteristics however note that it is not necessary for the young child to exhibit all of these:
- Can hold a crayon, pencil or paintbrush and manipulate them appropriately
- Use scissors to cut around a simple shape effectively
- Count to 5 or 10 forwards and backwards
- Recognise alphabet letters and some words
- Visually discriminate between objects written on the page
- Write some letters and numbers
- Make inferences about a story when looking at picture
- Distinguish between their left and right hands
- Put his/her shoes on the correct foot
- Identify different body parts
- Engage in gross muscle activities such as running, hopping, balancing
- Throw and catch a ball
- Mix with others without you being present
- Concentrate for 5-10 minutes
- Listen to and follow instructions
- Sing, dance or respond to music
- Remember the words of a favourite song
- Distinguish between different sounds such as a cat’s miaow or a dog’s bark or a car
- Know a little about high and low; fast and slow; loud and soft
- Enjoy playing percussion instruments
- Are interested in and fascinated by musical instruments
- Have expressed an interest in learning the piano
The piano teacher who is skilled in child and musical development will teach your child at a pace that is suitable for him/her. Classes for young children contain a variety of activities – (not just at the piano) to enhance and inspire musical development in an age appropriate manner.
It is not necessary for parents to be musical, however parents do need to attend lessons and supervise their child when they practise. In this way, the child sees that his/her parents are interested in their musical development and learning can be carefully monitored.