What is the best age to start piano lessons and Are Children who take music lessons smarter? by Georgia Zoe Schohl
Q. I want to start my 8 year old son for piano lessons. The problem is that two of my friends give me different advice about when is the best age to start the lessons. One friend started her child at age 4 and he is not progressing as fast he should, so his mother tells me. But my son is ahead of his peers in school in all subjects and can play by ear already with songs that he has heard on the radio or television. What do you think?
S. T. Kirpali , San Jose, California
A. From your question, I can gather that your son already has some interest as he is playing piano already by ear on his own. Many piano teachers will not take a student unless they are 8 years old as it is a good age to learn, the attention span is better, hands are bigger to accommodate larger key spans, and they generally can read instructions on the music. I believe that he is ready to start lessons if he would like to give it a try.
Ask your friends which teacher they are studying with and ask for the names of several teachers. Give them a call and make an appointment to meet the prospective teacher. Remember the goal is for your son to learn the foundations of piano, and as he gets older he may have a preference for a certain type of music. Find out if the teacher is willing to explore different musical styles or are they firmly set in their own "style" of teaching.
Again, he seems ready for lessons---and "interview" some teachers by phone before you and your son actually meet them. Be prepared with questions you may have about the lessons. Incidentally, at age 8 he should progress faster than most younger children, so it is a good age to begin piano.
Q. I have often heard that children who study music such as piano end up smarter in school. Is this really true and why?
Macy Rudolph, email
A. Current research has shown that children who study and play a musical instrument such as piano do perform better in school. Even more recent studies suggest that the act of music playing or just listening will improve memory, logic, creativity, academics, and behavior---which is a big plus for young students in elementary and middle school. Researchers have discovered that young students who studied music have performed better in spatial-temporal ability tests, even better than students who only study computers.
If you heard of the 'Mozart Effect' study performed in the early 1990's, you will know that it was said that children who listened to Mozart increased their intelligence. Since then there has been conflicting evidence whether this is true or not. Whether or not it is true, listening to Mozart's music is very relaxing. Probably more research needs to be done to prove it. Performing music is stimulates the brain and the emotions which I believe is very therapeutic for people of all ages and skill levels.
Whatever the case may be, learning a musical instrument has wonderful benefits: students learn a new skill such as play an instrument, discipline themselves to complete an assignment, gain confidence, and get a boost in self esteem by achieving a sense of accomplishment.
Q. My husband disagrees with me about our 5 years old son's practice time. He thinks when my son practices his piano assignments, he should be left alone and learn how to practice himself. I disagree because when I sit on the bench with him I supervise him with the practice so that he does not get sidetracked. What do you think?
Freda, New York
A. I think it's a great idea if you sit along with your son. By watching him practice you are showing him you approve and are interested in his progress. He may need your help reading the notes or reading instructions on the page if he does not read yet. Besides, you can make it fun when you watch him play---time goes by faster with the student's practice when there is a parent or someone interested.
How long should you be sitting during the sessions? Perhaps a year, or as long as your child wants you there. After the practice, try some tunes together (if you know how to play) and make it a time that your child looks forward to spending time with you also. So get creative, find or make up some duets you can play together. It will make practice time a fun time for your beginning pianist.
S. T. Kirpali , San Jose, California
A. From your question, I can gather that your son already has some interest as he is playing piano already by ear on his own. Many piano teachers will not take a student unless they are 8 years old as it is a good age to learn, the attention span is better, hands are bigger to accommodate larger key spans, and they generally can read instructions on the music. I believe that he is ready to start lessons if he would like to give it a try.
Ask your friends which teacher they are studying with and ask for the names of several teachers. Give them a call and make an appointment to meet the prospective teacher. Remember the goal is for your son to learn the foundations of piano, and as he gets older he may have a preference for a certain type of music. Find out if the teacher is willing to explore different musical styles or are they firmly set in their own "style" of teaching.
Again, he seems ready for lessons---and "interview" some teachers by phone before you and your son actually meet them. Be prepared with questions you may have about the lessons. Incidentally, at age 8 he should progress faster than most younger children, so it is a good age to begin piano.
Q. I have often heard that children who study music such as piano end up smarter in school. Is this really true and why?
Macy Rudolph, email
A. Current research has shown that children who study and play a musical instrument such as piano do perform better in school. Even more recent studies suggest that the act of music playing or just listening will improve memory, logic, creativity, academics, and behavior---which is a big plus for young students in elementary and middle school. Researchers have discovered that young students who studied music have performed better in spatial-temporal ability tests, even better than students who only study computers.
If you heard of the 'Mozart Effect' study performed in the early 1990's, you will know that it was said that children who listened to Mozart increased their intelligence. Since then there has been conflicting evidence whether this is true or not. Whether or not it is true, listening to Mozart's music is very relaxing. Probably more research needs to be done to prove it. Performing music is stimulates the brain and the emotions which I believe is very therapeutic for people of all ages and skill levels.
Whatever the case may be, learning a musical instrument has wonderful benefits: students learn a new skill such as play an instrument, discipline themselves to complete an assignment, gain confidence, and get a boost in self esteem by achieving a sense of accomplishment.
Q. My husband disagrees with me about our 5 years old son's practice time. He thinks when my son practices his piano assignments, he should be left alone and learn how to practice himself. I disagree because when I sit on the bench with him I supervise him with the practice so that he does not get sidetracked. What do you think?
Freda, New York
A. I think it's a great idea if you sit along with your son. By watching him practice you are showing him you approve and are interested in his progress. He may need your help reading the notes or reading instructions on the page if he does not read yet. Besides, you can make it fun when you watch him play---time goes by faster with the student's practice when there is a parent or someone interested.
How long should you be sitting during the sessions? Perhaps a year, or as long as your child wants you there. After the practice, try some tunes together (if you know how to play) and make it a time that your child looks forward to spending time with you also. So get creative, find or make up some duets you can play together. It will make practice time a fun time for your beginning pianist.
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