Another question in this area made me wonder...How old should a child start playing piano? My daughter will be entering into kinder. in the fall and we are truely thinking about starting her in lessons. She turned 5 in Feb. I haven't really talked to anyone about this (besides people who have no clue, so they don't know what to say). She loves music and is really interested in making music, but I don't know if that is enough.

We just got a baby grand piano (I play) from an estate auction for UNDER $400!!!! I couldn't believe it, it was in PERFECT condition and AMAZINGLY had no wear or damage to the keys or wood on the piano. I am excited to get my 5 yr old dd into lessons, but I don't want to rush her in if it's too early.

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One happy wife and mommy!!!

My dd started when she started kindergarten. She did group lessons for a while because they were fun and included lots of rhythm instruments in addition to the piano, but the class moved too slow for her so after a few years we switched to private lessons.

I have mixed feelings about this. They say that music lessons are very good for kids and my dd eventually switched to the cello and had a head start since she could already read music and understood time and musical phrasing etc. But the only downside is....they learn much slower at this age obviously. My dd had a friend who started with her in kindergarten in the group classes. Well a few years later her sister who was several years older than her started and she quickly passed her by. So then I sort of wondered if it wasn't smarter to wait until they're a little older.

But I guess since you already have the piano I'd say go for it. If she doesn't seem to like it or you have to nag too much to get her to practice, you could always stop and then try again in a few years. Hope she enjoys.

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I put my son in piano lessons at 5 and he wasn't ready to sit at that point so it was useless. Although we know that he does have some natural talent, we will wait until he asks us or shows some interest on his own.

I may just start her in a "music and me" class in our town. I think that would work out well...it's $150 for the entire year! Which seems like a lot, but I am sure that is actually a really good price for an entire year. I went to their website and they do all sorts of instruments and singing. Maybe after doing a year of that she'll be ready for actual piano lessons I don't know. Thank you for your helpfulness...I was thinking that maybe I should wait another year, but I didn't want her to be behind- although I don't know if there really is a "behind" in piano.

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One happy wife and mommy!!!

I have heard some piano teachers not want to start a child until they can read. However, some begin earlier and use computer type games or fun activities until a student can sit still. It sounds like you know what will work for your situation!

My mom is a piano teacher and I know she prefers to wait until the child is 7 to start them. Mainly for the attention issue. She usually does 1/2 hour lessons, and she has started a couple 5 year olds where she breaks them into 15 minutes twice a week.

She will usually recommend a Kindermusic program to a parent if the child is under 6 though.

Hope that helps.