Calling all piano teachers...

[Lakesandsnadders]

Is 6 far too young to start the piano in your opinion?

If any of you teach little ones, what method/s do you use and how do you motivate them to play a little in between lesson?

Any thoughts gratefully received. Thanks!

[Katisha]

Both my DSs started at 6.

[starsareshining]

I don't think it's too young at all, as long as they're actually enjoying it and want to do it. I don't really see why you'd need to motivate them to do it if they were actually interested in it. I didn't start til I was about 13 and had a succession of awful teachers, one of whom actually told me he hated classical music! He was also a kayboard teacher, so I taught most of the stuff myself because I loved playing. And even after all of that I went on to study at a conservatoire.

My son is currently 2 and we 'play' music together. He taps keys and I play. I'm expecting to start teaching him as soon as his fingers grow a little bit longer :)

[starsareshining]

*keyboard teacher.

[tempper]

I don't think it's too young at all. If you wnt to find a good teacher, a site musicteachers.co.uk has a searchable UK database plus tips of what you should ask the teacher and check before you arrange a lesson.
Good luck!

[Sandymuso]

I have taught 6 year olds who were too young to play piano and 6 year olds who are musically as bright as a button, highly motivated and achieving excellent progress.

Much depends on the individual child's personality and maturity, the home work/play ethic, the parents' willingness to be with their child at daily practice time and to show active interest in their piano lessons.

Go to the very best teacher you can afford, who enjoys teaching children.

The keys to success are wanting to play, effective practice routines, the right parental support and above all the right teacher.

www.e-musicmaestro.com

[SoChangingMyNameForThis]

My 6 year old has just started piano lessons at school, just half and hour a week. I have never seen the teacher as lessons take place during the school day.

At home we have a decent-ish yamaha keyboard.

As a parent who is tone deaf, knows nothing about music, cannot locate or even recognise the musical notes, can not distinguish a piece played properly or not... how can I support my DS?????