Piano Teacher Recommendations??

[Jen2009]

Can anyone recommend a piano teacher for DS, age 4 in the Kensington/Chelsea area?? We have tried several, but no luck so far ... Thanks!!!

Unfortunately our piano teacher and others I know will only take kids of 7 or so. I live in that area and we travel out to East Acton. We found our teacher via word of mouth.

Sources for music teachers I have used in the past are: Musicteachers.co.uk and Gumtree. Both are a bit hit and miss.

Is there a particular reason you want him to start learning piano now? It is a very difficult instrument for that age.

For general introduction to music stuff or trying out instruments, it might be worth looking at Music Room in Shepherds Bush or Questors Young Musicians Club in Ealing (a Saturday club who are fantastic) who both do introductory stuff for younger kids.

4 is a bit young to start - most recommend 6 (5 at the earliest).
Send an e-mail to the piano department of any of the London music schools (Royal Academy, Royal College, Guildhall, Trinity) setting out what you are looking for and ask if they can recommend a student who would be willing to teach.
I have obtained a number of recommendations this way from the Guildhall School of Music of young, v talented and enthusiastic teachers.
Pretty foolproof!

Suzuki method starts children off at around 4yo. My DCs doing this method and it's great - both started young and they're doing brilliantly. Much more fun than the classical ways I was taught. Is there a local Suzuki school you could google perhaps?

We go to Questors Young Musicians Club. There is also Ealing Junior Muisc School.

Beware that a lot of music teachers will not take children until at least 7/8.

Having said that your council should have a list of music tutors.

maggieW - suzuki on the piano??? really?????

i would not start music lessons at 4 unless you have a child that is really keen to learn.

DS1's piano teacher doesn't take them until they are 6 or preferably 7 either.

He started at 7, and had theory work straight away (writing out music etc) which I know my 4 year old would struggle with. I think she would also struggle to read the music, especially when playing with both hands.

DS2 is almost 6 and wants to start learning too, but I am waiting until he is 7 as I don't feel he is ready. DS1 was old enough to take it seriously and practice properly every night etc.

you have to use a different approach with a 4 year old.

It will be rare to find a teacher who will take on a 4 year old unless it is some sort of group/suzuki based learning.

To be honest they don't gain anything by starting that young. Children who start at 4/5/6 are usually at the same level than children who start at around 7 by the time they are 8.

and starting them that young you also risk putting them off music for life (according to 'The Right Instrument for you Child' authors).

Perhaps you would do better looking into a general group music class. I am quite a fan of Dalcroze and Kodaly for young children. That would act as a fantastic foundation for when they started piano later on. They would be ahead in terms of aural skills, rhytm, co-ordination etc.

The Music House for children in Shepherd's bush run an agency for peripatetic teachers. I am sure they would cover your area.

Thanks all! Yes, 4 is young! We were looking at Suzuki b/c he likes to imitate my dh who plays but no local options. Understand it all seems pushy but given situation, lessons would be apt - believe me. Thanks for input. Will try your suggestions.