I am often asked the question, “What is a good age to start piano lessons?”. My answer is simply this. It depends on the individual student. Every person is different, and we all develop and mature at our own pace. This is why I recommend to parents to do a trial period, or at least a trial lesson so the teacher can observe and asses whether or not a student is ready to begin taking lessons.

As a teacher here are some things I look for when having an introductory lesson with a student.

Can the student sit still for a thirty minute period? (at least without too many wiggles)

Can they focus, listen, and follow instruction during the lesson time?

Can they verbally communicate with you?

If the student is of reading age (usually 6+), can they read?

Does the student have any special needs that you should be aware of? If so, Am I suited as a teacher to handle their specific needs, or should I refer them to someone who specializes in that area?

I have had some students who are ready to begin piano lessons at age 4. They are able to sit still, they can focus, identify patterns, and they are able to press the keys with some finger independence. Students of this age do very well with a slow progressing pre-school method, and the assistance of a parent or guardian.

Some teachers prefer to wait until students are of school age (6-9), because students of this age range are able to read and can mostly handle their assignments on their own. However, after being the mom of four kids, I would very strongly suggest parental involvement! Kids just don’t remember certain details that we as grown ups do. Plus, they just need that extra push to practice. Students want piano to be fun, but it’s only fun after the work has been put into it. So it’s a cycle, and the cycle is broken if the student goes without practicing. (But the topic of practicing probably needs to be a separate post!)

I access older beginners as age 10+. While these students don’t have the advantage of already having the technique built up to play, they are a fun age to teach! They learn concepts faster, and are generally more self motivated.

I often have people ask me how old is too old to learn to play piano? I like to tell them you are never to old to learn! I do believe this is true. I have had a lot of success in teaching my adult students to play. However, one must keep in mind their potential and their purpose for learning. Adult students usually want to learn for at least one of a few different reasons. They always wanted to learn when they were a kid. So they just want to learn for their own satisfaction. They want to assist in accompanying either at church or a community choir/band. Or they learned to play as a youth, and wish to pick it back up again.