| Learning music is an enriching experience. It is said to | | | | what age then is it best for a child to begin piano |
| not only broaden a child's imagination, but also | | | | lessons?" |
| stimulates the child's mind, developing the child's IQ. | | | | Exposing children to music at the youngest possible |
| Most parents choose the piano as the instrument for | | | | age is a positive, unforgettable learning experience for |
| their child to begin their serious music education on. | | | | children. However, as to when it is appropriate to start |
| Why the popular view that the piano is a more | | | | a child on piano lessons depends on the child. |
| accessible beginner instrument, as compared to other | | | | Nowadays in Singapore, due to good foundational |
| musical instruments? | | | | education at progressively younger ages, a child may |
| Firstly, the sitting position while playing the piano is very | | | | know his or her alphabets, numbers, as well as a |
| comfortable. The player does not need to support the | | | | sizeable collection of nouns, when he or she is merely |
| instrument, as compared to the neck-position one has | | | | four years old. Alphabets are useful in note-naming in |
| to assume in order to clutch the violin securely while | | | | music. Also, counting in order to keep a steady pulse is |
| playing. | | | | very important in music. |
| Secondly, visually, the pitches in music are clearly and | | | | Therefore, today, children may start piano lessons |
| systematically laid out on the keyboard, as compared | | | | seriously and successfully when they are as young as |
| to the violin or voice where it is not immediately clear | | | | four years old, or even three and a half years old. |
| where exact pitches are. | | | | However, the success of starting piano early also |
| Thirdly, the production of sound on the piano is also | | | | depends on the temperament of the child, as some |
| easy with the depression of keys. It takes more skill to | | | | discipline is required in order to sit and concentrate at |
| produce more than out-of-tune "squawks" from the | | | | the piano for a period of time. |
| violin. | | | | Thus, sometimes schools such as Yamaha and Kawai |
| Furthermore, being able to navigate on the piano is a | | | | put the eligible age for starting individual piano lessons |
| basic skill that most professional musicians have, due | | | | at five. This is to ensure that teachers are able to deal |
| to the piano's usefulness in aiding the reading of | | | | with a child who is most probably matured enough at |
| orchestral scores and the ability of the piano to play | | | | five years old to communicate clearly, as well as |
| harmonies easily. | | | | understand the concept of discipline. The above given |
| All the above mentioned qualities of the piano make | | | | ages are guidelines. |
| the piano a popular instrument to begin a child's music | | | | Furthermore, to conclude, it is never too late to begin a |
| education with. A piano education is definitely a sound | | | | child on piano lessons, and to let the child explore the |
| and safe investment. | | | | exciting world of music-making! |
| A next common question a parent would ask is, "At | | | | |