One of things that I get asked as a piano teacher is “How early is too early to start piano lessons?” or on the flip side of that is “I’ve always wanted to play piano but I think I’m too old! ” So while there is technically no “perfect” age for learning the piano I just wanted to touch on a few key points that I have found in my experience.
First, the “Early Age”…
Most of the time parents are considering music lessons, in this case piano lessons, around the time that their little ones start kindergarten–aprox. age 5. Is this too early? No it’s not too early at all, as long you consider these 3 things about your child:
1) They can focus and understand instructions from their piano teacher.
2)Â They can handle sitting still for at least 10-15 minutes.
3) They have shown some interest in piano or music.
One more thing to consider is your child’s piano teacher, more specifically– how well your child’s piano teacher understands the needs of little ones. It’s important that you select a teacher that knows that little people get distracted easier and that he or she doesn’t try to bombard your little one with a ton of new information at once. I think it’s also key that the teacher also understands that younger ones are more inclined to learn when it seems more like play than hard work. So incorporating little games, fun songs or rewards into lessons will help the young student be more engaged. Finally, it is also important to select a teacher that will adapt their teaching style as your child grows and understands more; you wouldn’t want your 10 year old being taught in the same way as a 5 year old is being taught.
Second, the “Older Age”…
I’ve heard many adults sigh in a regretful tone, “if only I had learned the piano when I was younger”. Well I’m here to say that it’s never too late. Anyone can become a piano student in their adult years as long as they keep in mind the following key points:
1) Older brains, can learn anything younger brains can, it just usually takes longer. This means that where a teen student can master a technique in a practice or two, the older student might need a week of practice–they require more repetition of the material; so it is important to set aside time to practice every day. That being said however, by practicing an instrument you are actually improving your brain health in memory and concentration as well as your coordination 1. Also, practicing an instrument helps reduce the effects of Alzheimers 2.  Regular practicing not only will improve your skill but also improve your health!
2) You need to set realistic goals for yourself. Goals keep the piano student motivated and help encourage practicing. Starting to play piano at the older age means that you shouldn’t expect to become a concert level pianist. That doesn’t mean you can not learn to play beautifully, or that you can not entertain family and friends with your new talent, or perhaps even accompany other musicians or vocalists. I’ve had students who wanted to learn to play a specific song for a special occasion, or others who wanted to pick-up where they quit 40 years ago and just recapture that lost talent. Â
3) It’s important to find a teacher that you mesh well with. If you are just learning for fun and to build a hobby, you probably don’t want a teacher that only works to send their students the professional route and focuses only on Royal Conservatory. You should find your lessons enjoyable and feel that your teacher understands the goal of your piano lessons.
4) Playing the piano (or any instrument for that matter) is relaxing.  Research led by Dr. Barry Bittman, of the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville, Pa., found that playing a musical instrument reduces stress more than other traditional relaxing activities, like reading a newspaper or magazine3.
- Meredith Hamons, founder and clinical director of North Austin Music Therapy.  https://www.capitalsenior.com/blog/senior-citizens-playing-music-benefits-and-instruments/
- Tonya Blum, Board Certified Music Therapist for the Music Therapy Institute of Dallas https://www.capitalsenior.com/blog/senior-citizens-playing-music-benefits-and-instruments/
- https://www.nextavenue.org/why-youll-live-longer-if-you-take-music-lessons/