Young So Piano Studio
FAQs
Q1. How early can I start piano lessons for my child?
From my personal experiences, I find that the best time to start lessons is between ages of 5 and 6. It is during this time most children have a good grasp of numbers and alphabet. They also have a attain a good ability to concentrate at this age. Some children can start earlier and some children start at a later age. However, there is no difference in the level of playing if they start earlier or later. Before this age, I highly encourage parents to introduce the child to music by attending group toddler music classes or even join them by singing simple songs at home. Using simple percussion instruments like a drum, triangle or using hands to clap or feet to jump along the music together will help nurture the musical side of your child.
Q2. Do you offer group lessons?
I currently don't offer group lessons for the piano. Although group lessons are a great way to introduce the child to music, there are some drawbacks. As with any sports or lessons learned, having a good foundation is most important. A student with strong basic fundamentals will do better in the long run. When children start with group lessons, it is sometimes difficult for teachers to oversee all of their students carefully. Each student has different needs and learning styles. Bad habits can form and it will be difficult to correct later down the road. I recommend group lessons as an adjunct to private lessons. There are indeed lessons which are more easily taught in a group such as music theory - notes, rhythms, listening... Playing duets are also fun and helps students with their ear training by listening to one another. Group lessons also bring a sense of ensemble and gives a chance to meet with peers. However, I strongly encourage parents to consider private lessons first before starting group lessons.
Q3. My son/daughter has been playing for 2 years now and wants to take a break to do other things and come back. Is that okay?
It depends on many factors such as the level of playing, years taught, and age consideration. Many children are excited to play the piano during the first year. However when pieces get more difficult and familiar songs turn into a more classical repertoire, students start to realize that piano is not all fun but work and practice. Practicing a certain part of music over and over may be frustrating to the student but when they overcome their mistakes and play through without problems, this is when the reward sets in. A good sense of accomplishment and achievement is instilled in the child. I believe this is where the role of the parent comes in. Although the teacher comes in once or twice a week to teach, practicing is an even more important part in piano lessons. Parents should take a more active role in encouraging students to practice (especially in very young children) with positive support. Sometimes practicing may taste like medicine and it may take a "spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down". If the student is having a hard time with the pieces, the teacher can change the level of difficulty and bring more familiar tunes during these times and reintroduce the piece at a later time. Also, parents should find out what exactly is the child's thoughts on playing the piano.
Under most circumstances I recommend not to take a break from the piano especially during the first 3 years of playing. The first three years are a time where the basic foundations of playing are taught along with important techniques and music theory. When a student takes a long break during these years, it may take just as long or even more to get back to former levels of playing. After a student has mastered a certain level, it will be easier to get back to that level. The age matters in that older children will retain the lessons learned better than young children. Also the older student will be able to practice alone with a better discipline. Practicing alone may bring bad technical habits but it is to expected when the student is taking a long break. If your son or daughter must take a break from lessons, I would perhaps recommend lessons once a month to remind students of technique and to keep their fingers from rusting.
On a side note, it is difficult to play in an ensemble with a piano. It is more a less a solo instrument. For this reason, some students take up another instrument along with piano to play in their school orchestra or band. Also taking up another sport with peers involved brings the same effect. While playing an instrument or playing a sport like soccer may itself be enjoyable, I believe it is the presence of children playing and working together is what they truly want - a sense of belonging to a group. Every child is different with different personalities. If this is the case, I encourage students to take up other activities but recommend continuing lessons. The pace of piano lessons will be slowed but this way the students can enjoy other activities while keeping up with the piano. Students and parents will know after some time has passed whether it is in the best interest of their child to continue with the lessons or not.