Piano
Piano is the perfect first instrument! It is uniquely comprehensive as it teaches the reading of treble and bass clefs while simultaneously experiencing melody and harmony. Independent movement of the fingers is less intricate than other instruments, yet the bilateral movements of the hands helps to further increase a child’s spatial intelligence. With good teaching from a qualified teacher, a thorough foundation in music theory will be established that will serve the child well in other instrument study.
Age to Start Lessons
Children often begin piano lessons between the ages of 6 and 8 (when many are beginning to read). Although every child is unique, by this age most will have:
If your child is not quite ready for private piano lessons, we encourage families to first enroll their child in an appropriate Kindermusik program, as children are well prepared there for seamless integration into private music study. Many Kindermusik “graduates” will finish the first year of piano curriculum very quickly, as they have already developed rhythmic abilities, and learned music reading skills.
- developed an interest in learning to read music,
- had the opportunity to develop a strong internal sense of rhythm and pitch,
- achieved sufficient maturity to practice regularly at home, and
- the ability to work one-on-one with a private music teacher.
If your child is not quite ready for private piano lessons, we encourage families to first enroll their child in an appropriate Kindermusik program, as children are well prepared there for seamless integration into private music study. Many Kindermusik “graduates” will finish the first year of piano curriculum very quickly, as they have already developed rhythmic abilities, and learned music reading skills.
About the Piano & its History
The piano is a keyboard instrument with a long history, whose design is derived mainly from its predecessors, the harpsichord and clavichord. It appeared around 1700 and was credited to an Italian harpsichord designer, Cristofori, who was the first to solve the problem of releasing the hammer after striking the string. Today’s modern instrument evolved throughout the centuries, and came to its present design around the late 1800s.
The versatility of the piano lends itself to many different genres and styles of music, and is fairly easy to learn to play. Playing the piano, whether for pleasure or performance is a popular pastime around the world.
What kind of piano do I need at home?
Ideally, a standard acoustic piano with a full keyboard is recommended for study. However, if you do not own a piano, there are a number of electronic keyboards that can “stand-in” for beginning study until you are ready to purchase an instrument for your home.
A keyboard should have regular size keys, and either weighted keys or a sensitive touch that responds to the amount of pressure when struck. A full 88-key keyboard is desired, but most electronic keyboards will have enough keys for a beginning student. Our piano instructors are happy to answer any questions you might have as to help you find an adequate instrument.
PIANO FACULTY
Kristi Lee and Betsy Gurske
The versatility of the piano lends itself to many different genres and styles of music, and is fairly easy to learn to play. Playing the piano, whether for pleasure or performance is a popular pastime around the world.
What kind of piano do I need at home?
Ideally, a standard acoustic piano with a full keyboard is recommended for study. However, if you do not own a piano, there are a number of electronic keyboards that can “stand-in” for beginning study until you are ready to purchase an instrument for your home.
A keyboard should have regular size keys, and either weighted keys or a sensitive touch that responds to the amount of pressure when struck. A full 88-key keyboard is desired, but most electronic keyboards will have enough keys for a beginning student. Our piano instructors are happy to answer any questions you might have as to help you find an adequate instrument.
PIANO FACULTY
Kristi Lee and Betsy Gurske
