Kids and learning music

[Bones]

My little girl is 4 years old.

For awhile now I have been toying with the idea of getting her piano lessons. I would like to give her the opportunity to express herself musically if she is that way inclined and there are many times in my life I had wished I had learned to play. I am looking for comments from anyone who has been there and done this before, either themselves or for their kids.

Is 4 to young? Yeah I suppose it depends on the child but in general would it be suggested I wait a couple of years? She has shown good concentration.

Also she will need something to practice on. I considered the cheaper way out with an electronic keyboard but I don't want her distracted with special effects that would change her approach.

I have asked her if she wanted to learn piano and she said yes but this really means nothing. If I asked her if she wanted to be a clown when she grows up the reply would have been just as enthusiastic.

I have the budget for a piano so this is not really an issue but obviously I don't want to spend this type of money and have it go to waste. At the same time I would like to encourage any natural ability she might have.

Right now she is sitting beside me singing to Pink Houses by J.Couger. 

[paigeoliver]

I actually see free pianos in the newspaper all the time. See if your newspaper has a bargain section.

[HaRuMaN]

Why not buy her an electronic keyboard now, and if she expresses interest, and is learning, sink the money into a piano later?

[Bones]

Why not buy her an electronic keyboard now, and if she expresses interest, and is learning, sink the money into a piano later?

Also she will need something to practice on. I considered the cheaper way out with an electronic keyboard but I don't want her distracted with special effects that would change her approach.

Can you get a keyboard without all drum effects etc?


But seriously, I am more interested in if anybody knows when a child would normally be ready for lessons rather than finding budget solutions as far as a piano purchase is concerned. (But thanks!) 

[SOAPboy]

My little girl is 4 years old.

For awhile now I have been toying with the idea of getting her piano lessons. I would like to give her the opportunity to express herself musically if she is that way inclined and there are many times in my life I had wished I had learned to play. I am looking for comments from anyone who has been there and done this before, either themselves or for their kids.

Is 4 to young? Yeah I suppose it depends on the child but in general would it be suggested I wait a couple of years? She has shown good concentration.

Also she will need something to practice on. I considered the cheaper way out with an electronic keyboard but I don't want her distracted with special effects that would change her approach.

I have asked her if she wanted to learn piano and she said yes but this really means nothing. If I asked her if she wanted to be a clown when she grows up the reply would have been just as enthusiastic.

I have the budget for a piano so this is not really an issue but obviously I don't want to spend this type of money and have it go to waste. At the same time I would like to encourage any natural ability she might have.

Right now she is sitting beside me singing to Pink Houses by J.Couger.

[sodapopinski]

this is personal experience speaking. I was forced into piano when I was young, which made me dislike it alot. Later, in about grade 7 a started guitar on my own will, I still play and love it. The problem is, you never know whether she wants to play or not if you don't at least have the insturment available.

[Shape D.]

buy a keyboard and just let her use it when she wants to. If she is more interested in a couple years offer her lessons.

[Jabba]

I have 3 1/2, 6 and 8 year old children. A few years back, I bought a Yamaha PSR-80 series keyboard (~$300).

I am currently teaching myself to play. My 6 year old son shows the most interest, and can play some simple songs. My youngest (girl), mashes the keys a lot, and definately seems interested.

Is 4 too young? Mozart was 4 when his father decided to give his little boy his first music lesson. A year later he started to write his own music!

Piano lessons are definitely the way to go, unless you have a lot of time and patience....

As to the question on the drum voice, I don

[SirPeale]

I've been wanting to get my kid to learn an instrument since before he was born.  I thought to enroll him in piano lessons or whatnot.  My wife doesn't want to 'force' him to do it.  I think it would be good for him, and I think he'd be good at it.  He just turned five, and he taught himself how to read.

[missioncontrol]

My daughter started taking lessons at 4 years old......

We started her out with a Yamaha keyboard and found someone to give her lessons......

once we saw she took an interest we upgraded and found a piano for her...you can find upright pianos pretty cheap...most just need tuning and hauled off.....

she's eight yrs old now and loves playing....she's got a state competition coming up in 2 weeks.....

the most important thing is finding a good teacher who is good with young children........

[Dartful Dodger]

I was forced into piano when I was young, which made me dislike it alot.

I was forced to use a toilet when I was young, which made me dislike it a lot.

About grade 7 I just started soiling myself.

Infact I'm soiling myself right now.

[DrewKaree]

I was forced into piano when I was young, which made me dislike it alot.

I was forced to use a toilet when I was young, which made me dislike it a lot.

About grade 7 I just started soiling myself.

Infact I'm soiling myself right now.

DD, that explains QUITE a lot of things!