When should my child start taking piano lessons?
The best age to start is different for every child. It’s important to remember that there is no rush. Each child’s temperament, ability to focus, and follow simple instruction is different. Many children are not ready for private, one-on-one lessons until first grade, as the classroom setting helps them “learn how to learn” and gives them an idea of how the teacher-student relationship works. On the other hand, very young children who are innately drawn to the piano and understand the concept of practicing their pieces at home between lessons also make wonderful students. It’s very helpful if your child has interest in playing the piano, because that will go a long way towards keeping them motivated. I highly recommend reading this article about what age is appropriate to start piano lessons here. A student forced into lessons at the age of five will learn no more than an child of seven who enthusiastically welcomes lessons, and understands what’s required to learn.
When should my child start taking voice lessons?
Voice lessons are a different matter. The voice is a very abstract instrument. You can’t see what you are manipulating, so you must understand the way a sound feels. Because many vocal concepts are abstract, a young child may not be developmentally ready for them. Also, because their bodies are still growing, changes are taking place constantly that may interrupt the learning process. For this reason, voice lessons are not recommended for children younger than 10 years old. Younger children may still take vocal lessons, but the emphasis will be on singing fun repertoire and expression with gentle reminders on how to breathe and sing without hurting their growing vocal chords.
How do I register for lessons?
1.) Please email info@prospectheightsmusic.com with your name or child’s name, age and years of study (if they are transferring from another teacher).
2.) Once we’ve found an available time in the schedule, we will set up a time to have a trial lesson. The trial lesson will run just like a regular lesson so we both can see how well we work together. Trial lessons are normally 30 minutes.
3.) Once the trial lesson is complete and you decide you’d like to continue on with lessons:
You’ll fill out the necessary registration forms (either at the time of the trial lesson or via email) and submit your payment.
I’ll give you a quick run down of the studio policies, which you’ll sign and return.
I’ll help you find the books and resources you need.
And we’re off!
Will you come to my house to teach lessons?
Unfortunately, I am not traveling teacher. While I understand and sympathize with the scheduling difficulties involved with coming to my studio, I teach exclusively in my studio for these reasons:
Children have an easier time concentrating in a different place.
Distractions are minimized and lesson time maximized.
I am able to offer my lessons for a more competitive rate.
I am able to teach more students in my available lesson times.
I have my multitudes of music books and teaching materials collected over a decade and half of teaching on hand for easy access that help individualize lessons and make them fun!
Do I need to buy a piano?
In short, yes. It is advisable to play at home on a real, acoustic piano. Though digital pianos have come a long way in terms of feeling, sounding, and even looking more like the real thing, a digital instrument will never be able to replace an acoustic instrument. As a child, I was instantly drawn to real pianos. I just wanted to play them all day! The plastic pianos seemed more like toys that I would eventually outgrow, like all toys. Renting a piano is fairly easy and affordable in Brooklyn.
Where can I rent OR BUY a piano in NYC?
Craigslist can be a good resource for used pianos. Please keep in mind that inexpensive pianos are not always good deals. Buying a piano is a bit like buying a car. The older and more used it is, especially if it hasn’t been maintained, the more costly problems it will likely have.
The stores below have a good reputation and offer quality new and used pianos, as well as piano rentals and rent-to-own programs.
Absolute Piano in Brooklyn - 718-875-2600
Beethoven Pianos in Manhattan - 212-765-7300
Frank and Camille’s in Queens - 718-322-0737
Lastly, the tuners and techs at Arolla Piano Co. are very reliable and friendly. If you find a piano you think might fit the bill, it’s a good idea to bring a piano tech along when you go look at it - to make sure it doesn’t have any fatal flaws that will make it unplayable down the line.
WhAT IF I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT HAVE A PIANO?
Then it’s a good idea to practice on something as similar in sound and feel to a piano as possible. A digital piano with 88 weighted keys and a damper pedal will be fine in the short term. Here is where I mention that my longest standing and quickest progressing students all practice on acoustic, not digital pianos. There really is no replacement for real instrument!
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