Piano Lessons - How Long Until My Child Plays Something I Recognize?

Piano Lessons - How Long Until My Child Plays Something I Recognize

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Parents ask me all the time "How long should my child be taking lessons before they are playing something that I recognize?" This usually happens a few months into a new students lesson time because beginner student piano books are notorious for containing simple songs that no one has heard because they are written for that book and the student's experience level. Think "made up songs whose sole purpose is to move fingers."

I teach songs during the first three lessons that everyone will recognize, particularly "Mary Had a Little Lamb" because it only takes three fingers and three black keys. In the beginning, especially if the student is a very young child, all they study with me is songs they easily recognize. That's the most important part of teaching beginners because it allows them to use the musical skills they already have to acquire the new skills needed to play the piano.

When they graduate up to something a bit more involved that uses two hand, is more complex, has a melody line and an accompaniment, such as a Christmas carol or a well-known song, is about six months of work. Easy "kid songs" played with one hand, or the melody doubled in both hands can be learned within a few weeks of beginning lessons. Something more complex that everyone recognizes, that is played tunefully and in rhythm with two hands is closer to 4-6 months, depending on the age of the student. If the student is a five-year-old, its six months. If the student is ten years old, they most likely will get there sooner, maybe even three months because they have more cognitive ability and discipline to bring to their practice at home.

If the unasked question lurking in a parent's mind is "How long until my child is playing a well-known piece of showy classical music?" consider that is closer to 4-6 years, depending on the piece. Be prepared for the difference! Intermediate to advanced classical music is about 6-7 years of lessons and is highly dependent on both the skill of the teacher and the diligence and commitment of the student in reaching that level.

If you have any questions about this, please contact me at http://anaheimpiano.com and I'll be happy to get back to you with answers and information to further your piano lesson experience.

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