A child who is seven or eight years old is at the magical age when kids are like sponges.

They progress quickly and usually do not have to be forced to practice. Starting at six is fine but five is questionable and generally not recommended. However, if a sibling is taking lessons, perhaps the five-year-old would start with fifteen minutes and then eventually progress to thirty minutes.

​

Other helpful questions to consider: 

• How is your child’s attention span? 

• Do they have any issues with fine motor skills?

• Are they prepared to practice, and do they have the time needed to practice?

• Do they want to take piano lessons, or are you encouraging them to start?

• Have they had any musical background, and do they seem to have an aptitude for music?

​

Purchasing A Piano

Keyboards are a very reasonable way to start lessons.

It is imperative, however, that they are touch sensitive, i.e., the sound is different when the keys are played loud or soft. The keyboard does not have to be eighty-eight keys. The student will only need literally two octaves in their early study. Depending on how fast your student progresses, the keyboard will suffice until probably six months of instruction. For purchasing, Music & Arts in Rockville is a great place for keyboards. They are very helpful and can guide you in your choice of keyboards. 
   

The purchase of a piano will take considerably more research.

You can select a more advanced digital keyboard, which will start at probably $1500. Or you can choose to purchase a piano. Yearly tunings will cost approximately $150.
   

My top recommendation is Rick Jones Pianos in Beltsville, MD.

They have been in business for over thirty years and their reputation is outstanding. The clients I've sent to Rick Jones  have been very impressed by the service and knowledge they provide—plus the advantage of Rick Jones is the ability to “trade up” your piano for a better one, at any time.