The best age to learn piano

The best age to learn piano is between six and nine years old. At this stage, children typically have developed enough hand coordination and motor skills to comfortably manage the basics of piano playing, such as finger placement and pressing the keys with control. Their brains are also highly adaptable, making grasping new concepts like reading music and rhythm easier than they would be in later years. 

Children in this age range are also generally more focused and capable of following instructions, allowing them to build a solid foundation in technique. Their growing attention span means they can handle structured lessons and daily practice sessions – which are super important for progression.

We mentioned that a child’s brain at this age is adaptable – this means that it’s the prime time for them to take in all the benefits that a piano offers. Learning the piano not only strengthens musical abilities, it also helps with cognitive development, memory improvement, discipline, and problem-solving skills.

How do I know if my child is ready to learn piano?

Your child doesn’t have to be between the ages of six and nine to learn the piano – as their parent, you’ll know when the right time is for them to start lessons.

A key indicator is their motor skills – if they can move their fingers independently and with some control, they’ll probably be able to grasp basic piano techniques. 

Concentration is another important factor. Children who can stay focused on a task for at least 30 minutes are more likely to benefit from piano lessons. And it seems obvious, but your child should be able to count to four before they start learning the piano – counting is essential for understanding rhythm and timing in music. 

Other things to look for include a general interest in music and the ability to follow instructions. If your child shows enthusiasm for musical activities and can engage in structured play or activities, they’re probably ready to start their piano journey. 

Tips for helping your child learn the piano

Remind them to start slow and focus on accuracy

When children begin learning the piano, it’s tempting for them to play as quickly as possible. But there’s no point in rushing through a piece of music and making lots of mistakes! It’s more important to learn each section slowly and steadily as this helps build accuracy and good technique.

Remind your child to play at a pace where they can concentrate on hitting the right notes and maintaining the correct hand position. Speed will come naturally as their confidence grows.  

Place the piano in a communal area

Having the piano in a communal space, such as the living room, allows practice sessions to become a part of daily life and routine. It makes learning the piano feel less isolating and more enjoyable. Plus, if the piano is easy and comfortable to access, your child will be more likely to spontaneously play it. It also means you’re able to offer support and encouragement.

Encourage group practice

Playing with others can make learning the piano more rewarding. It can also boost their confidence as they’ll perform in front of others and receive praise and feedback from their peers. Encourage your child to participate in ensemble or group practice, whether with family members, friends, or in a music class.

Not only can ensemble work improve a child’s confidence, but it can also develop their timing, rhythm, and listening skills, while also fostering a sense of teamwork and motivation.  

Inspire your child to practise daily

Consistency is key when learning any instrument, and the piano is no different. Try to create a good routine in which your child practises the piano every day, even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Daily practice helps reinforce what they’ve learned and builds muscle memory. Regular sessions in the early stages also make the piano a natural part of their routine, which is crucial for long-term progress.

Ensure that learning the piano is fun! 

As well as all the benefits that learning the piano can offer, one of the most important aspects is that it’s fun. Your child won’t want to carry on learning if they’re not having a good time!

Your child will look forward to their next lesson or practice session if they’re working on songs they enjoy. Even the most basic beginner pieces can be rewarding to play; it’s about finding what your child enjoys the most. Regular encouragement will also boost their confidence and motivate them to improve their skills. 

The best entry-level piano 

If we were to choose a piano for a child, we’d go for the Yamaha P45 Digital Piano. It’s a fantastic entry-level choice for beginners, offering an authentic playing experience at an affordable price.

Its 88 fully weighted keys with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, helping children build proper technique and finger strength. In fact, this kind of hammer action is something that piano teachers recommend – and it’s why the P45 is popular among tutors and students alike.

The piano also features 10 high-quality instrument voices, including realistic piano sounds generated by Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) sampling technology.  

This range of sounds, paired with built-in reverb and chorus effects, ensures an engaging practice session in which your child can explore a variety of musical styles. Plus, the piano comes equipped with a sustain pedal and a headphone connection for quiet practice.

Perfect for beginners, the P45 includes three months of Flowkey Premium, a helpful resource that gives new players access to online tutorials and sheet music. 

Is it ever too late to learn piano? 

No, it’s never too late to learn the piano! Many people start learning as adults and enjoy all the benefits it brings as well as the process of picking up a new skill. Playing the piano helps improve cognitive function, memory, and hand-eye coordination. It can also be a great stress reliever, offering a creative outlet.

There are countless advantages to learning the piano later in life. It encourages patience, focus, and mindfulness while giving you the chance to explore new music styles. Plus, with learning tools and flexible lesson options, it’s easier than ever to fit practice into your schedule. 

FAQs 

Is five years old too early for piano lessons? 

Age five is not too early for piano lessons. Many children begin learning piano around this age as they typically have the motor skills and attention span needed. Early exposure can also build a solid musical foundation – which is needed for long-term interest and development.

How long should an 11-year-old practise the piano?

An 11-year-old student should practise the piano for around 30 to 45 minutes a day. Regular practice is the most important aspect of learning the piano, but at this age, a child should have the focus and discipline needed for a 30-minute practice session.

Is 12 years old too late to learn the piano?

The age of 12 is not too late to learn the piano. Your child should be able to focus for a 30-minute lesson and have the hand coordination to be able to comfortably learn the basics. They’ll pick up many benefits from learning the piano, including cognitive function, stress relief, and patience.

Final thoughts 

The piano is a very rewarding instrument to play. Many musicians choose to learn the piano before they move on to other instruments as it’s a great way to learn basic music theory skills. Other musicians choose the keep the piano as their main instrument – and rightly so, as it’s such a beautiful instrument! 

The best age to learn piano might be between six and nine, but its advantages stretch all ages. If your child wants to learn the piano, we hope our guide has helped! For further reading, check out our other beginner articles:  

Keyboard vs. Piano – Which one do I need

Piano Notes- A Guide to Learning the Piano and Reading Music

The 11 Best Headphones for Digital Pianos