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Frequently Asked Questions
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(1) I've heard piano is the best instrument for beginners to study. Why is that?
(2) How old/what age should I start my child on piano lessons?
(3) Do I need a piano right away? I don't want to waste money and space in my home by purchasing a piano, in case my kid doesn't like it -- would a keyboard or digital piano do?
(4) What kind of piano would you recommend?
(5) How often should my child take his/her lesson?
(6) What books do you use?
(1) I've heard piano is the best instrument for beginners to study. Why is that?
Piano studies are proven to be most useful, skillful, and best for intelligence, musicality, and building a musical foundation.
Piano is a serious art form, and widely respected due to requirements for keyboard harmony, voicing (SATB), tonal colouring, techniques, rhythmic, and comprehension of the higher learning. The greatest composers, conductors, and musicians began as pianists. J.S. Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Clara Schumann, Leonard Bernstein, Shostakovich, etc. to name a few.
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(2) How old/what age should I start my child on piano lessons?
It really depends on your child's maturity and enthusiasm for piano music. Studies at the University of California suggest that taking music lessons at age 3 can increase your child's brainpower. For infants and toddlers, there are several well-developed "Mother-Care" programs. Whether it is a toddlers sing-a-long group or actual private lessons, the child will benefit hugely from being exposed to music. Kids can start formal music training as early as age three, when brain circuits for learning music mature. If the toddler is not ready for formal music lessons, join toddler music/movement groups. These groups focuses on fostering a love of music, rhythm, and self-expression. By exploring how different instruments and sounds, and allow the child to feel. Then later, when your child is around 4 or 5, and is ready for formal training, piano is a good instrument to start with, to develop ambidextrous (both left and right hand) finger movements - more so than a guitar or violin.
The most important thing is that your child enjoys it. Make sure the instructor works well with young children and keeps the class fun and fast-paced.
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(3) Do I need a piano right away? I don't want to waste money and space in my home by purchasing a piano, in case my kid doesn't like it -- would a keyboard or digital piano do?
For a three or four year old, a keyboard might do for poking around. However, a keyboard is a big no-no for children at age 5 and up, due to (1) the keys balance and weight is necessary in developing touching, fingers, and posture; also (2) maintenance for a digital piano can very difficult to find, and can be just as costly as it is to "tune" an acoustic piano. The fancier keyboards with the different sounds and effect are designed for synthesizers, song-writers, gig performers on the go, not exactly meant for a student for learning classical piano.
Digital pianos have come a long way and are imitating the sound and feel of real pianos, with light key resistance, and weighted key balance and action. It's still yet to be as good as the acoustic piano, but there are some very good digital pianos out there that resemble real pianos. Therefore, a digital piano is a possible option for beginners. However, digital pianos remain light to the touch, and even good digital pianos are just as expensive as a good 2nd hand acoustic piano.
Digital pianos are adequate for beginners and early intermediate students, but at more mature level, I strongly urge parents and students to graduate to an piano - since the touching, sensitivity, and sound quality can never be truly replaced. Senior students and performers can easily recognize the beauty and character of the real mccoy.
As much as it is an investment on money and space, a piano is still a piano. It's understandable with the small spaces that we have at home and the costs, many parents would opt for smaller, and more affordable digital version. But keep in mind, a brand new quality digital piano can be as costly as a second-hand piano. So set your priorities and budget, bring your child along, and shop around. See what she or he likes.
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(4) What kind of piano would you recommend?
There are many piano "brands" that would suit a child or a student. Yamaha is a famous one for students of all levels. Kawai is also a good Japanese brand, especially with the wood chosen for piano-building. Hong Kong is extremely humid, so a Japanese piano would work very well -- don't forget a legitimate piano dealer will offer a de-humidifying machine for the piano as upkeep. Petrof is one of my favorites with heavier weight on the keys and more character. However, it is a czech-make and is temperamental in hong kong weather. The finest (and most famous) piano in the world (and if you can afford it) is a Steinway or Bosendorfer, even just purchasing an upright would cost as much as a small condominium unit. For students, any Kawai, Yamaha, or Pleyel would do just fine.
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(5) How often should my child take his/her lesson?
Back in the 18th century, only well-to-do or noble families can afford piano lessons. They would hire a well-known pianist/composer or teacher to stay with them at their home and tutor their children on a daily basis (once a day) until his contract is fulfilled - which he then would go to the contract.
Lessons now are standardized according to students' busy schedules, and usually consistent on a one lesson per week basis.
During the examination preparation periods, students often require two or three lessons per week.
I do have several children who are enjoying lessons twice a week. They are, without question, progressing beautifully.
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(6) What books do you use?
Music for Little Mozarts for toddlers (age 4 to 6), Alfred and Bastien books for children (age 6 to 12), and examination books for those who enjoys a little challenge.
Alfred books have been recommended widely in pedagogy as beginners system to slowly ease the children into understanding harmony, notations, and finger coordinations. The books are finger-friendly and child-friendly. Melodies are exciting and simple to play, and a lot fun for the kids to pick up.
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