Too late to start learning piano at 7yrs old?

[huanghou]

My dd started when she was 4+ but didn’t have the interest. We stopped for 6 mths and now she (6yo) has just started again with individual lessons at a music school. Still not as motivated as I would love but at least she could play some simple tunes after a few lessons. I also sit in so that I can follow up with her on what the teacher has taught her and that also helps me learn too. I find sitting in helpful and we practise together.


I am learning to play chords (self taught) so that I can sing worship songs. All this at a ripe young age of almost half a century old. The other reason I’m learning to play the piano is to demonstrate to her the joy of making music.

[Dreamaurora]

huanghou:

My dd started when she was 4+ but didn't have the interest. We stopped for 6 mths and now she (6yo) has just started again with individual lessons at a music school. Still not as motivated as I would love but at least she could play some simple tunes after a few lessons. I also sit in so that I can follow up with her on what the teacher has taught her and that also helps me learn too. I find sitting in helpful and we practise together.


I am learning to play chords (self taught) so that I can sing worship songs. All this at a ripe young age of almost half a century old. The other reason I'm learning to play the piano is to demonstrate to her the joy of making music.

Just curious, what method book your DD is using now?

[waiyean]

I think it depends on definition of "too late". It is never too late to learn the instrument and play music for enjoyment.


However, when viewed from the perspective of maximizing one’s potential, then it may be a little late. There are these couple of years before 7, which if put into good use, can further the child’s ability to reach greater heights. There are lots of research done on childhood education that a child learns best below 6 years old, especially in areas like languages. If you view music as a language, then you need to learn it like a language, ie. continuous exposure to music, "listening" and "speaking" it from a young age.

Of course, one can always give examples of great pianists who started learning late. However, that’s mostly due to their talent and not because they "started late". Who knows, they may be greater had they started earlier.

My take is, start the child as early as possible, without giving the child any stress.

[concern2]

Yes, puffbelle, if you want your child to be a piano prodigy, 7 years old is too late.


BTW, Jay Chou started learning the piano at 7 years old.

[waiyean]

concern2:

Yes, puffbelle, if you want your child to be a piano prodigy, 7 years old is too late.


BTW, Jay Chou started learning the piano at 7 years old.

No, Jay Chou learnt piano at age three.

[Dreamaurora]

waiyean:

I think it depends on definition of \"too late\". It is never too late to learn the instrument and play music for enjoyment.


However, when viewed from the perspective of maximizing one's potential, then it may be a little late. There are these couple of years before 7, which if put into good use, can further the child's ability to reach greater heights. There are lots of research done on childhood education that a child learns best below 6 years old, especially in areas like languages. If you view music as a language, then you need to learn it like a language, ie. continuous exposure to music, \"listening\" and \"speaking\" it from a young age.

Of course, one can always give examples of great pianists who started learning late. However, that's mostly due to their talent and not because they \"started late\". Who knows, they may be greater had they started earlier.

My take is, start the child as early as possible, without giving the child any stress.

None of the great pianists 'started late', a lot decided to get serious late, but most did start early. Some started early in other instrument and then switched to piano later. To be honest, I sincerely believe someone who start very late can eventually achieve the standard of a great pianist with appropriate work ethic, teachers, and of course natural talent. The reasons why so far no late starter (teenager and above) has managed to make it in concert circuit are the practicality of finding practice time (have to work to earn a living, unless got sponsors or very rich parents), and sad to say many good teachers still have the mindset that adult starters cannot go far (and hence refuse to teach them).

But hey, as I have proven myself, you don't need to start early or be very prodigious to have a decent career in music.

[concern2]

waiyean:

concern2:

Yes, puffbelle, if you want your child to be a piano prodigy, 7 years old is too late.


BTW, Jay Chou started learning the piano at 7 years old.

No, Jay Chou learnt piano at age three.

Oh yeah, you are right. I heard it from a mandarin radio station years back, but now I check wiki, you are right.

So confirm must start earlier if you want to raise a prodigy.

I have a more logical explanation - because children are forced to stretch their hands early in life hence they develop very large and strong hands, which is an advantage in playing the piano.

But to put it in answering your question, it is never too late to start learning piano at 7 years old. You can also learn piano if you do not have any hands. All it takes is the desire and determination to learn and play it well.

[huanghou]

We’ve had keyboard lessons at sempi when she was 3yo. T’was a Disaster so we stopped after 6 months. Then at 4 she had private lessons at home but she still didn’t seem to get the feel for music and the keyboard. It was a struggle. Refused to practise. After a year we stopped piano lessons n took a 6 month hiatus. During that time She never touched the piano; instead we took her to concerts, musicals, plays and all sorts of performances. She started her lessons again this month and all of a sudden things seem to click and she could make sense of the notes and keys. I think for some kids maturity level and exposure to music and performing arts help them put things in perspective.

[sleepy]

Depends on the objective or goal in mind. If learn for leisure, any age is fine.


If intend to be a serious pianist, well, according to dd's ex-nafa teacher, she said should start learning at age 3. She complained my dd started learning way too late at age 5 :shock:

[waiyean]

sleepy:

Depends on the objective or goal in mind. If learn for leisure, any age is fine.


If intend to be a serious pianist, well, according to dd's ex-nafa teacher, she said should start learning at age 3. She complained my dd started learning way too late at age 5 :shock:

Strange that an ex-NAFA teacher would say to start at age 3. Why do they take students only from 5 years old then?