“What is the best age to begin piano lessons?” is an important consideration when thinking about starting music instruction and wanting to be the most successful.

There are quite a few formal studies that could be compared, but the bottom line result is very similar: The younger, the better.

The best age to begin piano lessons is explained by Dr. Robert A. Cutietta, Dean of the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. He believes that “musical experience at an early age is extremely important in a child’s developmental process. Like riding a bike or learning a language, these skills can be learned later in life, but they will never be ‘natural’ in the way that is so important for fluid musical performance.” https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/whats-the-right-age-to-begin-music-lessons

So some kind of methodical introduction to music, piano specifically, would ideally begin for the student about three years of age. This would gradually increase in length of lesson, with the focus being able to accurately read and play written music.

Preparation to Begin Piano Lessons

PIANO Revolution for the Itty Bitty Student is designed for young students who are ages 4-5. However, in order to be most successful during the piano lesson, the child should first ideally be able to do the following:

• Sit attentively and follow directions for a short amount of time (one to three minutes). The length of the piano lesson will gradually increase over several months.

• Identify right and left hands

• Understand the concepts of before and after; up and down; to the right and to the left; next to and hop over; in front of; forward and backward

• Count to five easily and recognize the written numbers

• Easily recite at least the first seven letters of the alphabet

• Recognize letters A B C D E F G and a b c d e f g.

Piano Books for Beginners – Even Self-Teaching!

Are you interested in finding very effective piano books for beginners?

A series written for the very young student of 4 or 5 years old . . . or a 6 year-old to young teenage?

Or perhaps even older teens and adults?

There is a series of Piano Revolution method books for each of these three age categories – plus one for improvising with a chord approach!

You can see sample pages for all the books on pianorev.com by choosing from the library below:

What Would the First Lesson for a Young Student Look Like?

What Would the First Lesson for a 6 to Teen Look Like (video)?

View sample pages of all the books for students
ages 6 to teen:

View sample pages of all the books for students
4 to 5 years old:

View sample pages of all the books for older
teens and adults:

View the books on Amazon:

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Buy on Amazon

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About the Author, Composer,
Illustrator, Educator, and
Eternal Optimist

Leslie Young is the author, composer, and illustrator of the PIANO Revolution method books (originally titled as the Revolutionary Piano Method). She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for over 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as
returning students.

Young believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence
and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the pattern of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.

She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also
varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children
of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may
need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children
and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity.

Because these books are self-explanatory, a novice or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the PIANO Revolution method with students. It’s an easy and effective way to learn piano.”

This content will be of most interest to:

• Parents who homeschool
• Professional piano instructors
• Individuals desiring piano books for beginners
• Educators of Instructional Design for piano
• Adults desiring a self-teaching piano book
• Parents wondering the best age to start piano lessons for a child