Simpedia

Carrie L., Michigan

I would say that your choice is to start a little older. Many of us teach younger children but I can understand why you wouldn’t.

Jane K., Australia

I would say the age is only a general guide. Each individual is different, but usually at that age they would be able to sit still for half an hour, concentration span is longer, ability to understand instruction is better, etc., and I would consider younger kids who display these qualities.

Nancy W., Texas

I’ve started two students at 5-1/2 and they have done great. I do private lessons and I tell the parents up front they’ll have to really be there to assist. These kids are outstanding players.

Here’s a great story: Caleb, who at the time was 6-1/2, went on family vacation at a ski resort. In the lobby was a grand piano. With permission from the hotel, he played on it. By the end of the week, his mother said people were asking for him and giving him money. The people couldn’t believe how short a time he had been taking lessons.

So in my opinion, I think it depends on the child, the parents, and type of lessons, private vs group.

Kerry V., Australia

I’ve taught kids from age 4. I absolutely love it. But, I can do it. Not everyone can teach all ages. Some people prefer to teach adults. If you find that teaching from 7 is best for you, then you must follow that. However, if you haven’t done it before, it may be worth looking into if there is a slight interest.

If you have a teacher closer to you who will teach a younger child, pass them on to them.

Joy O., Alabama

The nearest SM teacher is an hour’s drive away. I’ve had several six-year-olds that didn’t work out. I’d rather ask them to wait a year and have a positive result than have them start early and quit. Plus, I think my personality fits older ones better.

Ian B., California

I’ve started to realize in my area that I’d be cutting out a significant portion of my potential market by starting children at 7 years. I have so many inquiries from parents of 5-6 years old that I had to start considering them.

Currently, I charge them a little more for private lessons and split the time between them and their attending life coach (usually the mother). I’ve actually done well marketing this as a “mommy and me” format. But I also stress to the families that this is temporary and as the child’s attention span and skill level (and repertoire) increases, they will handle much more of the full lesson on their own. I also emphasize that they will be moved into a group class when I feel they are ready. There is a fantastic training in the supplemental section (part of the TWS) that I highly recommend.

Heidi M., Canada

My youngest SM student started at age 6 and he did very well and continues to do well (now 7-1/2 years and starting F3). But it took him about 2 months of practicing the basics to overcome the motor skills issues (strengthen his fingers etc) and I am so glad he overcame that and he did not give up!

Jacqui G., Canada

I tell parents there are advantages to waiting until age seven. Coordination and fine motor skills are more developed, hands are larger, attention span is longer. Having attended school for two years, the child is familiar with class routine and has participated in group activities; can follow directions, read and write, and work towards a goal. It’s not a hard and fast rule for me, but I have found that it works out better in most cases.

Ian M., Indiana

The only thing I would add is that in explaining your reasons, you might think about prefacing them with the phrase “In my experience…”.