Starting age for Simply Music students
Found in: Student Management
Joanne C., Australia
I am curious to know what age you start Simply Music from generally. I read somewhere, quite a while ago now, that someone started a 3-year-old in the program.
Amy L., California
I think there’s a Teacher Workshop or a recorded phone call about assessing children for readiness to start the program.
Cheri S., Utah
It depends on the teacher too, your strengths and preferences.
Susan M., Canada
I started age 6 this year for two classes of two kids. Personally, I prefer the older students and I will likely change the start age to 7. Although the young students are very capable and enjoy lessons, making the lessons more hands-on, and pacing slower feels different for me.
Cheri S., Utah
For me 7 is ideal too. Younger students seem to take enough longer that I’d rather start them later and get going with good momentum.
Heidi M., Canada
I started with a boy age 6 last year and the first six weeks were quite an uphill struggle for his motor skills. My concern was initially that he might get discouraged (because his motor skills were not on par with what his brain was understanding and wanting his hands to do) and that is my concern for the really young children. In his case he broke through and is making great progress (halfway through Foundation 2). He loves the piano but he also has excellent support from his parents. Maybe it would not work well for every 6-year-old though for him it did/does.
Kerry V., Australia
I love working with kids from age 4. But then, I love teaching everyone of any age.
Predominantly, especially with kids this young, you are really working with the parent anyway.
To me, I work with the child within anyone, even adults. They may have adult discussions but the learning can sometimes be coming from their child self. The little one who was never allowed lessons, or that it was too hard, and they carried these feelings into the adult. Now the adult is experiencing their music through the age of an adult but the excitement and hesitation of the child.
Sandy B., California
I have a four-year-old girl now. I teach her only RH and her sister, who is farther along, plays the left hand. Eventually she’ll be ready for both hands. I use Foundation 1 and go very slowly. She’s been fine with it. I also teach the very simple black key duet (just black keys) the first day and add in to it if the kids are ready. And I have a great 6-year-old who eats it up like candy and plays both hands as he squeals in glee.