If your child is a budding musician with a passion for the piano, then piano classes are a great way for them to improve their skills and reach their full potential. Piano classes can teach them the correct techniques, how to read music, composition, improvisation and song writing. They can also work towards practical and theory piano exams if they enjoy the focus of working towards a goal and achieving milestones so they can take pride in their success.
If you are thinking about starting piano lessons for your child, then here are some of the main things for you to consider and if you are only here to find a music teacher then feel free to take a shortcut down the page here.
Why take piano classes
If your child has a desire and interest in playing the piano then classes are a great way for them to learn the correct techniques and improve their skills. There are also many other great benefits to taking piano classes, e.g.
- Improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
- Boosts cognitive and intellectual ability
- Improves memory
- Encourages patience and perseverance
- Relieves stress and can reduce anxiety
- Strengthens hand muscles
- Improves your split concentration
- Develops an appreciation for music
- Brings joy to the player and the listener
Different types of piano lessons in Brisbane
Classes are available for different types of pianos. There are classes for keyboards, digital pianos and acoustic pianos. This will depend either on what type of instrument you have at home or which your child would prefer to learn.
There are also several other types of piano lessons:
Different musical styles
Many tutors and music centres offer classes in different styles of music so that your child can learn the piano through the type of music that they love. For example, the main types of piano classes are classical, contemporary, pop, jazz and blues. Beginner classes often teach the basics without being set within one style, while there are lots of tutors and centres that offer lessons in a range of styles for more advanced learners.
Private lessons
Private piano lessons are great for kids who would thrive best with the focus of one-on-one lessons and individual attention.
At home lessons
If you have your own keyboard or piano then it may be most convenient for your child to have lessons at home. The tutor will come to you so that you don’t have to travel to classes, and you can get on with anything you need to do at home while they have their lesson. This can also be a great way for other siblings to get interested in lessons too.
Music Centres
There are many music centres around Brisbane that offer excellent piano lessons. This is a great option for families who don’t have a piano at home or who prefer to go to lessons in a professional setting, away from the distractions of home.
Group classes
Some music centres or tutors also offer group piano classes. This can be a great way for kids to improve their piano skills and make new friends and socialise at the same time.
What to look for in a children’s piano class
We are very lucky that here in Brisbane there are loads of great options for kids to have piano classes, but that makes it hard for us to choose the best one. Recommendations from friends are the best place to start. The best classes should also offer the following:
- Experienced and qualified instructors with a love of kids and passion for music so they are kind, patient, nurturing and inspire a love of music
- Structured lessons with clear goals
- Ability to tailor classes to the needs of individual children
- Ability to help students improve their technique
- Fun lessons that balance building skills with the enjoyment of playing a musical instrument
What age is best to start piano classes
Some tutors or music schools will have minimum ages for children starting piano classes, while others are more flexible. Often parents are left wondering what age is best for kids to start. Of course, the ideal starting point is different for all children, depending on their development and individual personalities. However, most children will be ready between the ages of 4 to 8. To tell if your child is ready, you can check if he / she:
- has a desire or interest to play the piano
- is able to concentrate on an activity for 10 or more minutes at a time
- knows the letters A to G
- is able to move individual fingers independently
- has hands big enough to be able to comfortably place their fingers and thumbs on separate piano keys
If your child is not quite ready for piano classes, you can still nurture their love of making music and give them a great introduction to piano playing by having anything from a small keyboard to a full piano at home. This is a great way for kids to explore the instrument and develop their early piano skills. Through simply playing around on a piano or keyboard, they can get familiar with using the keys, where to find low and high notes, and how to combine notes together to create simple tunes. This is also great fun for kids and nurture their love of music before they begin more formal lessons.
Resources to help you find a Brisbane piano class
The Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) is a great resource for information on piano playing and exams, as well as expert advice and inspiration. Simply visit ameb.edu.au/piano.
You can also visit our directory of Music and Singing Classes for Brisbane Kids for a growing range of music classes to suit all abilities and age groups:
https://brisbanekids.com.au/music-and-singing/
Musicteacher.com.au is an online directory of music teachers to help you find a local piano teacher in Brisbane.
If you are looking to buy a piano or keyboard, be sure to check out buy, sell and swap pages on Facebook, as well as second-hand sites such as ebay and Gumtree.
If you don’t have your own piano, you can practise for FREE at the State Library of Queensland. There is a piano practice room that is available free of charge for library members for one hour per day and can be booked up to a week in advance. Visit slq.qld.gov.au for more information.
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