While an acoustic piano is always the #1 choice, I recommend choosing an instrument that fits comfortably within your family’s budget and available space. If your child is just beginning and you feel that piano will be a long term commitment, investing in a piano can be a wonderful choice.

However, if budget or space is a concern, there is no need to feel pressured to purchase a traditional piano. A good quality digital piano or an electric keyboard with 88 weighted keys and a damper pedal is a great option for beginners and will provide the features your child needs to practice and develop proper technique.

Learning to play the piano is about much more than simply “pressing keys.” Young pianists are learning to listen, follow directions, recognize letters and notes, develop coordination, and stay focused for short periods of time, all while discovering the joy of making music!

Because of this, children can often begin piano lessons as young as four or five years old. Every child develops at their own pace, and my goal is to meet each student where they are, helping them build the skills, confidence, and love of music that will support them as they grow.

Consistent practice is an important part of learning to play the piano. It helps establish good habits, creates a routine, and allows students to develop their skills more quickly. It is often very noticeable during a lesson when a student has had a productive week of practice. While a teacher can provide guidance, instruction, and encouragement, much of a student’s growth happens through independent practice at home.

I recommend the following practice times:

• Ages 4 to 7: 15 to 20 minutes per day

• Ages 8 to 10: 30 minutes per day

• Ages 11 and up: 45 to 60 minutes per day

While every student and family is different, and schedules can be busy, I recommend that students practice at least four days each week, adjusting the length and timing of practice as needed.

Find a consistent routine that works well for your family. Practicing before school, right after school, or after dinner can help make practice a natural part of the day. If one practice session feels too long, divide it into two shorter sessions, such as practicing once in the morning and again in the evening. If you only have 15 minutes available, use that time for focused practice on one or two assignments rather than waiting for a full 30 minutes later in the day to work through everything.

And most importantly, encourage your child to make piano practice fun! Check out the Practice Activities on our Resources page for ideas and inspiration. When students incorporate the games and activities recommended during their lessons, practice can feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable part of their day. Remember, it is much more important for students to practice accurately and thoughtfully than to simply meet a certain amount of time.

Modeling that learning is a lifelong process helps your child develop a healthy attitude toward learning and persistence.

To help you and your child get started on the road to musical success, here are three simple ways you can support them at home:

1. Get familiar with the lesson books

The lesson books I use in my studio are thoughtfully designed to introduce students to piano step by step, beginning at square one. Take some time to look through the book as your child progresses through it. You will likely find it fairly easy to follow, and it can give you a better understanding of what your child is learning. Of course, if you ever have questions, your child can show you what we have been working on, or you are always welcome to reach out to me.

2. Let your child be the teacher

No matter their age, students usually love the opportunity to tell an adult what to do! Let your child be your “teacher” during practice time. This gives them a chance to reinforce what they learned during their lesson while you get to have a little fun being the student. It is a wonderful way to make practice interactive and engaging.

3. Use lesson recordings when helpful

If you would like, I can record your child’s lesson and send the recording to you afterward. This allows you to see firsthand how we worked through a particular concept or assignment. You can then use the recording as a guide when practicing with your child at home.