Academie Garnet
A place of Knowledge & Learning
When to commence Tuition:
The following is a guide only and I am happy to discuss individual needs and to schedule an occasional lesson to make sure that students are on the right path before they commence regular lessons
What is the right age for students to begin formal lessons?
Piano
Has your child shown and interest or been asking to learn for at least 10-12 weeks?
Have they started to read books?
Can they sit and concentrate for 10- 15 minutes on a single task?
Do they have reasonable hand dexterity and left / right co ordination?
Allow very small hands to grow a little and become stronger
The right time for students to commence formal lessons is usually from 6 – 8 years of age.
There is little evidence that an earlier start will result in better progress ... in fact probably the opposite is true .... once children have an ability and interest to read; have confidence in their physical dexterity and concentration, they are more capable of steady progress.
Reward for effort will foster their love of music.
From age 2-5 encourage and help your child to become ‘lesson ready’ Together you can explore:
-
Group activities where students engage in physical movement to music, classes designed for pre school or school age students ( eg Mini maestros, MLC Academy music classes )
-
Sing songs and move to music.
-
Listening to a range of suitable recorded music.
-
There are many ‘apps’ available to download that help beginners to become familiar with the keyboard and written notation. Youtube videos can also be helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMoUrsxb4_g
-
If you have the ‘Spotify’ music streaming app, you can go to the following 'Academie Garnet' link for a playlist of suitable music that I have selected for young students to listen and move to.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6kzCVD3nnFNVK2lAXmG29h?si=5a2duyunQjaH3fF72aKT0g
Singing
Early teens is when students can begin to make singing their subject of choice.
Singing requires physical maturity and development of good breathing skills to support the voice.
A background in piano and music reading and aural skills before this time is desirable, as is involvement in school and community choirs eg.Australian Girls Choir
Swimming and physical activity which help the body to grow and develop, makes the singing student ‘lesson ready’