how to prepare for your child's first piano lesson

Parents enroll their children into music classes for various reasons. Music can jumpstart a child's development in an array of skills related to abstract thinking, motor control, focus and concentration, and imagination. 

Finding a piano teacher in your area is only the first step in ensuring your child has a successful experience with learning music. Here's a short list of how to prepare for your child's first piano lesson.

1. Piano.

While a keyboard is functional for music literacy, the sounds do little for imagination, and the digital interface of a keyboard might break concentration if the child is used to scrolling through keyboard sound choices. The keyboard is also made of a lighter material than the tension used in acoustic pianos, so the motor control and refinement is not calibrated correctly if a child begins learning the piano on a keyboard then later switches over to an acoustic piano. 

Even a bad upright piano can help eliminate some of the problems stated above.

2. Method Book.

Is it the piano teacher's job to find the right method book for your child? Traditionally, yes. However, I suggest the parent take a child to a music store and browse the many options, in order for the child to find his/her favorite book with preferred illustrations. The drawings and cartoons inside a method book are an important player in motivating the child. If the piano teacher has recommendations, show the child the recommendations and see which he/she gravitates toward.

These are the two most important supplies to have before beginning your child's first piano lesson. It's important to make sure the child stays motivated and is willing to work through the not-so-fun parts of forming habits and character. With the right tools, parents can help encourage their children through perseverance and growth.