beanmommy2

>>>>I've just been hesitant in signing them up for lessons. I've been
afraid the traditional piano lessons with teachers who all expect their
students to practice so many hours a week, and playing the usual boring
songs in beginner's books, would just zap their fun and interest in
wanting to play.>>>>

Hi, I highly recommend you order a few books from
http://www.pianimals.com/
For less than ten bucks, a person could play several familiar songs in
probably less than 30 minutes, depending on the person and age.


>>>> So, my question is simply, are traditional piano lessons or using a
non-traditional approach ( as the simply Music), a good match for
children who already show interest in wanting to learn to play the
piano? Especially, for children as young as 6 ond 8. My kids have
shown an interest in the piano and other instruments for years. I 'd
just hate to suddenly zap it becuase of the wrong type of lessons. And,
I figured several on this list have had experience with their kids
learning to play the piano and was hoping to hear their first hand
experiences and advise.>>>>

Okay, I'm a professional pianist and a private piano teacher ... a few
thoughts:

- Whenever someone calls me about lessons and their child is six or
younger, I would immediately forward them to the local MusikGarten
teacher. To me, this is much more age-appropriate and money better
spent than private lessons, at that age.

- I'm always amazed at how people never "shop around" for a private
teacher. I would always tell people to interview (with their child) at
least three different teachers before making a decision. I have never
known a single person to do that.

I think a big reason so many people get disatisfied with lessons and
want to quit is because it never ocurred to the parents to try to find
the right match before beginning.

Some teachers have all their students do basically the same
assignments; some really work to tailor the pieces to what each
specific student would like. Some teachers are BIG on incentive
programs; others don't use them at all. Some teachers require students
to write down how many minutes they practice each day. Some teachers
require participation in a recital. Others don't even provide that
opportunity. And on and on. And personalities are just different ...
who does your child just feel comfortable being around?

- BTW, even if a child is learning through a "traditional" method, a
good teacher, IMO, should certainly have students be doing
improvisation and other more "creative" activities. One of the signs of
a good teacher is that they use way more than just a single method book
or series.

Good luck, and feel free to e-mail me off the list if you want to talk
about it more.

Jenny