Hi mummies,
been really busy, not able to log in.
jfoo, I should be able to come also on Friday, either 4.30pm or 5pm coz the girls have a dental appt that afternoon.
Sam, regarding piano classes for kids, I agree with jfoo. For music, we can expose the child to music as early as possible through listening to various types of music, singing etc. For a child to start learning the piano, it really depends. There are many classes now for kids, but those with piano/keyboard generally start at 3 yrs.These are usually group classes, as kids at this age learn a lot through play. It is pointless to have individual class for a child that young unless the child have an aptitude for it.Not to mention, kids remember many things through play, touch and feel.
Its also about teaching discipline and focus for children. Some kids focus better than others, and they tend to be at an advantage.
I don't know about you jfoo. I notice, now , many parents want kids to do grade 1 piano exam at Pri 1 level.Personally, I feel that only some kids can do that, not all. Well, if you start the child say about 5 yrs old or slightly a little later, maybe possible.But then too much focus on exams can kill the interest on music.Its really being able to balance and communicate with parents well who are overly anxious.
Bottomline, it depends on the child as well as the teacher. I use to start kids as young as 4 yrs, or 5 yrs for individuals.(Few years back,my mum and I used to teach gp classes to 3 and 3.5 yrs old).I use to have a few young students, and each student is different. When their learning styles are different, you need to approach the lessons in a way that will fit their learning curve and not the other way round. Here, the child may benefit from 1-1 lessons.
Lessons need to be fun, at the same time,they are learning about piano playing and music progressively. As parents, we can help by introducing the world of music to them.By bringing the children,to attend concerts.Expose them to lotsa classical music,etc. In fact, for both my children, especially when they were infants, I play classical music of all sorts for them, when they sleep or awake. Unless the TV is on, most of the time, I will expose them to classicals. Hopefully, they will develop an interest and not reject "this kind" of music right from the beginning.
OK, I think I've written too much. I'm so long winded.
