Piano Readiness Checklist

Many parents wonder, “What is the right age to start my child’s piano lessons?” The truth is, there is no universal “right” age because every child is unique.

This checklist of questions will help you determine your child’s readiness. I recommend waiting until you can confidently answer “yes” to all of these questions before beginning your child’s piano journey.

Are they expressing an interest in taking lessons?

  • Do they delight in music?

  • Do they sing and move when they hear it?

  • Are they curious about the instruments they see and hear?

Are their hands big enough?

  • Can they comfortably rest each finger on a white key right next to each other?

Are they showing fine motor development?

  • Can they touch each finger to their thumb?

  • Can they write their first and last name comfortably?

  • Can they hold a pencil (as opposed to holding it in a fist)?

  • Can they use scissors?

Are they showing pre-reading skills?

  • Can they read letters?

  • Can they read numbers?

Are they showing signs of resilience?

  • Can they tolerate not mastering something the first time?

  • Can they tolerate making a mistake?

  • Can they tolerate trying again?

Are they showing signs of focus and body control?

  • Can they sit still for a few minutes at a time?

  • Can they focus on a task for a few minutes at a time?

  • Can they follow a short series of directions?

Practice Tips

  • Schedule your lessons consistently every week

  • Schedule a consistent time for practice daily

  • Focus on quality, not quantity

  • Check your posture before you start

  • Practice SLOWLY in small chunks, whether it’s one hand, one phrase, or one section at a time. Remember, SLOW WORK LEADS TO FAST PROGRESS

  • Increase the tempo ONLY if you can play two times with accuracy, good posture, and proper hand/finger positions.

  • Isolate and repeat the hard sections–do not go back to the beginning and start over. 

  • Repeat and repeat. Mastery comes with repetition.

  • Stop if you are making the same mistakes or going through the motions on mental “autopilot.”