My 6 year old son would like to learn how to play the piano. I do not have a musical background and have no idea where to start. How do we find an instructor that is kind and gentle for my sensitive son? Are there certain teaching methods/credentials/etc. I should be looking for? Things I want to avoid, etc.?

Also, we don't have a piano. Do you think I could get him a keyboard or something to practice on before shelling out the big bucks for a piano (want to make sure his interests lasts a bit, you know?).

Any advice on how to start this process would be very much appreciated. :shy

When dd started piano, I first called everyone I could find who taught (schools, individuals) and asked about their methods. I let them do the talking. Some were very good explaining their background, how they taught and why they used that method. Then, I visited the ones that I thought sounded best over the phone and chose from there. I love our teacher. She runs a school that is only for music learning. There aren't any sales dept. She keeps several teachers for several instruments and is extremely positive. My dd started at 6 yr and our teacher uses a group arrangement for that age (4/class). They don't share a piano though--there are 4 pianos in that room, all very high quality digital pianos (not keyboards). They have headsets for when they are all working on something. The class also learns music theory as well as 'how to play'. They have opportunities to compose as well. The piano hook up to computers and that has been a great way to learn to read music as well as other benefits. Also, the kids get to make CDs of themselves playing. Our teacher rewards the students with 'credits' that they can use once a month in her "store". This store is for credits only. It really seems to work as my dd practices without me harping on her. I was hesitant about the group thing, but I really think it is best for dd. She loves her classmates, and they help each other figure things out. Plus, they play "games" in the music theory part which they couldn't do in private lessons.

As far as buying a piano, our teacher hooked us up with a digital piano for around 2000 new. She thought the quality of it was great, but it doesn't have the features of the higher end models. We love it. DD can use headphones if we need her too, and it never needs to be tuned. To get similar quality on an acoustic piano we would've needed to spend a lot more.

Amy

There Is Normally A Good Electric Piano For Sale At Costco (in Canada) My Husband Bought Me One. Its Around 1000$ Cdn. Comes With Stand. It Has Full Sized Keys And To Me Sounds Better Than The Expensive Ones At The Music Store.

Also I Would Suggest Buying Cds Of Piano Music And See If He Enjoys Listening To That.

Personally (this is speaking as a guitar teacher who learnt the piano herself when younger and also put dd1 through piano lessons) I would get him a digital piano (we got Jess one for 399UKP +shipping) with a headphone socket and a "teach yourself the piano" book for him to follow. If you want to follow this option I am more than happy to recommend a book or two...

Just a word about digital pianos/keyboards (and we have one, I play myself, and love it)...

If you (and your child) are serious about your child learning the piano, but aren't going to purchase an accoustic piano, please make sure that the keys on the keyboard are weighted appropriately - so they have the same touch/feel as a real piano, and will play/adjust volume according to how much pressure he puts on the keys.

Sure it will cost more, but part of learning the piano is learning how to control the sound the instrument makes by the touch of your fingers - and how this corresponds to the directions on the music. And also, he won't be able to build up the appropriate muscles in his hands using an unweighted keyboard.

Without this ability, you'll be disadvantaging your child for future play.