Pinelands Music Academy offers private one-on-one piano lessons on site at our location in Medford Lakes, NJ

What’s a good age to start?

From a developmental perspective, a child is generally ready for the coordination and mental demands of piano playing by 6-8 years old, but there is no minimum age requirement. Provided realistic expectations are maintained, a student can get started developing the necessary skills and habits at a young age. There is also no age limit! As the saying goes, it’s never too late to start, and we’re proud to teach plenty of adult students.

Do I need to have an instrument at home?

The short answer is, yes! That said, we recognize that pianos can be expensive, and not everyone is willing or able to make that kind of investment (especially if you’re not sure whether your child is going to stay committed). In the beginning, just about any piano or digital keyboard will suffice to learn the basics, but it won’t be long before a student needs a keyboard with a realistic feel to practice. A digital keyboard with 88 weighted keys is usually the most affordable solution. We recommend the Yamaha P-45 model for its affordability, quality of sound, and lightweight by sturdy design. While we don’t carry this model in our store at this time, we’ll be happy to direct you to a reputable retailer.

What should I expect?

While producing a note on piano is quite simple, you should expect the challenge to come from coordinating the fingers and, especially, the two hands. Reading sheet music is also an essential part of playing piano, regardless of style. Depending on your goals and stylistic interests, you may expect chord study to be part of your lessons as well. Our teachers are well qualified to guide you through all of this!