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Hi. Our son just started piano lessons in September from a very reputable teacher at a very reputable music store. I never learned piano - so I do not know anything about it. He enjoys playing and the teacher says that he picks it up well. However, he started him out on a Beginner Piano book and is working his way through it. But - playing would be a huge stretch at this point - to use to describe what my son has learned. Is this normal? How long does it take for a child to learn how to really play? Is it better to teach this way - with the book - step by step - or to have the teacher teach him how to play different songs? Thanks - just wondering.

It sounds like your son is right on course. He is learning a lot, even though it may not show to you. Trust your teacher.

Good evening,

I agree with the Candyman.

As a teacher, myself, I am always asked "Can we play songs???" from my students.

We are living in a society of instant gratification. Unfortunately, learning to play an instrument, and play it WELL takes time.

If your child's teacher is taking him, step-by-step and making sure that he understands everything..then you are moving in the right direction.

Before you know it, your son will be able to play all sorts of music, quicker, because he learned correctly.

Have a great night!

Jerry A. Greene
JAG Music, Multimedia & Publishing
Come Listen to and Get Free Sheet Music!!!
by: Composer, Songwriter & Producer Jerry A. Greene
http://FreeSheetMusic.JAGMMP.COM

I would agree with the two previous posts. In teaching I go page by page in the instruction books to assure that essential steps are not by-passed. A good foundation will be of immeasureable value later and skipping around in books allows for much that is important to go by the wayside. To expect great things immediately from a normal child is unrealistic. If your child is precocious in the least then he will make rapid progress but if 'normal' then it will take longer. It takes a while to learn to read (which is what he is doing in music), to spell, add, subtract, etc. This too, is a learning experience so allow time.