Sha Wang

When should I start my kids with piano lessons?

Dr. Wang: Every child is different. In general, I wouldn't recommend any child younger than 5 years old to start piano lesson. Attention span is a very important factor. If your child cannot focus on one activity for more than 30 minutes at a time (try to test them with their favorite thing to do, like video game or sports), I would not recommend piano lessons. Nevertheless, piano is an excellent way to develop one's discipline as well as concentration. 

How long should each lesson be?

Dr. Wang: Again, another very individualized question. For children age from 5-8, I'd recommend half hour private lesson and for those older, 45 minutes to one hour would be appropriate. But again, you know your child's attention span the best. Bottom line, you don't want to waste your money if the child gets distracted or cannot focus 30 minutes into the lesson. And any piano teacher would be grateful if she or he doesn't have to put up with a kid who is running around the piano instead of playing it. 

Is Suzuki method the way to go?

Dr. Wang: Suzuki method is an excellent training tool developed by Japanese music pedagogue, Mr. Suzuki. It focuses on the early musical development of a child based on repetitive listening, parental participation and group activity. However, in the United States, there has been a trend of 'picking and choosing' parts of the method for a 'quick result' in piano teaching. As a result, lots of children can play quite advanced pieces, but cannot read music at all. Use a simply analogy, the child is taught aurally how to recite a novel and has memorized it (a child's memory is amazing) and never really learned alphabets and vocabularies. So when it comes to learning a new piece on his or her own, it has become impossible. In short, if you have chosen Suzuki method for your child, don't worry. Be sure to check the child's reading ability and if you have a child older that 9, you should start looking for other method books. Suzuki is meant for the youngest starters. 

Should parents sit in lessons?

Dr. Wang: For the youngest students, it would be very helpful if parental guidance is available in and outside the lessons. But at some point, the student need to learn how to be independent. In general, age 10-11 would be a starting point where the parent(s) should consider let the child play 'solo'. 

Should my children be practicing scales and various exercises?

Dr. Wang: Absolutely. Whether your child is taking lessons as a recreational activity or is serious about potentially becoming a concert pianist, scales and exercises (etudes) are the basis of their technique. Think of it like going to the gym, you can lift 5 pounds or 50 pounds. The key is you have to do some of it. 

How long should my children practice every day?  

For beginning, 20-30 minutes/day. Intermediate: 30-60 minutes/day. Advanced: 1-2 hours/day. Serious students who consider competitions or a career in music: 2-6 hours/day. Make sure you break it down into several segments. 

How can my children develop perfect pitch? Can it be trained?

Dr. Wang: Many factors go into developing perfect pitch, such as language, age, and even D.N.A. In general, a child is more likely to develop perfect pitch if music lessons start between age 5-9. It is a window of opportunity in children development. Perfect pitch cannot be trained in one's adulthood. However, one can be trained to have an excellent 'almost perfect' relative pitch. With a referential pitch (often the 440 A), he or she can do everything that a "perfect pitcher" can do. 

Where can I take piano lessons? 

Look at your local chapter of MTNA, there is a listing of all qualified piano teachers. Dr. Wang holds her private studio in north Pittsburgh, Wexford, and Cranberry area. You may contact her at wangsha@shawang.net.

Where kind of things should I be looking for when searching for a piano teacher?

Dr. Wang: Qualification. Know the teacher's resume, if not given, ask for one.

                    Make sure you have a two-way interview, so that your child is comfortable with the teacher                      and so is the teacher. 

                    Community. Your children would be happier and more likely to take lessons from a                               particular teacher if there is going to be a recital and they get to dress up and show off                         what they had learned. 

For all questions relating to piano technician, piano stores, or music stores, please visit Greater Pittsburgh Community page.  

For all other inquiries including taking lessons from Ms. Wang, please email us at: wangsha@shawang.net