This picture is proof
 that today's kids can be just as fascinated with classical music as any previous generation.  Pictured is William DeVan, Steinway artist, in a children's concert at Dollarhide's surrounded by his captivated audience of kids, all of whom were either piano students or about to begin lessons.

"Piano For Kids"

• "The best time to start piano lessons is generally between the ages of 6 and 10.  Most piano teachers consider the start of the second or third grade to be the optimum time to start lessons.  The children are mature enough and have learned enough about language and math to succeed as long as they are interested and have your support."

• "This is not to say that your kid will be unsuccessful starting before or after this age range.  Some children start as early as 4 and some teenagers and many adults have begun the study of piano with great success. 

• "The sooner your child starts piano after the age of 5 or 6, the better.  If you wait until after they turn 12 the brain has 'Hard-wired' to the point that progress is slower and is further complicated by the onset of puberty. Plus, an early start in music helps the brain develop in other ways. The American Music Conference says 'The news has been hard to miss: in study after study, scientists are finding correlations between music making and some of the deepest workings of the human brain.'"

Piano For Kids
in Pensacola, Florida
For kids 12 and under

Most area teachers prefer to start kids between the second and fifth grades.  A few will start them before and after that.  Once your child is ready to begin lessons you can involve them in "Piano For Kids" activities before they start and after.  

Names of all area piano teachers are available free of charge year-round from Dollarhide's Music and are available by zip code and other sorting.  PMTA members may be found on the PMTA web site or by calling Dollarhide's. 

Parents should visit Dollarhide's downtown Pensacola piano store with their child when seeking help about starting lessons, whether they need a piano or not. The visit will offer your child piano history, an introduction to all sizes and types of pianos, a preview of performing on a 9' Steinway concert grand and enthusiasm about learning to play the piano.  The staff is friendly and professional and welcomes you any time.  Click HERE for a map to Dollarhide's store.  

August:  Back-to-School, the most common time to start piano lessons. Get names of teachers near your home and visit their studios with your child. Call Dollarhide's or visit the PMTA web site for teacher names. Visit with several teachers in their studios with your child.  Select the teacher that seems right for your child. Rent, buy or otherwise make plans for a piano or digital piano in your home.

September - November:  Teachers with openings will continue to accept students.  Call Dollarhide's or visit PMTA web site for teacher names. Many children will see school presentations for 2nd graders by the "Piano For Kids" volunteers in elementary schools. Others may attend scheduled presentations on Saturday mornings at Dollarhide's. 

October - December:  Attend Fall, Halloween and Christmas recitals by area teachers at Dollarhide's recital hall and other sites with your child.  Attend Gallery Night in downtown Pensacola in November which will feature piano teachers performing at Dollarhide's Music Center.

January - February:  Many teachers encourage new student enrollments during January.  Attend Symphony concerts featuring pianists. Watch your church calendar for piano events.

March - May:  Attend student recitals and performances at Dollarhide's and other locations. Attend Symphony concerts featuring pianists. Get names of teachers near your home and visit their studios with your child.

June - July:  Finalize enrollment with a teacher.  Buy or otherwise make plans for a practice piano in your home.