Is it best to learn piano first?

Hmmmm…I get this question ALL OF THE TIME!! Parents ask me, is it best to start my child with piano because it’s the fundamentals of music? Theoretically…yes. But in the scheme of things, it is NOT necessary. While there are amazing tools you can learn from the piano, it is not something that needs to be forced.

I have had so many parents ask if it’s okay if their child starts with guitar! Will they miss out on theory?Not really. Will they have fun learning something they are passionate about? YES! I always encourage families to choose the instrument that their child is MOST interested in. It is best to let them explore their interest, rather than force something.

Now, on the other hand, so many kiddos enjoy and want to play piano. I started playing when I was 6, and it has allowed me to learn other instruments. I started off with piano, and as I got older, I self-taught guitar to myself. It was great, I had tools from the piano that gave me the ability to pick up the guitar and learn on my own.

In the grand scheme of it all, it truly comes down to what the child is passionate about. Drums? Let’s do it! Rhythm is great to learn! Guitar? You can jam by a fire and bring the instrument wherever you are? Piano? You can learn theory or your favorite song.

There are endless possibilities to music, and there is no right or wrong way.