There is no better time than the New Year to begin piano lessons. If you have been thinking of enrolling your child in piano lessons, dont wait. Piano lessons have many educational benefits for children, so waiting until your child is in middle school doesnt make sense. If you want to do this for your child, commit to it now. Heres a 5 step to get your child started in piano right away in the New Year, instead of waiting until another school year rolls around.

1. Make room in your home for a piano or keyboard - This is step one. It seems obvious but you cant imagine how many parents put off piano lessons for their children because they claim they dont have enough room in their home for a piano. This is baloney! People make room in their home for what is important to them. I recommend the living room or family room. Young children can feel isolated if they have to go to their rooms to practice their lessons.

2. Purchase a piano or keyboard for your home - If you are concerned that noise will be a factor when other children are studying or taking a nap, then get a keyboard with ear phones. The minimum requirement is 76 full-size keys, if you dont want to replace it within 6 months.

3. Find a piano teacher in your area - Check the internet or the phone book for a teacher in your area. Interview the teachers and find someone who goes out of his or her way to make your and your child feel comfortable and who will be flexible.

4. Arrange your schedule to accommodate weekly lessons - Parents also need to be flexible. Arrange your schedule to accommodate piano lessons and realize it is a weekly commitment. Piano lessons are just like any other class kids have to show up to benefit from enrollment. Kids who are frequently absent from school dont learn as much, and its the same with piano classes.

5. Put the teachers Spring Recital Date on your Calendar - Recitals are a valuable tool that there is no substitute for. All behavior is essentially goal driven as that is where motivation comes from. If you want your child to be motivated in piano, help them to set goals. Piano recitals are not a test, they are a goal and a valuable tool to help piano students succeed and to grow in confidence when they are young.

Follow this simple and direct 5-step plan to get your child started in piano lessons today, and when the Spring Recital rolls around, youll be glad you did!