The piano is a magnificent instrument that everyone on planet Earth should play.
But there's one disadvantage for young kids, compared to other instruments like violin and cello.
It only comes in one size...
Violin and cello kids start with their cute little instrument that's proportional to their bodies. Then, they move up in size as they go.
By comparison, the piano is one size fits all. It's not the worst problem, but it's worth thinking about.
Some piano makers build smaller pianos to accommodate children and adults with small hands. There are even "keyboard replacements" that will fit over your current piano - just with smaller, narrower.
But, there are two problems with this.
First, they're very expensive - more expensive than most students can afford.
And then, the bigger problem is that you'll only be good at playing on that piano. Soon as you play a recital on a different piano, it will feel totally different.
(Unless a smaller, yet portable, piano is invented...maybe...)
This is why helping young children develop proper technique is so important. Because they're playing an instrument that will finally "fit" them sometime in the next decade.
They need a stool to rest their feet on since they can't reach the floor.
They need to use the arm in addition to the fingers to produce a healthy sound easily.
And they need to learn to use gravity to produce the sound rather than trying to press, which causes tendonitis and all kinds of other awful things.
And...we need to learn how to make all these deep concepts fun and kid-friendly.
These are challenges, but so worthwhile and fun. When done right, even the smallest child can produce as big a sound as a full-sized concert pianist. All on an instrument that's "too big" for them.
That's the funny thing about size.
Ur TOTALLY RIGHT!!!! Being on the smaller than average side myself, I’ve been told I could never do things because of my size!! And when I finally accomplished something I was told I could NEVER DO, it was soooo sweet!!! And one of those things I shouldn’t have ever aspired to do was play the piano!!! So every piece I learn is so so sweet just because I was told I wouldn’t be able to do it!!! So, let’s let’s let kids be kids and figure out how they can make their individual goals attainable for their unique abilities!! I say keep the full size piano!! A curious child will make it work!!!