[DK615617]

It isn't necessary to have a piano, but you would need a keyboard with full size weighted keys. You need to have at least a keyboard, because practicing is very important!
I will look up your area to find out who I would recommend.
You are lucky, I beleive that the Steinway factory is in Queens!! I think they do tours, it is amazing to see how they build the piano, by hand!!!! My husband goes up there for training from time to time. It is an amazing place!

[mcmama]

Check out Queens College in Flushing. They have a wonderful music school, and I am sure you can make some connections there.

Also, Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music may maintain directories of people who have been affiliated with them in some way who teach in your area. They also have prep programs for young children which may be of interest. It's good to look into whatever resources they may have in NYC, whether for teachers or for concerts, classes, or special programs.

[mcmama]

Originally Posted by Labhaoise

I do not play any insturment at all, but I would have reccommeded the piano aswell. Simply because when I started learning it, it was easiar than guitar... my fingers could simply not stretch enough to make the chords. Whatever you choose, make sure that you try and make it as fun as possible, so taht your son enjoys it.

There are guitars now that are sized for young children. One of my son's friends started on this when he was 5, because he was more interested than piano or any of the string instruments. They changed guitars as he grew. He kept this up for a while, and then when he was older followed his brother to the woodwind section. Today he plays sax, and he is in 9th grade.

[ruthann8]

I loved music! My school didn't offer band until 4th grade, so my mom had me take piano lessons to learn how to read music and then when I got to 4th grade I choose the sax and then in 8th grade I started the Oboe. The Oboe was by far my favorite.

In my opinion I would start with the piano until they are able to decide what they want to pursue. Some instruments take a certain amount of physical coordination that a 5 year may not be able to do very well and may get discouraged. And some instruments sound awful if not played properly further discouraging a child. But you probably know best how coordinated your child is!

I never pursued the piano after I started the sax and to this day I cannot get both of my hands to cooperate to play the piano. I can read the music I just can't get my hands to work!

[DK615617]

212-246-1100
Here is the phone # for Steinway Hall in NY, they should have a list of teachers on hand for any area of NYC. I would call them to see who they would recommend.
I put a call in to the National Guild of Piano Teachers as well to find out who is in your area.
I hope you find a teacher that your son likes!
Steinway is really good about keeping a list of qualified teachers on hand.

[Samual]

What instrument does he want to play? His answer is the one he needs lessons in. My little sister is a classical violinist, she started learning when she was three, she teaches violin as well, I play guitar and bass guitar, I started guitar after moaning to learn when I was five. All three of my siblings can play the paino, in the UK most students play the keyboard in music. I don't like the piano myself, it isn't challenging, you just press the button and it happens, where as on a stringed or wind instrument you have to learn exactly how to make the correct sound.

[DK615617]

Originally Posted by Samual

I don't like the piano myself, it isn't challenging, you just press the button and it happens, where as on a stringed or wind instrument you have to learn exactly how to make the correct sound.

Haha. That is true to a degree.
Although, have you ever heard someone play a piece, and then someone who really knows how to play does the same one? There is a big difference....yes the notes are the same, but some people can make a piano come to life while others just plonk along sounding like a robot!!
It does take a lot more effort to get the correct pitch and tone on most other instruments.....that is why I like piano to start off with for young children. It is less discouraging for the child.
Are your children going to take music lessons other than in school? Did you say that all kids learn keyboard over there? Wow, so not the case here. Over here it is a mess. If you are lucky enough to live in a district that offers music you may get the chance to play an instrument, but it depends what school you go to. Where I live, some schools do it a lot younger than some of the others. And they do have a decent music program. Where my sister lives, her kids don't get any music. They have the option to join band, but if you do certain sports you can't cuz it will interfere, schedule wise. So my neices and nephew know NOTHING about music. They couldn't read a note to save their lives. I think that is so sad.

[Samual]

Originally Posted by DK615617

Haha. That is true to a degree.
Although, have you ever heard someone play a piece, and then someone who really knows how to play does the same one? There is a big difference....yes the notes are the same, but some people can make a piano come to life while others just plonk along sounding like a robot!!
It does take a lot more effort to get the correct pitch and tone on most other instruments.....that is why I like piano to start off with for young children. It is less discouraging for the child.
Are your children going to take music lessons other than in school? Did you say that all kids learn keyboard over there? Wow, so not the case here. Over here it is a mess. If you are lucky enough to live in a district that offers music you may get the chance to play an instrument, but it depends what school you go to. Where I live, some schools do it a lot younger than some of the others. And they do have a decent music program. Where my sister lives, her kids don't get any music. They have the option to join band, but if you do certain sports you can't cuz it will interfere, schedule wise. So my neices and nephew know NOTHING about music. They couldn't read a note to save their lives. I think that is so sad.

Yeah here everyone has music lessons were you learn how to read music, play keyboard, learn about different composers, you have them until year 9 which is 13/14 for one hour a week and you can carry on until you are 16, 4 hours a week, they are during school hours too, the children don't have to stay behind. Our children can learn outside of school if they want to, especially as only having on instrument option at school isn't a great situation. They wouldn't be able to learn anything too big in size though because, one the neighbours who already have to put up with me and two we wouldn't have anywhere to put it.
My older brother used to teach grade 6-8 piano players, as long as someone has the timing right, it sounds the same, pro or not.
In the UK though we have music lessons we don't have band, a school may play a piece as a band during a christmas concert, but we don't do the marching band thing.

[Tracey with 6]

I have had 2 of my children who wanted to learn start on the violin, it is easy tolearn( realtivly) and they are alot cheaper to buy than a piano, also take up alot less space.

[jrldev]

For a 5 year old I would consider the Baritone Ukulele for the following reasons:
Most teens that are attracted to music like to participate in playing and the choice most often mentioned is the guitar, therefore the reason for my suggestion:
1:The Baritone Uke ( the largest in size of the four Uke instruments) is tuned like the first four strings of the guitar : E-B-G-D
2:The instrument is relatively small (29" long) and easily portable
3:You can buy a reasonable good sounding Uke for less than $100.
4:Most of the chords in the Uke can be played with only two fingers.Once you know the chords in the Baritone Uke it is easy to pick up the extra fingering that a six-string (added A and E string) guitar may required.
5: The uke is a wonderful sounding instrument and lends itself to group or solo playing.
6:Since the fret-board is small (short) young players and small hand players have no problem with reaching any fret or chord configuration.
7:Many Ukulele clubs are now spreding all over the USA and they welcome all ages to their club.
8:In very little time a person can strum a song or play melody.
PS I am 77 yrs old and started my "musical career" 3 years ago with the Baritone Ukulele. I now also play the Classical Guitar and the Mandolin