There are many options out there for the keen pianist. You can find a suitable tutor, one who may live locally. Or, you can choose to play piano online, by finding a suitable course on the internet. But how do you decide whether your child would like to start taking lessons? For example, you would need to make sure this would be a positive experience for them and be certain they want to learn in the first place.
Children can be exposed to the piano from a very young age. If you are already a pianist, this will help the child in a couple of ways. One, they can listen to you playing, and two, chances are the musical genes may well be passed down. In the assumption, however, that you are not already a trained pianist, simply play the child recordings of piano music. Whilst your child may not be able to speak, they will be receptive to their immediate surroundings, very impressionable and easily influenced.
Play them a variety of styles, such as children's songs, songs from musicals, pop and classical. When out in your car, make sure you also have this music on your cd or mp3. Over a period of time, you will observe how they respond to the music, and get to know what they prefer. Essentially, their response will indicate to you their level of interest in the piano, and the possibility of taking piano lessons.
One other option is to turn on your pc and watch someone play piano online. There are a number of demonstration videos available to view on the internet. Whilst this will prove to be an inspiring experience for your child aurally, the visual stimulation of the performance should also have a positive affect. If they seem to like it, maybe go a step further, and take them along to a piano recital.
By the age of three or four, you will know whether your child is showing signs of interest in the piano. If this is the case, you could consider hiring a piano for a few months to test the water. You will soon tell if they have a natural tendency towards the instrument, as they will doubtless begin to start playing by themselves. This would certainly be an ideal scenario.
At this stage, the child's experience will be about experimentation. You may need to be patient at this time, for the sounds that come from the piano may not sound like music as you know it. However, to your child, the piano will be emitting the most wonderful sounds they have ever heard - and the fact that they are creating those sounds will make it all the more marvelous.
Accept the cacophony, and encourage them by actively applauding after each "performance". This will give them even more confidence. If the level of desire proves consistent, it will be time to find a local tutor experienced in teaching children. Alternatively, find a proven internet course and play piano online with them.