How old does a child have to be to start lessons?

I’ve been asked many times how old does a child have to be to start lessons.  In general, I usually say 6 years old.  By the age of 6, your son or daughter would have attended 2 years of kindergarten classes.  They would be able to sit still for instruction and focus.

However, I have also taken in students at the age of 4 with the insistence of the parents and more often 5 years as well.  This is with the parent’s understanding that the learning process and teaching of a younger child might be slower than a 6 or 7 year old beginner.

Now, my standards for accepting a young child.  Your son or daughter must be able to count to 10 … in order.  Your son or daughter must be able to say the alphabet and write and recognize at least the first 7 letters.  Another criteria.  Your child must know the difference between high and low.  Lastly, the difference between the left hand and the right hand.   Difficult?  possibly, but not impossible.