Piano lessons at an early age awaken realms of childhood cognitive and relational thinking that are difficult, if not impossible, to access without exposure to music. Extensive studies have shown that the child's journey with "organized sound" in fact begins inside the mother. From the steadiness of her heart beat to her quiet humming at night (or the familiar approach of her footsteps) -- all of these gain new significance as soon as the child begins regular musical studies. Elementary rhythm, melody, and related ear-training, note-reading, and singing become the essence of active enjoyment at the piano as early as age four. Parental participation is highly encouraged at this stage, including regular attendance at studio lessons, close to the bench of the teacher and the seated youngster.