Keys to success?

"There is no need to separate the theory from playing. It will be less boring for children if the teachers can combine the two in one class. For instance, children can learn performance skills for some time and then teachers can teach them about the rhythm and how to sight-read," Zhang said.

The shortage of professional piano teachers is also a problem, Zhang added, saying unprofessional teachers destroy children's interest.

He Yi said when parents decide to let their children learn piano, they should pay more attention to choosing a professional teacher who has received their training at music conservatories.

When Qiu Chenyun in Suzhou recalled her years learning the piano, the most memorable thing she recalls is the extramarital affair of her second piano teacher.

"We were good friends. He treated me like his daughter and told me everything. Usually we practiced for some time and he would let me stop for some food and drink," she said.

"But my first piano teacher was not so good at communicating with children. Her lessons were extremely boring," she said, "and she taught me for three years, and I completely lost interest in playing."