Considering taking piano? Here are three reasons why playing piano can be beneficial to you or your child.
Creativity
While school work generally uses the left hemisphere of the brain, playing piano uses both the right and left sides.
Playing the piano takes mathematical and logical skills for:
- Understanding and properly executing rhythm
- Note reading
- Other technical aspects (left hemisphere).
However, it also requires interpretive skills for:
- Understanding the emotion and character behind the music
- Learning how to express this through sound
Studies done on the brain functions of performing musicians show that both sides of the brain light up at the same time! However, there are very few activities that are able to do this. For example, visual art and dance (while both wonderful artistic pursuits) do not require as much left and right side brain function as playing a musical instrument.
Problem Solving
Each piece of piano music presents unique challenges.
When I studied piano performance as a child, I was only taught to practice a piece of music over and over until it was “good.”
Sometimes we used the metronome and counted out loud. Other than that, my learning process was fuzzy at best.
However, when I studied piano at UCLA, I learned how to learn.
By applying many different learning techniques, I was able to master more complex pieces of music that I previously had struggled with.
This not only transformed my progress as a performer, but also gave me the tools to teach students how to practice correctly from the beginning.
Now I love asking my students:
“If you were at home and I weren’t here, what practice methods would you try?“
They often go through a list of different things we have reviewed in lessons. However, by verbalizing this (and writing it down in their practice notebooks) they are able to overcome different challenges in music.
This is an essential facet of piano lessons. Problem solving can be used in any field and subject, and is an incredibly valuable life lesson.
Perseverance
Finally, playing the piano is not always easy. In a world where everything is one click away, it’s easy to think everything should come immediately.
However, piano lessons teach delayed gratification.
After years of consistent study and practice, there is an incredible reward. Being able to sit down and play any piece you like.
This perseverance is valuable in any pursuit, career, or job for any current piano student.
It teaches the student that by putting in the hard work it’s possible to accomplish what they set out to do.
Additionally, learning to be committed, diligent, and goal-oriented results in greater likelihood of success in other fields.
If you’re considering Irvine piano lessons and want some more information on how we can help visit our pricing page to schedule an appointment.
