Not sure which after school enrichment activity your child will get the most from? Think piano lessons!
Surprised?
You’ve probably heard that team sports, cheerleading, and martial arts all have their good points, but experts agree that piano lessons offer the most bang for your buck when it comes to helping your child with school, relationships, and equipping them for future success.
So what are the benefits of kids piano instruction? And at what age will your child reap the biggest rewards?
Concentration And Coordination – A Perfect ‘Duet!’
It should come as no surprise that learning to play the piano requires focused attention. And training little hands to make music requires your child to connect symbols, sound and movement. Learning and practicing piano improves manual dexterity, and enhances your child’s sense of rhythm and timing, especially if music lessons begin before age 12. Even greater increases have been noted in those who begin lessons before age 9.
Children of any age can reap the benefits of piano lessons, so start your child whenever you feel they are ready.
Bigger Brains and Educational Gains
Did you know that learning piano can actually change pathways in the brain? Even increase the size of some portions of the brain? Studies show that piano instruction increases brain development in children, which in turn can help them excel in school. Understanding the ‘language’ of musical symbols improves reading skills and learning to count and work with different time signatures improves their math and analytical skills!
Self-Confidence And Social Poise
The ability to exercise mastery and control over their own behavior and environment is critical to your child’s self-esteem. With piano instruction, your child will delight in the music they produce, revel in their accomplishments, and strive to improve their ‘personal best.’ The satisfaction your child receives from their efforts will be reflected in their performance in school and through their social relationships with others.
Most piano teachers offer recital opportunities. If not, you can arrange informal ‘concerts’ at home with friends and family. In either case, your child will learn valuable performance skills, and those experiences can greatly enhance their sense of self worth.
Music Appreciation Is History
As your child learns to play classical and contemporary ‘standards,’ a good piano teacher incorporates discussions of composers and compositions into lessons. Conversations about music history help your child connect people, events, and important dates to arts innovations and movements. Marches, spirituals, folk ballads, children’s songs – all offer opportunities to talk about the people who sang them, the countries they’re from and the politics of the time. History will come alive for students familiar with the songs and ‘musical celebrities’ of the past.
Piano Lessons Put The ‘Art’ In Smart
You may have heard of the ‘Mozart Effect,’ which suggests that playing classical music for infants and children can increase their IQs. Studies show, however, that children receive greater benefits when they actually learn to play music rather than just listen to it.
It has also been found that children who receive arts instruction on an ongoing basis are less likely to drop out of school. They’re also less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Of course, you know that won’t be an issue for your child, but…why take a chance?
And speaking of long-term benefits, children who have studied under a piano teacher for multiple years cite their relationship with him or her as a significant part of their childhood. As teacher, mentor, friend and role model, your child’s piano teacher occupies an important place in your child’s heart and mind, and can be a source of inspiration regardless of your child’s ultimate occupation.
‘Special’ Considerations
Is your child a ‘special needs’ child? Don’t rule out piano lessons! Experts say children with exceptionalities like autism, Down’s Syndrome, and physical limitations can still benefit. Even severely compromised children are able to focus longer and take pleasure in the sounds and rhythms they create. Look for a trained Music Therapist who specializes in working with exceptional kids. They can recommend a course of music therapy tailored to your child’s specific abilities.
Making The Right Decision
Providing your child with piano lessons is one of the smartest things you can do as a parent to supplement their public or private school education. From the pleasure your child will take in making music to the confidence and skills they’ll enjoy, piano instruction is a worthwhile investment in your child’s future!
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