Studying piano goes far beyond the intellectual and physical development of a child. Studying music contributes to the growth of a well balanced child in sensitivity, expressiveness and the spirit essential for functioning in a complicated world. The study of piano provides growth to children in many other areas:
1. Patience: The process of learning effective practice skills helps the child in developing patience.
2. Confidence and poise: Frequent performance helps the child develop confidence and poise that will be useful in dealing with many situations in life.
3. Perseverance and commitment: the demands of piano study teach children to develop a commitment to projects and follow them through to completion.
4. Friendships: Music study provides opportunities for interaction with peers to establish new friendships.
5. Coordination: The coordination of both small and large muscles is strengthened through piano playing.
6. Self respect and satisfaction: As musical skills are developed, students feel a strong sense of satisfaction in their progress and develop a feeling of self respect that transfers to other situations in life.
7. Creativity and self expression: Music study provides an alternative method for communicating feelings and encourages imagination for creative endeavours.
8. Pride in achievement: students develop a sense of pride in their abilities through musical achievements.
9. Concentration: The study of piano fosters concentration that can carry over into learning other subjects.
10. Fun and relaxation: Playing piano and listening to music is fun. This skill can provide hours of entertainment and relaxation throughout one’s entire life.
Starting piano lessons at an early age doesn’t necessarily mean that as a teenager the student will play more advanced music than students who begin lessons later. Students who start early do have a stronger sense of rhythm, play with more musical understanding and exhibit more confidence in performance skills.
