How Do Piano Lessons Benefit Children's Development?

One of the biggest investments a parent can make for their children are music lessons. While some children don't have the strongest initial interest, there are still a tremendous amount of benefits that music lessons offer to all children that really aids in their development.

Develops the Brain and Coordination

To be able to play the piano requires the student to be able to control many different elements at the same time. For example:

• Right hand and left hand are playing two completely different things simultaneously

• Foot is often pedaling

• Simultaneously thinking about rhythm, phrasing, different roles of each hand

• Controlling all of these elements from memory

For a student to be able to do these things teaches them how to multi-task which crosses over into everyday life.

Improves Memory

This is one of the most significant things that music benefits. It is common practice for pianists to have to memorize pieces in order to be able to perform them solo (especially in classical music.) To memorize all of the notes and all the concepts listed in the bullet points above gives students a tremendous boost.

Confidence

Can you imagine that feeling a student has after being able to do something that felt so difficult at first? Or the feeling of slight nervousness before a recital and still doing it anyway? Students feel proud and accomplished for all their achievements. This, in turn, creates a well-deserved confidence in not only their piano playing abilities, but in their ability to accomplish anything that is challenging.

Discipline

To practice everyday and dedicate so much time to one craft (even on the days you don't necessarily feel up to it) is how discipline is instilled. Daily and consistent practice is key to succeed in piano, and as students learn how to do this, they grow more disciplined as well.

Patience

To learn a piano piece takes time and requires patience on the student's part. This grows tenfold the more advanced a student gets. Children begin to set and achieve long-term goals. They are be able to work at something for months on end in order to finally see the outcome. This is an essential skill in life.

Creative Outlet

As children grow older and start to have stronger emotions, it is important that they turn to an outlet that is safe and healthy for them. How comforting will it be to come home from a difficult day/situation and go straight to the piano and play any piece of music you want? Music conveys a plethora of emotion and we will always be able to find a piece of music that resonates with what we are feeling.

Academic Strength

Research shows that there is a direct correlation between music lessons and academic accomplishments, such as GPA, SAT scores, math skills, reading comprehension, college acceptances, etc. The ability to memorize, learn information, and apply it are essential life skills that music instills in our children.