Welcome to our newest blog installment: Music Facts 101!

Between school, homework, extra curricular activities and play dates, it might prove difficult for parents to fit piano lessons into their busy kids’ schedules. However, by doing so, the benefits are tremendous and may even turn into a pastime that will last a lifetime (hey oh!)

Parents, please keep in mind that learning to play the piano is not just about developing a hobby; it’s also about improving brain functions. Your child will develop better focus, motor skills and even increase their aptitude. Sounds good, doesn’t it? We thought you might think so, too.

That’s why we’re pleased to feature our inaugural Music Facts 101 Blog on the benefits of studying piano for children. Info courtesy of makingmusicmag.com and ifamilykc.com

Piano Lessons Will Help With Focus

Even the simplest music requires focus when played. Your child will have to hold their attention on every single note and maintain the required rhythm at the same time. But when they get into the practice, focus is not a strain. It’s a state-of-being that envelopes them, similar to an athlete getting “into the zone”.

Veteran Piano Instructor, Linda Wehrli knows how to inspire your child to stay focused from the beginning to the very end of the composition. That’s a skill that translates to anything else your child does. Score!

Practicing Piano Improves Motor Skills

To play a composition on the piano, your child will look at notes and play them with their hands. To do this, they will first look at their hands. But with practice, their body develops muscle memory to sense where the right keys are. Eventually, they just look at the notes and the hands play without the help of the eyes.

Both hands play different notes, so they have to work independently. The eyes look at the notes for both hands at the same time, and the brain distributes the right order to each hand. A child’s brain can intuitively develop these simple motor skills with some practice.

Playing Music Makes Kids Smarter

Researchers found that playing an instrument can increase IQ in both adults and children. Any instrument works, but the piano is so amazing that anyone who plays it will tell you the same: there’s no instrument that compares to it. Studies have shown that young children who have developed rhythm skills perform better academically in their early school years. Children who take music lessons also have better verbal memory skills than others and may find it easier to learn in school.

Piano Develops Self-Esteem

Many students, primarily younger children, tend to be shy and introverted during their first few lessons. New students tend to lack confidence in the beginning but, even after just a few weeks, a distinct change happens in each child.  They become excited about music and come to life. Linda loves to watch the transformation in each student and to witness their confidence grow through music.

Piano Helps Promote Education

One of the most incredible things about a child’s growing self esteem is the shift these students tend to have in their education. As students become more confident in their musical abilities, that same sense of self tends to translate into a better, more positive experience at school.

There seems to be a correlation between learning life skills, such as playing an instrument, and better performance in the classroom. Encouraging our children to take on a new skill is an incredible gift that we can offer to them in their childhood.

Improve Split Concentration

Playing the piano uses both your mental concentration and physical concentration. While it might be hard at first, split concentration becomes easier and easier. Over time, it becomes second nature for students. This will help in many areas of their life down the line.

Linda’s fun and informative curriculum will surely inspire your child. She and her hubby, Barry Wehrli co-wrote their piano books with a unique curriculum that takes students on a musical journey, step by step. It is is designed to bring out the inner musician in each and every student. Their program blends musicianship and technical skills with creativity and expression. The goal is to provide a comprehensive piano education while making learning to read and play music an adventure for the student. This strong musical foundation will last for years to come!

Their engaging style presents topics in language that is simple, straight-forward and student-friendly. This is ideal for students new to the piano as well as students who are resuming their piano studies.

Ready to enroll your child in piano lessons?  Set up a free consultation either safe in-studio or on Zoom with Linda at jessica@pastimesincinc.com.

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Music Facts 101 reviews fun, informative info on piano music. If you enjoyed this story, please feel free to share on your favorite social media. Comments appreciated! If there is an musician you would like us to feature, please comment below. Thank you for your support!

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For more on Pastimes for a Lifetime’s Piano Curriculum, and founder/instructor Linda Wehrli, visit the website.

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