Why Take Piano Lessons?
- Children who learn the piano have better memory skills, math skills, reading skills, and IQ scores.
- Studies have shown that even as little as six months of piano lessons seems to improve a child’s ability to learn new things, and this benefit continues throughout life!
- Multitasking abilities are improved with piano practice because it enhances the brain’s ability to process audio and visual information.
- Regular playing can lower stress and anxiety by releasing “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
- Playing the piano can boost self-esteem and confidence through a sense of accomplishment.
- It improves the brain’s ability to process emotions.
Expectations for Taking Piano Lessons
1. Arrive on time with appropriate materials (books, finger number chart, etc.)
2. Have Fun! Participate in Recitals. Express your musical style and choose recital pieces that will be enjoyable.
3. Listen to the Instructor. Make eye contact and refrain from pushing buttons or keys while your instructor is speaking.
4. Ask Questions. Explain what you are struggling with and ask for help if confused.
5. Use your voice. With each piece, practice saying the finger numbers, saying the letters, and saying the rhythmic counts aloud.
6. Practice consistently. Start with 10-15 minutes a day, then build up to 30+ when you more advanced. If you really can’t do every day, try for 3 times a week at 20 minutes+.
2. Have Fun! Participate in Recitals. Express your musical style and choose recital pieces that will be enjoyable.
3. Listen to the Instructor. Make eye contact and refrain from pushing buttons or keys while your instructor is speaking.
4. Ask Questions. Explain what you are struggling with and ask for help if confused.
5. Use your voice. With each piece, practice saying the finger numbers, saying the letters, and saying the rhythmic counts aloud.
6. Practice consistently. Start with 10-15 minutes a day, then build up to 30+ when you more advanced. If you really can’t do every day, try for 3 times a week at 20 minutes+.
Expectations for Piano Practice
Develop a practice rountine with parental help. Parents should help the learner to find an ideal practice time and motivation (perhaps with charts and rewards) and communicate questions or concerns with the teacher.
Practice consistently. Start with 10-15 minutes a day, then build up to 30+ when more advanced. If you really can’t do every day, try for 3 times a week at 20 minutes+ each session
Practice Slowly and Deliberately. Play slowly ensuring that your hands are playing the appropriate finger numbers and letter keys. This creates muscle memory. When we play quickly and incorrectly, over time it becomes harder to correct those mistakes as the hands have developed muscle memory for the wrong notes. Over time you can play faster when you are sure to play the correct notes every time.
Play the difficult parts over and over again until they feel as smooth as the easy parts. Spend much less time playing the easy parts until it is time to integrate the sections.
Incorporate Rhythm by clapping, counting, and using the metronome for every piece.
Practice consistently. Start with 10-15 minutes a day, then build up to 30+ when more advanced. If you really can’t do every day, try for 3 times a week at 20 minutes+ each session
Practice Slowly and Deliberately. Play slowly ensuring that your hands are playing the appropriate finger numbers and letter keys. This creates muscle memory. When we play quickly and incorrectly, over time it becomes harder to correct those mistakes as the hands have developed muscle memory for the wrong notes. Over time you can play faster when you are sure to play the correct notes every time.
Play the difficult parts over and over again until they feel as smooth as the easy parts. Spend much less time playing the easy parts until it is time to integrate the sections.
Incorporate Rhythm by clapping, counting, and using the metronome for every piece.
