The Power of Piano Lessons

Are you thinking about taking piano lessons? Or you’re wondering if it would be good for your child? There are many advantages the piano has to offer for both the young and old.

At the Mississauga School of Music, the foundational skills we teach our students lead to benefits beyond playing a new instrument.

Physical:

Piano playing requires correct posture so the student can play comfortably and for longer periods of time. We focus on good posture right from the beginning which is essential in our deskbound world (e.g. school, work, home). There are no slouching potato sacks here!

Dexterity and improvement in finger muscle control are achieved through regular piano playing and the daily practice of scales and arpeggios. Hand-eye coordination is developed by reading the music while simultaneously playing those notes across both hands, with the correct timing, and operating the pedal. Without coordination, the piece will unintentionally sound like the latest offering from the world of experimental music.

Through ear training, you improve your musicality and rhythmic skills, sing on pitch and can identify when something sounds off-key. You can confidently offer your opinion as an armchair judge for American Idol and provide sound reasoning behind your thinking.

Furthermore, studies have shown that music’s mood-elevating qualities can reduce blood pressure, heart rates, and increase immune response.

Mental:

Learning the piano stimulates the brain in many ways. Improved memory is achieved through mental exercises to learn keys, notes, and chords. The sense of achievement you feel when you finally conquer a piece without mistakes after numerous hours of practice builds confidence and leads to feelings of positivity. Furthermore, playing the piano can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and be a great stress reliever.

Ear training combined with the fundamentals of music and theory allows individuals to exercise one of the greatest examples of creativity - music composition. Writing a new piece can serve as an outlet for creative expression while providing a sense of escape and enjoyment. In the words of Finland’s most famous composer, Jean Sibelius, “Music begins where the possibilities of language end.”

Habits:

Numerous studies have shown that students who take piano lessons develop good habits that can carry into daily life: patience, perseverance, concentration, and routine. Piano students regularly exercise a can-do attitude as they are confronted with new pieces to play with increasingly difficult notation. Piano students can also benefit by learning to handle constructive criticism. Learning to receive positive feedback will serve students well beyond the walls of the piano studio.

The skills and abilities you develop while playing the piano are not only transferable to other instruments but can be used when combatting obstacles or difficulties in everyday life. Contact the Mississauga School of Music at (416) 930-9839 or through our online form for our COMPLIMENTARY Online Intro to Music Lesson where one of our Directors will meet with you and go over expectations for your first lesson. This allows us to determine which of our teachers would make a perfect fit.