Music Boosts Self Confidence and Self Esteem

Music Boosts Self Confidence and Self Esteem

Want to boost your child’s self confidence and self esteem? Maybe it’s time to introduce music into their lives. 

Many studies exist showcasing just how important music is in our lives. 

One study allowed participants to create in an open studio for 45 minutes, then provide brief comments about their creations. In all cases, the creative process improved positive self efficacy.  

Another study showed that when participants engage in music therapy, they are more open to experiences and ways to explore and perceive themselves and others in different ways. 

Still another study showed that the more time a child spent on music activities, the deeper they moved into training and learning, the more self esteem grewMusic Boosts Self Confidence and Self Esteem

Whether your child takes piano lessons one on one, or uses their knowledge in a group setting either in school or in a private setting, you’ll be teaching your child many lifelong skills. 

Real World Skills

Children that engage in music regularly improve critical and creative thinking, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, as well as social skills. They learn persistence, problem solving, and learning how to work hard on a project until it’s completed. 

Become A Better Student

When a child builds self esteem, they try harder in the classroom. They feel more confident in their answers, and are more likely to engage in team and individual activities. They provide a well-rounded education. 

Increase self expression

When a child has higher self esteem, they are more likely to express themselves in a variety of ways. They develop their “voice” by playing music, and use that in all activities they choose to take part in. 

Increase their sense of belonging

Playing music introduces them to a variety of people in their community. They work one on one with music instructors, work together as a team to play a song. They learn performance skills and how to interact with an audience. They also develop interpersonal skills and create lifelong friendships in the process. 

Is your child ready to make music a part of their lives? 

How To Stick With Your Resolution Of Learning To Play The Piano

How To Stick With Your Resolution Of Learning To Play The Piano

Three. Two. One. Happy New Year!

What’s on your resolution list this year? 

For most, people list out wishes and dreams. They want to lose weight, get healthier, destress, and pick up a hobby. While playing the piano might not help you with your weight loss goals, it can help you with the other three. 

People often add learning to play the piano to their wish lists. And with good reason. Making music is a part of our culture. It’s a universal language that every human on earth has, no matter what country you’re from. And once you learn to “speak” it, it stays with you forever. Ever sat in an audience of a choir or a band from half a world away? It doesn’t matter if you speak English or French, Russian, or German, the beat of the music is there within you, speaking to you. How To Stick With Your Resolution Of Learning To Play The Piano

If you want to learn an instrument as an adult, the piano is one of the most logical choices. It’s the only instrument that plays both harmony and accompaniment, and can play every range. Solo or with a band, you can fully enjoy playing the piano any time. 

Not only does learning to play the piano expand your brain power, but it also helps you relax and unwind too. If you fully concentrate on your practice, you don’t have time to worry about what’s happening at work or a family issue keeping you up at night. You breathe deeper. You roll your shoulders to destress. You flex your fingers to help relax. And you listen … And feel the music vibrate through you. 

Playing the piano has also been proven to help keep your brain active. It takes a lot of thought process to work both hands together to play a song, while reading the music set up before you. Add in pedals, and you have your entire body active in the process. Music therapy is now growing in popularity to help all kinds of conditions, from depression, ADHD, and even Alzheimer’s. Listening may work, but taking an active role is even better. Why not take an active role in keeping your brain healthy and start learning now?

So what’s on your resolution list this year? Is it learning to play the piano? 

The Best Stress Management Tool Is The Piano  

The Best Stress Management Tool Is The Piano  

Tired of feeling frustrated, angry, tired of everything in your daily life? 

Looking for a way to destress and get rid of some of those negative feelings?

Maybe it’s time to look at playing the piano as a stress management tool. 

Studies show that musicians are some of the least stressed. When you create music, you get emotional with your work. And by releasing your emotions into your work, you learn how to express your emotions in a variety of ways. The Best Stress Management Tool Is The Piano  

If you hold back those feelings, and release them in ways you don’t like, sitting down at the piano may just give you the release you need. Don’t yell and scream at traffic, turn up the tunes and listen to some of the best piano players in the world. Then take what you hear and put it to good use when you get home – play the piano and let the stress go. 

As you bang out a tune, you can direct your emotions right into the keys. Feel the energy dissipate and direct your focus into the notes. 

Of course, you may be thinking that learning to play will only increase your frustration. What if you can’t get a song right? What if you try something over and over again, and you just can’t get past what you’re trying to learn? 

That’s where lessons come into play. 

You don’t learn to play soccer all by yourself. You sign up for a team. This allows you to receive training from a coach, and put your knowledge to good use with others around you. 

The same applies to learning to play the piano. By signing up with an instructor, you can learn how to do what you do better. They can provide hints to help you get past the frustrating parts, and advance to increase your abilities even more. 

Want more of a challenge? Play with a band. It might only be one or two other instruments, but working together can teach you a lot more than you’ll learn by yourself. It challenges you in new ways. It helps you grow even more. 

Looking for new ways to destress this year? Give the piano a try. 

7-problems-youll-have-as-a-pianist

7-problems-youll-have-as-a-pianist

Do you love playing the piano? We do too. But if you’ve been playing the piano for any length of time, there are a few problems you’ll have that only another piano player will understand. 

Trying to play when your fingers won’t cooperate

You sit down to play. You know the music very well. But somewhere between your brain and your fingers the message gets lost. Your fingers simply won’t cooperate and play what you want them to play. Sit back. Take a deep breath. Flex your fingers a bit, and try again. 

Playing with cold fingers7-problems-youll-have-as-a-pianist

Cold fingers aren’t as nimble as they are when they warm up. They seem to feel stiff and even a little numb. While you might prefer to practice in a cool room, warm up your fingers before you sit down to play at your optimum ability. 

When you forget a piece you’ve played for ages

Nothing can be more frustrating than knowing you can play a favorite piece of music well, then sitting down and forgetting where to start. Focus. You often forget because you’re in a new place or playing in front of people. Take a few extra minutes to calm, and focus on what notes you need to play. 

When you play perfectly by yourself, but mess up every time you’re with someone else

When you’ve practiced to perfection, it’s fun to sit down and play for your teacher, family, or friends. Yet no matter how many times you nailed it playing on your own, you mess up when you play for someone else. Nerves are a funny thing. Even if you aren’t nervous, your fingers can often seem like they have a mind of their own. Relax. Try it again. 

You want to play piano everywhere you go

Have you ever walked into a room with a beautiful baby grand front and center? Of course, you have to give it a whirl. How can you keep your hands off such a beautiful instrument? 

You know when you’re piano is out of tune

You sit down to practice and you hit “that note.” You know which one I’m talking about. It sounded perfect the day before, but suddenly it sounds … off. And you can’t help but notice again and again. That’s why true pianists have a professional tuner they can call in at any time. You can’t play if it’s out of tune, right?

You never want to stop

Playing the piano is something that gives you joy. You never want to stop. And the good thing about playing the piano, is you never have to. Piano is one of those activities you can do whether you’re 5 or 105. It’s a stress reliever. It’s a memory maker. No matter what your age, it’s an activity you’ll enjoy throughout your life. 

Budgeting To Learn To Play The Piano

Budgeting To Learn To Play The Piano

Want to learn to play the piano? Like every activity, there are a few costs involved to make your desires come true. 

First, there is the expense of the piano itself. This will be the biggest part of your budget. But there are different ways to fit it into your monthly expenses. 

Finding a piano “for free” on Craigslist isn’t the answer. In most cases, these pianos have been stored in basements or garages for years, and are often out of tune and no longer playable without major restoration. You’ll have more work then you want just to get it into proper playing condition. Budgeting To Learn To Play The Piano

By going to a piano dealer, you can find a high quality piano that meets your budget goals. You can even start out smaller scale, upgrading as your child becomes better and enjoys the process more. 

You might even invest in a digital piano instead. If you move to an electronic piano, just be sure it’s high quality and has weighted keys that mimic acoustic pianos, and are mechanically similar to the sound and feel of a real piano. Digital pianos do have the added benefit of being able to fit in tighter spots – perfect for apartments, condos, or dorms – and have a headphone jack that allows a person to play without disturbing others in the room. 

Of course, the piano is only part of the process. You’ll also need to budget for lessons as well. Lessons come in several different structures: one on one, group format, or self taught. For many, a combination of the three is the best choice, giving you what you need when you need it most. 

You’ll also have incidentals along the way. You’ll have to invest in sheet music. You might have to invest in extras such as a new piano bench or a metronome. And if your child keeps progressing, performance attire may be added into the budget. 

Playing the piano isn’t the least expensive hobby a person can take up. But it can be one of the most rewarding. It’s a skill that can last a lifetime. 

Are App or DVD Piano Lessons Worth It?

Are App or DVD Piano Lessons Worth It?

It seems as if everything has been touched by technology. Why shouldn’t the way you learn piano too? 

Do a quick search for piano-related apps and you’ll find they can help you with just about anything. We’ve highlighted a few of them here and in our gift guide. 

They’re fun to play; but are they educational too? Can you really learn to play the piano, and become a better musician, all with an app or a DVD?Are App or DVD Piano Lessons Worth It?

If you look closely at most of the promises with these learning systems, they say they’ll have you playing the piano in a short period of time. And that’s true. With color-coded guides and quick tutorials, they can have anyone finding middle C and plucking out a tune. 

In the short term, apps and DVDs for piano lessons work. But where they start to fall through is in the long term. 

Piano lessons through technology are rudimentary at best. They teach you about chords. They help you put your fingers together to play a song. You learn about rhythm, melody, and chords just enough to help you put together your favorite music. And this can have any beginner excited about their progress. 

But that’s when things become more difficult. That’s where having an instructor pays off. 

An instructor listens to your wishes and desires and gives you feedback on how to proceed. They offer suggestions when you’re struggling with a piece of music. They help tailor your instruction towards your goals. 

This comes from developing a relationship between you and your teacher. This also comes from diving deeper into understanding musicality, and how music theory applies to what you’re learning. This is especially important if you want to transfer your knowledge to other instruments. 

When it comes to piano learning apps or DVDs, you get what you pay for. Yes, they may be a great place to start. Yes, they can offer a lot of tips and tricks to help you start to play. But if you want to be the best piano player you can be, at some point, hire an instructor. They are your best course of action for success. 

Having Trouble Playing The Piano? It May Be This

Having Trouble Playing The Piano? It May Be This

What does it take to play the piano? It’s easy to assume that putting your fingers to the keys is all it takes. But there’s a lot more to it than that. 

If you’ve been having trouble creating the perfect sound, it may be your posture. In order for your fingers to connect perfectly with the keys, it’s important to ensure your hand and wrist position is correct. This makes you play better, and it prevents potential injury too. 

Check your: 

Having Trouble Playing The Piano? It May Be ThisBench

Too often, the bench is an afterthought. We’ve even seen people pulling up a chair and expecting to play at their best. Yet your bench is an integral part of how you play, and not everyone can play at their best with the same bench.

A good option is an adjustable bench, especially if more than one in your family will play. Your bench helps stabilize you. It gives you power to connect with the keys. And if you’re sitting at the piano correctly, it puts your arms in perfect position to give you the power you need to play at your best. 

How You’re Sitting On The Bench

The bench isn’t meant for you to sit back on and relax. This position can strain your muscles and throw off your head and neck. It can allow you to slouch, which can harm your arms, wrists, and hands. 

Instead, move forward until you notice you have correct piano posture. You’ll sit directly on your sit bones while having full movement of your arms, hands, and fingers. You’ll feel less stress over time. 

Practice

Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice is what you need. That doesn’t mean you should set the clock and hammer out notes just to say you’ve played for thirty minutes. Increasing to sixty minutes won’t double your efforts. If anything, it’ll just make you tired. 

Instead, focus on forming good habits. Adjust your body so you don’t become stiff or sore. Play for enjoyment, not merely for the sake of playing. You’ll never enjoy it if you ignore why you’re playing. 

Correct posture is one of the best ways to enjoy playing piano for life. If you need a little help, start with ensuring you have the right tools – the right piano and bench for your playing needs. 

How Many Keys Do You Need To Learn Piano?

How Many Keys Do You Need To Learn Piano?

I’ve always wanted to learn the piano. Now that I have a little more free time during my week, I’m committed to taking lessons and making this a reality. What piano should I choose? Is a 61 key keyboard enough? Or should I purchase a piano with 88 keys? What’s the difference? And why should I care?

We get questions like this one from newbie piano players all the time. And with good reason. 

Selecting a new piano for the first time can be a little confusing. After all, there are many different kinds of pianos out there. You’ll find digital and acoustic. Keyboards and traditional. Uprights and grands. What should you choose?

When you purchase a modern piano, it will have 52 white keys and 36 black keys for a total of 88 keys. This allows you to play seven full octaves plus a minor third. How Many Keys Do You Need To Learn Piano?

However, when you move to digital keyboards, that’s when you find more variance in the number of keys offered. 

One manufacturer of a 61 key keyboard promises you’ll never “lose” out on not having the right keys because it allows you to transpose all of the keys up or down an octave. And while that may work in some cases, it won’t always work. For classical music, 61 keys aren’t enough. 

There’s also a more pressing problem with smaller, less expensive keyboard options. They often aren’t structured like a traditional piano, making it difficult to carry your newfound skills from one piano to the next. 

Traditional acoustic pianos have keys that are weighted. And not every digital keyboard mimics these dynamics. The difference is in the feel, the touch. 

If your goal is to simply learn some theory and be able to create a few sounds, the choice may not matter. 

If you want to learn to play the piano, get a piano to learn on. If you don’t, you’ll most likely feel frustrated as you won’t be able to develop the proper techniques. You’ll learn this very quickly when you sit down at a traditional piano and have trouble playing. 

Have additional questions about the right piano for you? We can help. 

10 Professional Piano Associations and Publications For You To Join

10 Professional Piano Associations and Publications For You To Join

Ready to further your career as a music professional? Want to make piano a big part of your life? Consider joining a few of these professional piano associations to stay at the top of the industry. 

The College Music Society – promotes teaching and learning, creativity and expression. If you want to include music at the highest education level, this is the organization for you. 

The Royal Conservatory – to develop human potential on creativity and the arts for the greatest personal growth. 

Clavier Companion – a publication devoted to the art of piano pedagogy. 10 Professional Piano Associations and Publications For You To Join

Gramophone – a publication dedicated to the world’s best classical music. 

American Music Teacher – a magazine devoted to helping music teachers hone their craft. 

National Association for Music Education – created to help advance music education. 

International Association for the Study of Popular Music – used to promote the inquiry, scholarship, and analysis of today’s popular music. 

Music Teachers National Association – a group dedicated to helping professional music teachers refine their teaching process. 

Pianist – a “how to” publication for all levels of piano music. 

American Council of Piano Performers – promoting the art of piano performance. 

Have any associations or publications we’ve missed? We’d love to hear from you. 

Can I Learn The Piano At My Age?

Can I Learn The Piano At My Age?

Are you heading into retirement and ready to pick up a new hobby? Has music always been an important part of your life? 

Maybe now is the time to give piano lessons a try. No matter what your age, playing the piano is one hobby that anyone can take up and perfect. 

Playing the piano can provide many things in your life. It can help improve memory, reduce stress, and calm anxiety. No matter what your age, sit down at a piano and it can feel like an old friend. Can I Learn The Piano At My Age?

Still, what can you expect if you start playing the piano when you’re older? Will your age stand between you and perfecting your talent?

The great thing about age is you become more settled in your ways. In your twenties and thirties, you may be looking for ways to develop hidden talent. By your forties and fifties, you have more self-motivation to bring your dreams to the forefront. By your sixties and seventies, you have the time to devote to what you want to do. 

The key is in looking for instruction that fits your lifestyle. While a cutesy game meant for grade schoolers may look like fun, it probably won’t motivate you for the long term. Find an instructor that has experience in helping people your age learn to play. 

Commit to practice every day. 

And remember to enjoy yourself along the way. Give yourself motivation and work towards a goal. If you’ve always wanted to play a certain song, let your instructor know. They’re just as excited as you are to help you along your journey. 

What tips have you found help you in making you a better piano player?