1. QUESTION:
I’ve heard that piano lessons can make my child smarter, is this true?
ANSWER:
Scientists have found that musical training stimulates certain neural centers in the brain that have to do with abstract reasoning. Children who take piano lessons score 35% higher on tests measuring spatial temporal ability. Thus, music enables them to complete abstract reasoning skills necessary for math, science and engineering.
2. QUESTION:
Does learning to play the piano have relevance in a student’s everyday life?
ANSWER:
Piano lessons are an educational tool that can enhance many aspects of a child’s development. For instance, your child’s concentration will improve as a result of learning to read the notes while involving the use of their eyes, ears, hands, fingers and feet – an impressive task! The hand-eye coordination involved in playing the piano, transfers directly into many sports and daily activities that involve using both sides of the brain. The practice of perfoming instills a feeling of confidence which carries over to public speaking in the classroom and later in the boardroom. Furthermore, learning how to mange one’s time and self – assessment efficiently through daily practice is invaluable. The positive benefits are endless!
3. QUESTION:
My child is already learning music in school. What is the difference?
ANSWER:
With the music curriculum becoming increasingly short-changed in many schools your child’s musical development is at risk. Private lessons guarantee that they get that leading edge when it comes to their musical education. Furthermore students who take lessons privately find that they are much more advanced than their peers in the classroom. A confidence – builder for sure!
4. QUESTION:
Is it true that you can obtain a highschool accreditation by taking piano lessons?
ANSWER:
Yes! In many schools throughout Cananda you can receive either a Grade 10 or Grade 11 credit towards graduation starting at the Gr. 6 Level in piano. Please see the RCM website for more details.
5. QUESTION:
A piano is expensive. My child may change his/her mind and I don’t want to spend money on an instrument that may not be used in a year’s time. Any advice?
ANSWER:
Ideally it is best to start lessons on an accoustic upright or grand piano. This will enable students to learn accurately about proper tone and arm weight plus having access to the fulI 88 keys. Also, as they progress to participating in various Festivals, exams,etc. it will be easier for them to adjust.
However, nowadays digital keyboards are a lot more sophisticated and if a parent is not sure of the child’s long term committment an 88 weighted keyboard is a nice alternative for the first year or two of study.
For further information on exploring the options please see PIANO TUNING, PURCHASING
6. QUESTION:
I’m worried that practicing will be an issue with my child. I remember when I had to be “dragged” to the piano and regretted taking lessons shortly after that. I don’t want the same thing happening to my child. How can I change that?
ANSWER:
The “dragging” method is not good for anyone. No one wants to be doing something against their will! Students should be going to the piano because they want to. In addition to being open to and encouraging communication between myself and the parent, I have many incentives to make lessons fun and rewarding. Although I assign some pieces that are necessary for their musical development, I do balance them with other fun pieces and practice activities that they can do at home so boredom doesn’t settle in. Furthermore, students are rewarded according to how many times they practice within a certain time frame – it goes a long way.
For non – musical parents who believe in the importance of piano instruction (hurray for you!) but feel lost in how to guide their child during their practice session, this is just one of our helpful methods that will make the task less overwhelming and fun for you and your child!
7. QUESTION:
Are you comfortable having parents present in the lesson?
ANSWER:
Absolutely! Parental presence in the studio is highly beneficial for the student inorder to solidfy follow – up at home and steady progress. Exceptions would only be for those students who are easily distracted by parents in the room.
