A study discovered that children who learn music before age 7 develop larger vocabularies and find learning foreign languages easier (San Raffaele University Study).
The Benefits of Playing Piano.
Playing a beautiful piece of music stirs the emotions in a way that’s unique and wonderful. But it also has been proven through research to have many other benefits. From helping children with learning disorders tune-out distracting background noise to reducing stress and anxiety, playing piano offers an incredible number of positive neurological impacts. Take a moment to discover all the reasons why you – or someone you love – should start playing piano today!
Improvement in the Classroom
Research shows that playing music can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, reduce stress, and lessen anxiety and depression (Harvard Medical School).
Inspires Creativity
Studies have found that playing music requires using both sides of your brain which results in more creativity and better problem solving (Vanderbilt University Research).
Reduces Stress
Research shows that playing music can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, reduce stress, and lessen anxiety and depression (Harvard Medical School).
Improves Neural Connections
Stronger neural connections lead to higher brain function, resulting in better vocabulary and reading abilities (Northwestern University Study).
Fosters Hand & Eye Coordination
Playing piano challenges brain connections for better motor movement and coordination, benefiting reaction time and productivity (Cardiff University Study).
Aids in Language Development
Making Music is Good For You and Your Whole Family
Being able to play the piano is a wonderful talent. Every party needs a willing pianist who can sit down at the keyboard and take requests. But, researchers are discovering the rewards of learning to play far exceed the ability to entertain. There is growing evidence that learning to play music actually improves your ability to:
Think, Learn, Solve problems, Fine tune the senses, Focus, Remember, Relax, Enjoy life
Music May Make You Smarter
In a March 1, 2010 article appearing in the Los Angeles Times, the author, Melissa Healy, quotes Laurel Trainor, professor of psychology, neuroscience and behavior, and director of the auditory development lab of McMaster University in Toronto, “There is evidence that music changes the brain in positive and permanent ways.” A study cited by Trainor in the article found that “…music instruction may indeed make you smarter.”
Music Trains Kids to Accomplish Things
A team led by Trainor found that, “…in kids chosen randomly to get a tightly structured instrumental training called the Suzuki method, brain responses were two to three years more mature on average than those in children not taking music lessons.” In the same article Healy quotes again Trainor who summaries her findings with, “What happens in music lessons is they’re fun. But at the same time, they’re very demanding. The child has to hold an instrument, position his hands, listen to the sound the teacher’s making, reproduce that sound, hold in mind the sound and compare it, assess pitch and sound quality, and change that if necessary. All that takes a tremendous amount of attention. It trains kids how to accomplish things, and it trains memory as well.”
Not For Kids Only
Even if you are far beyond the possibility of becoming a child prodigy, learning to play the piano can benefit your life at any age. Learning and developing new skills sharpens the cognitive process and brings a new vitality to mature brains. Melissa Healy quotes Dr. Antonio Damasio, director of USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute in another Los Angeles Times article also dated March 1, 2010. According to Dr. Damasio, “Just the simple act of absorbing music may help keep older minds healthy, active and resilient against injury and illness.”