You don't have to be a world famous virtuoso to enjoy learning to play the piano.
Learning to play the piano is a rewarding experience that can be enjoyed at any age, as an adult, teenager or child.
The piano is a beautiful instrument and it is not simply about learning where to place your fingers on the keyboard that makes learning the piano so beneficial. The piano has long been an outlet for those seeking escape and creative expression. Research has revealed that the process of playing and learning the piano can have amazing physical and mental benefits. Over recent years there has been an increase in evidence linking music- making to a healthy body, healthy mind and a healthy life.
Mind and Body Workout
Playing the piano activates the brain in ways like no other game, gadget or instrument. It is a total brain work out.
Studies have shown that those who chose to play the keyboard to relax had a significantly higher reversal of stress genes than those who chose other techniques. People who make music tend to experience less anxiety, loneliness and depression. Whether you are playing a classical allegro piece or a blues ballad you need to concentrate and focus, taking your mind off worries and distractions.
Playing the piano also works the body, even if you are sitting down! Regular piano playing sharpens fine motor skills and improves hand to eye co-ordination. Studies have shown that piano lessons for older adults have a significant impact on increased levels of Human Growth Hormone, slowing the adverse effects of aging and increasing energy levels.
Boost Brain Power
Learning the piano changes your brain for the better. More neural connections are made when music is being played, suggesting that playing instruments like the piano may hold the key to higher brain function.
Skills for Life
Practice is a big part of learning to play the piano. Brilliant pianists just don't happen, there is a lot of repetitive drill but learning to persevere is a good life skill to learn. The fact that you are willing to dedicate time to learning something new means you are showing patience and perseverance. Give it time and you'll grow in ability and confidence. By putting the hours in you will develop a great sense of achievement and a boost of self-esteem that is pretty hard to beat!
Never too Young to Start
Musical training may do far more for children than just teach them to play scales - the multi dimensional nature of music lessons - memorizing, expressing emotion, learning about musical interval and chords - exercises parts of the brain useful in mathematics, spatial intelligence and other intellectual pursuits. As technical skills improve so will levels of concentration which will help with school work and other areas of life.
Research has found that children with music in their academic curriculum have significantly larger vocabularies which helps not only language development but learning foreign languages too. This also applies to adults with a music background such as piano training in their childhood.
As you practice the ability to co-ordinate your hand movements as well as read the music in front of you, will become second nature. Even reading chords as you play can be difficult and getting used to the movements with either hand is good for your cognitive ability to link hand and brain. The split concentration you develop from the piano can be applied to life situations such as creative thinking, problem solving as well as multi-tasking.
Listen Up!
Once you grasp the basic concept of playing scales and other technical routines you will be able to explore the different variations of sound, rhythm and recognise melodies and harmonies. Aural awareness is not only good for your ears but great exercise for your brain as well.
Music teaches you how to listen, especially if you are playing with other people. Music is all about communication and inter-action with other musicians. The training that the mind and body go through to develop musical comprehension is the same as the training required to develop speech and verbal skills.
Music training develops the same muscles that will assist you in co-operation, time-management, organisation and concentration and listening skills.
Social Network
Music has always bought people together. Playing with others once you have become more proficient can be a very enjoyable and social experience.
Increased Wellbeing for a Lifetime
Perhaps the greatest benefit of learning to play a piano is the uplifting effect it has on your spirit. You tap into a very powerful way to communicate emotion, relax or simply have fun.
For many people having music in their lives means having a piano or keyboard at home. The simple pleasure of playing the piano will enrich your life adding fun and joy to your home.
Now you have read about all the benefits of playing you are probably feeling inspired and wondering what piano to buy. Yamaha Music London can help you to choose from a wide range of different pianos and keyboards. For example the B series, an uncomplicated acoustic beginner’s range, an entry level digital keyboard, a silent piano or the TransAcoustic featuring the latest innovative technology.
Yamaha Music London will help you to find your perfect piano or keyboard.
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