​7 Great Reasons for Learning the Piano

Image created by a 12 year old student of mine

Why is it a great idea to learn to play the piano? Here are seven reasons for why learning the piano is so wonderful and why it is something recommended for everyone, at all ages and all stages of life.

1. It's Good for your brain: Many research studies have proven the positive effect  learning the piano has on the brain. Coordinating the two hands with all 10 fingers  and the usage of the pedals with the feet is already great for the brain. Add to this the simultaneous reading of two separate systems of notes (treble and bass clefs) while acknowledging the rhythmical values and keeping a  steady beat and the brain is really going. The piano is known to help children who are having difficulties at school, but is also known to be excellent for those who need more challenges on top of the regular school work. It is a great way to keep your brain active at a later age  too! Here is a link to a short but very interesting video on how playing an instrument benefits the brain

2. It's good for your soul, bringing harmony and peace on the emotional level: People  learning music theory are often surprised at the highly mathematical structure of music. What sounds like inspiration and flowing creativity has a very substantial foundation. While playing music this order is experienced subconsciously, thus bringing peace and comfort to the player. 

3. It's good for your coordination and fine motor skills: Having to concentrate on reading or memorizing the notes while moving the fingers correctly at a high speed and expressing musical ideas all at the same time requires extremely responsive hands. It also means the hands will develop a strength and finger independence.

4. It's never ending: There is an immeasurable amount of piano repertoire out there. Piano is the instrument that has the largest amount of music written for it by far, so there will always be new pieces to be learned ,new composers to discover and new styles to explore. Classical music from hundreds of years, Jazz, Ragtime, Pop Songs and New age music are all waiting to be played and interpreted. 

5. It strengthens your will power: Playing the piano requires regular daily practice and this discipline affects and shapes your personality in general. You learn how to work, persevere, and diligently keep going until reaching your goal. 

6. It's a stress reducer:  an enormous range of feelings can be expressed through music. You can either create your own pieces to express yourself or find a piece of music that reflects what you are feeling. The negative feelings that cause stress and need an outlet like sadness, anger, worries and loneliness for instance, are a lot easier to endure when transformed into sound. There are many beautiful pieces that can help in this. 

7. It brings beauty and happiness into your life: By playing the piano you are actively enjoying the beauty of music, enriching your life and generating happiness.

Seven is a nice number so I stopped here, but please feel free to press the comments option to add more reasons!
Nurit Reuveni

Pianoways Facebook page ​

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