Benefits of Piano Training

By Anna Rott, Dipl. Teacher of Fortepiano and Konzertmeister.

Superior In Every Way!

Yes, that’s right! Being called “ Royal” of all instruments at the time of its invention, Pianoforte (or Fortepiano in Europe) is by far the most comprehensive musical instrument ever invented!

Up to this day, it’s the biggest, the loudest and most diverse music machine, in the tone, pitch and the amount of sound it makes. It is the only instrument able to produce the full spectrum of sounds recognisable by the human ear.

Modern keyboards have taken the acoustic piano capabilities to a whole new level, adding beats, electronic sounds, recording features and more, thereby elevating the modern digital piano from an already great instrument to a complete sound production station!

Mastering such a comprehensive musical instrument comes only with effort and dedication, but both short- and long- term benefits stay with the students for life.

Physical Development - It Is Big!

To command 88 weighted (heavy) keys one needs all of ten fingers, both feet and hands, and a significant overall body awareness! Playing Piano requires the use of both hands independently, making it attractive for young children in particular.

The variety of touch and hand- and finger patterns creates unique neuro-muscular pathways. The effects of long-term” finger-athletics” (a term frequently used for piano training) are retained by the brain for decades, causing advanced use of corresponding brain areas, which affect development of skills such as coordination, speed, dexterity, balance, awareness, physical confidence, and many other skills which may not be developed or demanded otherwise.

Academic Development - Music Is A Language!

It is widely acknowledged that children who learn music are advanced in other areas of academic studies, such as math and other core disciplines. Written music is a well- developed and universally used language. The notes on a score of music require the reader to understand what fingers and hands must do - it is not about just pressing some keys mechanically! Musicians well and truly use their minds while playing.

The saying that “you can only play as fast as you can think” is directly represented in piano training. Finger dexterity and velocity directly correspond to the player’s ability to think fast, clear, often assessing the current concept from several different angles at the same time. It could be compared to Formula 1 racing, but without the G- Force effect!

Ear- and eye training (being able to recognize the pitch distances, sound and rhythmical patterns, eye-hand and eye-finger co-ordination, and more) is a standard part of any specialist music training, and piano, in particular. A significant part of the piano tuition is dedicated to the visual and aural cues to further the understanding, execution and expression of the music played.

Stage Performance & Artistic Expression - The Secret Ingredient!

So, we have trained our hands and fingers to “press the right key at the right time with the right weight”, learned to understand and interpret the music, chords, patterns, rhythms, and we are ready to jump on stage and present our first recital piece… what’s next?

This is where the most fun and magic happens - artistry and performance!

The emotional expression and the thrill of getting onto the stage is like the icing on the cake, it takes the entire presentation to the next level. That’s why we call it “playing” the piano ( not “learning”, or “doing”, or “working”, etc.). Because, when everything is ready - and even if it isn’t perfect, the unique interpretation and self- expression through play, along with the hype of the occasional performance, that’s what makes playing piano FUN.

Fun, Fun and More Fun!

And at the end of the day, this is the most important benefit of the piano training- FUN and engaging existence, enriched through the study of music, developing extra skills, meeting new people, being recognized...

Whether your junior is gearing up for the next Eisteddfod, wants to play in a band or simply entertain the family at Christmas, the fun of an enriched, comprehensive life, full of emotions, unexpected discoveries, general curiosity and all of the other wonderful ”side effects” of piano life will always accompany her/his piano journey!

With patience and effort come great rewards, and piano training is an investment which will deliver for the rest of the student’s life and beyond.

Give your child a chance to learn a skill for life - contact Piano Place Piano School to enquire about piano training opportunities for your junior or yourself, you will not be disappointed!