​Growing up, if you played guitar, you were the coolest kid on the block. You could probably play the cool punk rock songs that you and all your friends listened to. It was a way to make new friends in new places. It’s really the main reason why I chose to learn guitar as a teenager. I could enter a room of strangers and know that with my guitar my presence would be appreciated. This new found confidence pushed me to practice my socializing and communication skills no matter where I went. How does playing guitar contribute to all of this? Science says this bonding effect comes from a rush of endorphins. When people hear their favorite music live, it’s easier to lighten the mood, share a smile and engage with others. By playing with or for others, guitarists naturally learn social cues and communication skills that teach them to share, listen, and appreciate others—essential life skills that last long after the music stops.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) involves understanding and managing emotions—a skillset that shapes one’s relationship with themselves, with others and ultimately contributes to their overall happiness. It sounds easier than it looks. How many adults quickly identify their feelings and have the tools to manage them in a healthy way? This seems to be a learning journey for many adults I know. Imagine how challenging it can be for a child who is growing and still learning how the world operates.

​Even though musicians already internally know this, there’s actual studies that show playing guitar improves emotional intelligence scores. How is this? Well, my friend if you have not yet figured it out, music is an emotional language! Tunes and key signatures trigger emotional responses and even change the pace of your heartbeat. Guitar students learn to identify and connect emotions to the music they’re playing. And when kids take in-home guitar lessons, the process flows much easier as they’re already in a safe environment where they can comfortably express themselves. This process of identifying, exploring, and expressing feelings in a non-judgmental and fun way, builds empathy and self-awareness.

Did you know that playing an instrument can be a game-changer for your child’s academic success and brain development? Music education goes far beyond just learning notes and rhythms. It helps boost essential skills like critical thinking, memory, and focus—tools kids carry with them into every area of life. Studies even show that students in music programs have an average graduation rate of 90.2%, compared to just 73% for students in schools without these programs. At Piano & More, we’re proud to offer customized, engaging piano lessons for kids that nurture creativity, boost confidence, and foster a lifelong love of music. We also have guitar lessons for children available. 

Why Early Exposure to Music Matters
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Starting young has some amazing benefits! In fact, research involving kids ages 4 to 6 found that those who received structured musical training showed stronger cognitive development compared to their peers. Early music lessons, like beginner piano for children, encourage problem-solving and brain development while helping kids build discipline and express creativity. Giving your child the gift of music early on lays a strong foundation for future success, both academically and personally. This is why we believe so strongly in hiring teachers that are skilled in working with younger age groups and can provide fun children’s piano lessons for beginners. 

Flexible Learning, Right at Home

For families in Arlington, Falls Church, and McLean, our in-home lesson memberships make it easy to fit music into even the busiest of schedules. Our flexible options make sure kids have time to thrive in music without adding stress to family life. Here’s how our piano lesson structure works:

• 30-minute lessons for kids ages 5 to 8
• 45-minute lessons for ages 8/9 and up
• 60-minute lessons for ages 12 and older

With options for piano, guitar, voice and more, our personalized approach ensures each student gets the right amount of attention and practice time suited to their age and experience.

The Bottom Line

Involving your child in music education, especially with piano lessons, is one of the best ways to support their cognitive and academic development. Early exposure to musical training enhances self-control, fosters creativity, and promotes brain growth—all while building a love for music they’ll carry for life. Giving your child the chance to learn an instrument is an investment in their future, one that keeps paying off with every note they play.

Ready to see your child blossom through music? Schedule a 50% off Trial Lesson today and start the journey!

​​​​Written by Nicole Surovcek

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Every child deserves a chance to explore their passions, but for many, financial barriers stand in the way of their dreams of playing piano. At Piano & More, we believe that music should be accessible to all, and our Piano Sponsorship Program helps make that vision a reality. For just $200 a month, a generous sponsor can support a young child’s journey, covering weekly lessons, a keyboard, music resources, and opportunities to perform in events.
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One child who blossomed in the program is Camilla, a student with a deep love for classical music even from a young age. She felt a unique pull especially towards Beethoven’s iconic Für Elise. Whenever she found access to a piano, she tried teaching herself the song by ear but struggled with the rhythm. So, when Camilla’s school announced the Piano Sponsorship Program, she applied immediately.

For weeks, Camilla eagerly checked in with her public school teacher, asking if she’d been accepted. She was overjoyed when she got the good news! With the support of a sponsor, she began her musical journey and quickly showed talent and dedication. Six years later, Camilla not only knows Für Elise but has performed in multiple piano recitals and open mics, proudly sharing her love for classical music and pop music with friends and family.

Music has given Camilla more than just technical skills—it’s brought her confidence and a creative outlet. We’ve seen her grow from a shy girl into a young performer who now shares her talent on stage. It’s been great for us to observe even how her parents beam with pride as they watch her perform. After all, she is the first in her family to call herself a pianist.

Programs like this have a huge impact on children’s lives because the benefits of music last an entire lifetime. From helping kids like Camilla discover their potential to giving them a creative escape, piano lessons open doors to new friendships and opportunities. Camilla is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when a child is given the chance and resources. 

Our sponsors are vital to making this happen. Your support extends beyond lessons; it opens doors, builds confidence, and creates memories. Want to change a life through music? Join us in supporting children from low-income families living right here in Arlington and Falls Church Virginia. Donate today!

​​​Written by Nicole Surovcek

I guess I was 68 the day I dusted off the piano I bought when my children were young. I had the random thought I could learn to play. I had dragged that piano around for thirty years and into and out of five houses–long after the kids had moved away. Sitting there, I concluded that I was probably at least half as bright as they were, and if they could learn to play, so could I.

Luckily, because I am an ‘old lady,’ I had no illusions about getting good or playing in front of anyone. So, I happily launched myself into the business of learning. I dug out the first book the kids used and got new sticky stars to mark my progress. I played a bit each day, and I remember when I could play something with both hands that sounded like real music. I got really “into” it then, as the young people say. By the time I was seventy, I had learned about ten easy pieces. At the same time, I began to spend long months with my daughter. Like every good parent, my daughter got her eight-year-old piano lessons from a lovely young man who looked about twelve years old to me, though I’m sure he was older since he has a college degree.

One day, after my granddaughter’s lesson, I asked her teacher to play a piece I
struggled with. One thing led to another, and I now take lessons every week. He has ‘forced’ me to learn to play the correct rhythm and pay attention to dynamics. In exchange, I ‘force’ him to play extraordinary Bach concertos and Beethoven sonatas for half our time together.

In conclusion, this has all worked out well. My granddaughter is determined to stay ahead of me in her lessons, so she practices daily (especially when I want to play.) My daughter is proud of me and enjoys answering my questions and teaching me things. She also has begun playing again. Come to find out, she thought she was too old to get back to playing. I think I am a living example of not giving in to an ordinary way of getting older.

It’s easy to get discouraged as we age. Things ache, teeth fall out, and it’s sad to look like warmed-over death when we look in the mirror. Learning to play the piano took me out of my disgruntlement. I now have something to talk about and share with my friends and family. I look forward to picking the next song I will learn.

If you'd like to schedule a Trial lesson for 50% off, Piano & More instructors teach right in your home. Save time and skip the traffic! 👉 Click on this link to view teachers near you! 
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Written By Piano Student, Melinda Y.

Hey there, music enthusiasts and proud parents! Grab your sheet music and appetites because something exciting is about to go down at TNR Cafe. Picture this: real piano tunes, kids showcasing their musical flair, and plates piled high with scrumptious goodness – it's Open Mic Night!

Why is this so important, you ask? Well, for starters, performing in a relaxed environment with the most supportive audience is the ultimate confidence booster for a musician. We're talking about our mini-musicians strutting to a piano, conquering stage fright like it's their arch-nemesis. Watch your kids transform into musical rock stars right before your eyes.

And let's not forget the inspiration that can ignite! Your kids will be inspired when they see other kids their age perform. It may even spark some interest in a new genre or song, hence setting a new dream/goal. Could it inspire more practice? We've seen it happen before!

But it's not just about the music – it's a crash course in people skills too. Navigating the audience, interacting with applause, and basking in shared moments of musical magic – these kids are not just playing notes but building connections. Who knew performance could be a crash course in social dynamics? Move over, social studies!

Now, a big shoutout to TNR Cafe – our host with the most! Thank you for turning your spot into a haven for our little maestros. A real piano, some mouthwatering dinner options, and a cozy atmosphere – you're turning this night into a musical feast for both ears and taste buds. We can't wait to dig into the delicious food, tap our feet to the beat, and create some fantastic memories together. 

Continuation (Part 2 of 2)

Tracking progress. How many of you like to check your “steps for the day” on your apple watch? How great do you feel when you see charts reflect your work and results? We want to know if what we are doing is actually working. Keeping track of progress on paper or an app can be very rewarding. Talk to your music teacher about their recommended ways to keep track of practice & progress. There’s so many resources out there now! 

Looking forward to goals and events. Students are more likely to practice when they know they have a set of goals to achieve. Goals range from being able to play a favorite song to performing a song at a recital or Open Mic! In addition, parents sharing their children's goals with friends and family can also help motivate students to practice regularly. For example, if there is a concert or recital coming up soon, sharing this information with friends and family could help create excitement within the student (and maybe even their parents too). When you share your students' progress and achievements, it will encourage them to keep practicing.

Practicing music requires many different kinds of support. The biggest part of practicing music is the student's motivation. They need to feel like they are making progress in their playing, or they will become frustrated and give up on the instrument. Parents can be great sources of encouragement for their children when it comes to learning an instrument. They should encourage their child every time he/she practices well or successfully completes a piece that he/she had been struggling with beforehand. Another great source of motivation can come from other musicians. Encourage your student to connect with other musicians and students, either online or in person. This helps them understand how to use their skills and see how much bigger music is, when you put several instruments together. It can be very exhilarating!

Conclusion If you want to keep your students motivated to practice, it's important to remember that they need more than just the right music and a good teacher. They also need encouragement and support from their parents, friends, and teachers. So if you're struggling with motivation in your own life or with your kids', try implementing the above tips, week by week!

​Written by Nicole Surovcek

Introduction
For many young students, practicing piano may be the most challenging part of their musical journey. It's hard to practice when you're tired from school or distracted with other activities. Fortunately, there are ways parents can motivate students to practice piano—and they don't require any special skills or tricks!

First, the practice routine.
As cliche as it sounds, a reliable routine proves to be one of the best ways to build good habits.  If students have a set time that they know when and where they'll be able to practice, then it's easier for them to commit. The best way to make this system work is by creating an environment where practicing piano feels like something that happens naturally rather than something forced through sheer willpower alone. The best way to do this is by setting up a routine where practice is set at specific times every day. Some examples are right before school or right after eating dinner.

Next, the practice environment.
Learning music theory and reading notes on a staff requires a lot of concentration. Students are learning a new musical language as well as developing new hand eye coordination. Neuron connections are being built! In order to do that, the practice environment needs to be able to facilitate that kind of concentration. First, we want to check that distractions are removed from the room. For example, it wouldn’t be a good idea to have a sibling playing video games in the background. Second, is the room quiet or have a comfortable level of noise? And last is organization! Is the sheet music and/or lesson book easy to locate and use? A messy piano with sheet music scattered about will only add to the list of to-dos, which could discourage the student from jumping into a quick practice session.

Show enthusiasm.
Parents can motivate their children by showing their own enthusiasm for their child's progress. When a student is playing something, be sure to compliment them on their playing. Make them feel good about what they are doing! This is important when working with younger children who are developing good habits as it helps them attach a positive feeling to a task.

Similarly, if you notice your child is struggling with a particular part in the music, do not make it seem like this is a bad thing. Instead, show interest in what they are trying to learn and ask questions about the challenging part being played. Talking about the difficulties will help the student work through it and eventually, build confidence in their music abilities.
Like this list so far?

Stay tuned for next Monday, for part two!

​​Written by Nicole Surovcek
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